by Jennifer Valicia

Created on: July 08, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

For a successful and stress-free garage sale, thoughtful and thorough planning are paramount. Though hard work, garage sales can be immensely rewarding by de-cluttering your life and making you some extra cash in the process. Consider these top ten tips as you're cleaning out your closets, cupboards, and basements.

1) Start the process early. The earlier to you start, the less stress you will face the days of the sale. Start at least 1 month in advance-six months is better. Begin to sort and price your belongings in the winter (if possible), box them according to how you will lay them out, and store them in a clean, dry area. Be realistic about what you don't need and use the opportunity to simplify your living spaces. Clean up dirty items and do what you can to make everything presentable - it will be worth the extra time. Check pockets and purses for money or personal items. Take the time to research any potentially valuable items, especially antiques, collectables, and artwork. Double check any yard sale restrictions in your area with your local town or homeowners association.

2) Advertise plenty. Plot your signage carefully and be thorough. Where are the most visible locations from each direction, and how will you secure your signs? They must be waterproof, windproof, and clearly legible from a distance. Include big, bold arrows. Come up with a "sign count" and build them as soon as possible, even if you have to add in the date later on. You will be too busy organizing to deal with this essential factor last minute! Be clear on the exact dates and times and put up your signs a few days early. Make flyers and post them around towntry to target the flyers for the specific location by varying your description of items. Check with your local paper on advertising rates, and be sure to take advantage of free online advertising. Craigslist.org is very easy and effective. Include your address and a link to it on Google maps so people can easily find out where you are and get clear directions. Also try www.garagesaletime.com, www.yardsalesearch.com, www.yardsalers.net, and www.yardsaleAD.com.

3) Think logistics. Consider a sale date in the beginning of the month, when people are likely to have more spending money. Start at 7am - serious shoppers start early. If you are having a large sale, try to start on Friday and end Sunday afternoon. Plan exactly where you will lay out your items, and plan out the parking. Try to make everything as accessible as possible. Make

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