Yard Sale - Having your own?

If you read my blog much at all then you know that I enjoy going to yard sales and post tips for those who go but over the weekend I had a thought. If my posts have encouraged you to have your own yard sale, there are few things you should consider too.


First, you have to have the stuff. I do believe that one persons trash is another persons treasure but I am a very specific shopper myself. I look for children's clothing, toys, books and always keep my eyes open for unique items. If you are having a yard sale, you are more than welcome to put out anything you want be be prepared at the end of the day, are you going to put your non-selling items back in the house, stuff them in the garage or get rid of them? If you want to get rid of them you take them to Goodwill, local shelters (donations to both places mean a tax deduction), you can go to craigslist and see if there are people in your area that buy yard sale leftover, or just toss it all. Either way, I've only ever had one yard sale where EVERYTHING sold.

Second, you have to get people there. If you put up signs make them easy to read from a passing car, use bright colored paper or signs (check the weather if you plan to put them up the night before), and use arrows. Place a sign in your yard that match's your street signs so people know they have arrived! Plus, keep your signs simple, I can't read your list of items when driving 45 mph. If you want to list your items or draw even more traffic, use craigslist or your local newspaper. Some papers have free listings on weekends but craigslist is free all the time, you can be as wordy as you want and post pictures too.


Next, the day arrives! If you plan to start at 8 am, be ready at 7:30 to make sure EVERYTHING is priced (people may not ask if things aren't priced and you seem busy) and stickers haven't fallen off, have your change ready and a safe place to keep money, a calculator at hand, some beverages for yourself (or to sell if it's hot outside) and your phone. The less trips you make inside the better. Think about a lunch plan early on too, you don't want to be starving and unable to get a break to eat. Otherwise, be available, friendly, willing to negotiate, and optimistic that it all sells.


After your yard sale, go and get your signs. Some cities have ordinances where they can send you a fine if it's left too long but either way, it's just the courteous thing to do. Plus, when you're ready to be finished when you remove signs your traffic will slow down considerably.


Once the leftovers are packed and the signs are down it's time to count your change, make a trip to the bank to turn all those quarters into cash and realize that yard sales are a lot of work!