by Veronica Bowman

Created on: December 22, 2009   Last Updated: December 24, 2009

It takes some time to properly get organized for a garage sale. Organizing your sale is much easier if you prepare early, and develop a system of organization that works best for you. Most people have a garage sale in the summer months.  However, you can plan and prepare for your summer sale during the winter if you have time to do so. The beginning of the year is often a time when we sort through old things, find there's a lot we haven't used in a long time, or won't need again in the future.  Put those things in a box and save them for your summer sale.

Getting items ready

For weeks, or possibly even longer than that, you will want to begin a collection of items to sell.  Put these items in one location such as the corner of the garage, a basement, storage building, or spare room. Organize the items so that on the day of the sale it will take you less time to set up for the sale. Sort items in general categories such as clothes, kitchen items, electronics, tools, books, and so on. 

Advertise

Your sale will be more successful if you advertise it in advance and in as many ways as possible.  Flyers, newspapers, and word of mouth are good ways to advertise.

Be prepared

If you have pets, be sure they are in a secure place both for their safety and to assure there will be no issues involving visitors and pets. Out of sight is best.

Have a supply of change with you on the day of the sale.  Wear a fanny pack to keep the money with you at all times, or possibly have someone help you by setting up a table that buyers go to in order to pay for their purchases.

Either price items individually or price them by the table. Buyers will get frustrated if they have to ask the price of each item they are interested in. You may want to sell some items by the box instead of individually.  That's a good way to move small miscellaneous items faster.

Organize your items and place them on tables.  Buyers shouldn't have to look under tables or on the ground to check out items they are interested in.

Make as much room as possible for parking or for cars to turn around. Be sure your yard, driveway, and garage are free of clutter and debris to ensure the safety of the garage sale customers.

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