Hosting a Garage Sale Before Selling Your Home

Moving presents the perfect opportunity to get rid of unwanted or less-used items. And while you could easily donate, trash, or recycle those items, hosting a garage sale is an excellent way to pare down your possessions and earn some extra cash at the same time. Plus, you'll spend a lot less time packing and save money by not having to pay for transporting things that are going to add clutter to your new life. Now you just need to figure out how to make a profitable and hassle-free garage sale. Our REALTORS® are here to help you with the following tips.

• Decide What to Sell
  Your first task when planning a pre-move garage sale is to sort and organize your unused items. Go through all the items in your closets, cabinets, attic, garage, basement, shed, and other dark corners. Assess their financial, practical, and sentimental value and set aside for sale things that are in good conditions but don't serve a purpose in your life. If an item is broken, dirty, or not in working order, then toss it.
  
  
• Check with the Local Authorities
  Does your city require a permit for a garage sale? If you're not sure, contact your local city hall to inquire about whether a special permit is required to hold a garage sale or if there are any regulations and restrictions you need to be aware of. In addition, be sure there are no deed, covenant, or homeowners' association restrictions that would prohibit you from holding a garage sale in your allotment or neighborhood.
  
  
• Prepare Your Items for Sale
  Dirty and messy items aren't going to sell well. You'll need to make them shine to appeal to potential buyers and gain maximum profit. Dust off books and furniture, clean old kitchenware and electric devices, wipe down mirrors, polish wooden surfaces, wash and iron clothes — make them look nice.
  
  
• Get Creative with Your Advertising
  Getting the word out is key to ensuring the largest possible turnout. Many supermarkets, libraries, and other local businesses allow the posting of fliers with permission. Taking out an ad in the local newspaper is a great option if you have many things to sell. Also, make sure you place plenty of signs around the neighborhood and post ads on Craiglist and other social media sites. Highlight your big-ticket items in your ads and include the date, address, contact number, and start and end time of your sale.
  
  
• Organize in Department Store Style
  If your garage sale is just a pile of stuff, shoppers will have a hard time seeing useful items. Take your time and sort everything out. Set your items up in organized groups so potential buyers know where items they may be browsing for can be found. 
  
  
• Set Fair Prices
  You're looking to make some good money, but garage sale shoppers are looking for a bargain. If you set your prices too high, you may end up selling fewer items. Your main goal is to clear out clutter, so aim to receive about 25 to 30 percent of the original price of each item. Ensure you clearly mark the prices and round to whole dollar amounts to make it easier for you to provide change. Offer bulk deals to help you sell more items and be open to haggling.
  
  
• Have Change
  On the day before the sale, head to the bank to get smaller bills and coins to ensure you can easily make change. Use a fanny pack to keep the money or set up a secure place for a cashier's desk. Also, consider having some empty boxes, shopping bags, or newspapers for packing up purchases.
  
  
• Get Help
  Many hands make light work. Gather friends and family to help and give everyone something to do for the day – organizer, clerk, or cashier. Make sure everyone is clear on items and prices. Make a game plan for what to do with items you don't sell. If your friends want some of those things, let them have it, and then consider donating the other leftovers.

Contact us today for help with buying or selling Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale.