Relocating to a new residence provides an excellent opportunity to clear out the clutter in your home. Decluttering the home not only reduces what you’ll move to the new location but will help stage your home for selling. When preparing to move take time to sort out unwanted items. Your junk may be some else’s treasure. The following are some useful tidbits to help you prepare for a successful yard sale.
Regulations -
Check with your local community to determine if a permit is required and what the rules are for posting sale signs.
Advertising –
Put an ad in the newspaper with the time and location. List any big items you may have. Please note there are always early birds so be prepared to start on time or decide to open up earlier. Post signs around the neighborhood. Good signage will bring customers to your sale. Be sure to remove the signs when the sale is over.
Sorting items for sale -
As you begin to go through your belongings divide the items into the following categories – keep, throw away and sell. It is best to go room by room so that you can sort with a plan. Once the items are in categories pack up what you are keeping. Throw away the items you do not want. And prepare to price the items you wish to sell. It will be hard to part with some items, but if you have survived this long with it being stored in the attic, you most likely do not need it.
Pricing & Preparing–
Now that you have sorted your items room by room prepare to sort them into categories – toys & games, clothing (men, women & children), kitchen & china items, collectibles, books, bikes, lawn care and tools. Make sure items are clean. Price each item individually. Expect customers to make counter offers on items so use your best judgment when agreeing to an offer.
Necessary items:
- Cash box – with money to make change
- Pencil and paper
- Save grocery boxes to send items home with your customers.
- Ask a friend or family member for help.
- Make sure you have enough table space to display your items.
Day of Sale -
Post your signs showing you are open for business. Enjoy yourself and have fun seeing your useless items being put to good use. Remember any items not sold can always be given to a charity.