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How to host a successful yard sale

September 2, 2015

Whether you are preparing to move into a new home, or just trying to de-clutter your current one, a yard sale is a great way to get rid of useless items around your house (and make some extra cash). Here are some tips and strategies that will improve your next yard sale experience:

• Start early -- Make a list of potential yard sale items months before your sale. If you have room, designate a closet as the storage point for everything you intend to sell. Many yard sales fail because homeowners don't have enough inventory.
• Sell everything -- Yard sales are the ultimate example of "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Just because an item has no value to you doesn't mean someone else won't want it, and pay good money for it, too.
• Again, sell everything -- Ask neighbors if they have any items they want to get rid of. Sometimes they will be willing to give you a cut of the profit for your efforts. Also note any items people have left out as trash on the sidewalk. With a quick cleanup, some items can turn a small profit.
• Schedule carefully -- The best time to hold a yard sale is at the first of the month, right after everyone has been paid. But it also 'pays' to check the community calendar for holidays and other special events that could affect your sale, good or bad.
• Agree on pricing -- If there are several neighbors joining in your yard sale, make sure that pricing is consistent so that customers do not get confused or, worse yet, angry.
• Be prepared -- Do you have enough tables and chairs? Boxes and bags for customers' purchases? Money to make change? A calculator? New stickers for price changes?
• Make it fun -- Have some pleasant music on to put customers at ease. Greet people when they arrive, and thank them for coming when they leave.  Remember, atmosphere is everything.
• Stay open -- Don't shut down early. It's irritating for folks who show up toward the end of your advertised hours. And when your sale is finally over, take down all your signs and remove any litter.

Good luck and happy yard sale!