How to Make Money at a Spring Yard Sale

There's nothing better than a good spring cleaning to welcome a new season and declutter the home. While you're at it, why not turn your trash into extra cash and make money at a spring yard sale? Roll up your sleeves and read on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Mark your calendar. Your goal is to do a spring cleaning, declutter, and accumulate enough stuff to make money at a spring yard sale. Set aside time to do so. It might take a few days but will be worth it in the end.

2. Create a sellable item area. Pick a room or use the garage as a place you can put items that will make money at the yard sale. Don't worry about organizing the pile, that will come later.

3. Follow this simple rule: if you don't love it, haven't worn it or used it in a year, or don't think you'll use in the future: let it go. Nothing is off limits. Everything in your home is an item that could make money for you.

4. Move from one room to the next and don't move on until you're finished. Always have a black trash bag with you so that you can throw away broken or unsellable items. You should be able to fill quite a few trash bags.

5. Scour the bedrooms. Clothing, shoes, jewelry, hats, maternity clothes, evening wear, bedroom accessories (comforters, pillows, etc.), and designer ANYTHING. Put it in the pile (Step 2).

6. Scour the first floor. In kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms you will find many items that can make money at a yard sale. Appliances, dishes, china, collectibles, and glassware are just a few. Put it in the pile (Step 2).

7. Scour the attic and basement. Repeat after me: gold mines. Most attics and basements are overflowing with things that have vintage value and can make money at a spring yard sale. Put it in the pile (Step 2).

8. Don’t forget the garage. Think car accessories, tractors, lawn tools, bikes, outdoor toys. Put it in the pile (Step 2).

9. Take stock of your sellable items pile. Do some research on eBay to get a feel for how much certain items sell for so that you don't under or over price. Organize and group your items together in such a way that it makes shopping easier.

10. Make your yard sale as inviting as possible. Use long tables to display your goods, making sure it isn't too cluttered. Put visible price tags on each item. Put out some donuts or cookies and enjoy the fact that you've done a thorough spring cleaning, decluttered your home, and are about to make money!

11. Join efforts. Do you have a family member or friend who needs to declutter their home and would like to make money? Offer to help them gather and sell their items at your spring yard sale and take a cut of the profits.

12. Be ready to bargain. The goal is to make money at your yard sale so be prepared to come down in price. Whatever you discount you will make up in volume because you will most likely sell more if you are willing to deal.

Resources

• eHow Spring Guide

[coffeefirst]

on 4/25/2009 I love yard sales, I just hate getting ready for them...lol.