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Garage sales are an American tradition. Folks love them. They travel from far and wide for them. And right now, with the nation cutting back on buying those little extra pleasures, and sometimes necessities, they can be a good way to earn a bit of spare cash while giving folks something that might not fall into their budget.

So how does someone prepare for the big day?

Don't expect to do a proper job in a couple days. You're not just dumping the junk. A lot of these things have meaning to you. Memories. Letting go always has a price. Expect to experience a turmoil of emotions.

The idea is to clear out all the clutter. If you're going to do it right, preparing for a garage sale is a big job. And it can bring out some real emotional upset. If you're going to do it right, you might want to take a tip from the home organizing shows, like 'Clean House' and recruit the help of a friend who isn't emotionally invested in the material things to keep you on track.

A well thought out plan of attack is vital. Start in one room and work through your home, garage and storage sheds one by one.

First thing, take a look around the room for big ticket items. You're doing this to make a bit of cash, so be prepared to clear out the things that will actually bring you some pay-out in the end. Furniture you no longer like, or that no longer fits your life style needs to go. That gaudy lamp your great aunt left you in her will that you've tucked into the guest room so you don't have to look at it. Out. That cabinet that mommy sent you for your birthday, but is really her style not yours. Out. Anything that is just there because it was cheap and easy remedy for a storage problem, but could easily be replaced with something you really like. Out.

Next get yourself three large containers and label them keep, sell and toss out. Start going through the open shelves with a realistic eye. Pick through all those chipped figurines and brik-a-brak that have lost their glam and decide to toss or sell. Check out your board games and toss the ones with missing pieces.

Sell all the games you're no longer using but are still complete and usable,into the sell box. Books, Tapes, CDs, DVDs and all those other 'valuable-only-to-you collectibles? Be ruthless and honest with yourself. If you're hanging on to them because their might someday get picked up, but have lost their appeal, you're fooling yourself. Out.

Hit your closets and pull out things that no longer fit. Don't hang onto things because you might

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