by Tom Geoffroy

Created on: July 20, 2010

Look around your house and take stock of what you have. Are your closets full, your basement stuffed, your garage cluttered? Maybe it’s time to unload and get rid of things you no longer need or use and reap some profits at the same time. It’s time for a "Garage Sale." A garage sale can be a bang or a bust; it all depends on you. If you are ready and want to have a successful garage sale take heed of these tips timely.

1.) Let go before you let go:

Remember, the main reason you are having a garage sale is because you no longer need or use the items cluttering your home. Forget about how much you paid for them. That was long ago and you have probably gotten your monies worth out of them already. If you are emotionally attached to your stuff you will never get rid of it. Many times people price their stuff too high because they really don’t want to get rid of it. If you really want to de-clutter you have to let it go in your heart first.

2.) Don’t be greedy:

Most deals are lost because they are priced too high. People who go to garage sales what to do two things; they want to buy stuff and they want it cheap. People who have garage sales what to do two things; they want to get rid of stuff and they want to make money. There is nothing worse than getting all your stuff outside, pricing them, advertising them, and sitting there not selling anything. You don’t want to drag it all back in again. Come up with a fair price and then be ready to reduce it by half. Let people know everything is negotiable and don’t be insulted if they offer you a very low price. Garage "sailors" walk right past items priced too high. Keep them interested by keeping your prices low.

3.) Advertise:

The best way to advertise is in your local newspaper. Serious garage sale patrons look for ads every week. If you are not in the newspaper you are not serious. Announcements on Craig’s List work too. Signs at busy intersections help drive the curious to your home and lead the lost to your pot of gold. When advertising, try calling your sale an "Estate Sale." It is part of your estate and you would be surprised how many more people will come by and brows. It is all about getting bodies to your house.

4.) Pick the right season:

Spring and fall are the best seasons for garage sales. The weather is nice and people look forward to getting out and driving about. The summer may be too hot and many people are on vacation. There is nothing worse than sitting out on a hot, humid, summer day, watching your stuff while nobody comes around to buy it. You will be discouraged having to drag it all back in again. Timing is everything.

5.) Have fun:

Purpose to have fun while you get rid of your stuff. Chat with people and be outgoing. When you are excited and disarming people will feel at ease when they come by to look at what you have for them. Don’t be put off if someone "low balls" the price. This is all part of the experience. Keep it light hearted and upbeat. You will get rid of a lot of stuff and make some money too. It is a "win, win" for everyone.

Garage sales can be fun and profitable. Keep your focus on getting rid of clutter and reap the rewards of watching your junk be someone else’s treasure. Before you know it, you will acquire more stuff and you can do it all over again.

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