How to Declutter and Sell Your Items
You've tackled your clutter and now you're eyeing those stacks of stuff, wondering what to do with it. Now that it’s spring, a garage sale might be a viable option. Here, I’ll share my tips as a professional home organizer about how to make sure your garage sale is a smashing success!
Is a Garage Sale Worth It?
First things first, let's talk about whether hosting a garage sale is worth your while. Sure, it can be a fantastic way to declutter and make a bit of money, but let's be real—it takes time and effort. Quite a lot of time and effort. Take a moment to consider whether the potential payoff justifies the investment of your precious time. If it doesn’t, donating your items is a high-impact and low-effort alternative.
Check out the reHome Hub for ideas on where to donate or consign your items.
Advertising your Garage Sale is Key
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the garage sale game, effective advertising is your best friend. Hit up Facebook groups, your community league, and all your social media hangouts to spread the word. Grab poster boards and whip up some eye-catching signs for the day of, with a giant arrow. I love to use neon pink because it really stands out.
And here's a pro tip: Try timing your sale to coincide with your neighbors' or hop on board a community sale to attract even more bargain hunters.
We’ll be hosting a table at the Innovative Mortgage Solutions Community Garage Sale - all proceeds from our sales will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters Strathcona County.
Create a Shopping Experience
Think of your garage sale as a mini-retail experience. Organize your goodies into tidy categories—kitchen gadgets here, electronics displayed there, clothes hanging neatly on a rack. Get creative with your displays and make sure everything looks inviting. Trust me, a little effort here goes a long way! I even recommend using table cloths to make items the star of the show.
Pricing for Garage Sales
When it comes to pricing your items, make sure everything is clearly labeled and keep in mind the goal is to sell as many items as possible. Price to move! Consider grouping small items together with a ribbon or in a ziploc bag and selling them as a lot. Rather than making change, I prefer to group items and price all items in full dollar amounts. And why not sweeten the deal by offering discounts for those making multiple purchases? It's all about making it easy for your shoppers to say yes!
Enlist Support
Running a garage sale solo is like trying to juggle flaming torches—it's possible, but it's going to get messy. Recruit a couple of helpers to lend a hand, bring you a sandwich or two, and allow for bathroom breaks. It’s always easier with some support!
Don’t have a friend to help? One of our team members would be happy to assist you!
Wrap-Up and Pay It Forward
At the end of the day, consider offering discounts to clear out remaining items. Anything left unsold can be donated to a local thrift store or rehomed through directories like our Rehome Hub. Remember, a garage sale can be a low-cost way to sell multiple items at once, but be prepared—it takes work and planning.
An Organizer's Top Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
Assess Worth: Consider the effort versus payoff before hosting.
Strategic Advertising: Use social media and local networks effectively, timing with community events.
Eye-catching Signage: Opt for clear, specific signs and vibrant colors to attract attention.
Pricing Strategies: Price competitively, label clearly, and offer bulk discounts.
Presentation Matters: Organize items by category and use attractive displays.
Enlist Support: Recruit helpers for busy periods and plan for breaks.
Closing and Donation: Offer discounts on remaining items and donate unsold goods.
Ready to turn your clutter into cash? Contact our team to help you declutter in time for garage sale season! We're here to make the process smooth and stress-free.
About the Author
Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. With a passion for simplicity and efficiency, her team brings flow and function to any space.
Contact Sort & Simple today!
