How to Have A FABULOUS Garage Sale

Having a garage sale to clear the clutter in my garage felt daunting, until I realized I could do it with style! I created a mini shop in my garage, with rows of bins for people to browse through, and eye-catching displays. It was a hit! Here's how I did it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clear boxes or other storage containers
• Calculator
• Pen & Paper
• Radio or CD Player
• Tape
• Folding table and chair
• Extra table for displays

1. 

   Throw Out The Trash. First take a garage bag and clear out any trash you find in the garage - whether it's dropped junk mail, tissues or stuff that nobody would buy. Trash it. It's liberating.

2. 

   Decide What's Yours. Then decide what's for sale. If possible, try to divide these things on each side of the garage or delegate an area to put the wanted stuff for now and either mark it with a sign saying "not for sale" or put up a divider to block it from view.

3. 
   Once things are sold, you can organize everything you want to keep neatly in the bins!

   Label and Organize. Review what you're selling, then put them in their own labeled bin people can easily browse through. Label the storage containers with a sharpie and piece of paper to identify what's in it, such as "electronics", "kids stuff", "clothes", and "Books & CDs".

4. 

   Name Your Price. Decide a price range of what you want to sell these things for. List it on the paper. Ex: Kids Stuff, .25-$5.00. This way people have an idea of what things cost and saves you time labeling everything.

5. 

   Create a Shop. Look at your garage like a shop. Are there hooks you can display old purses or clothes? Places to display artwork? Set up a clean and stylish table to feature little items like picture frames and jewelry.

6. 

   Get Yourself Set Up The Night Before. Place your folding table with a tablecloth, and chair, so it's facing the door, with a full view of everything. Have your calculator ready and extra change kept in a zippered pouch or envelope. Have at least $20 in one dollar bills, a few fives and tens. Take the change out of your wallet or piggy bank. Have some grocery bags on hand to place items in.

7. 
   Play a CD you want to sell, like Christmas tunes or something else that's relaxing or upbeat.

   Create a Mood: Play a relaxing CD with nature sounds or soothing music that will draw people's attention and make them feel comfortable spending time looking around. Set up your laptop or have a book on hand so you're not staring at anyone for long periods out of boredom.

8. 

   Donate The Leftovers. After the sale, see what's left. Is there anything that a friend would like or need? If not, put it in a bag or box and drop it off at a charity like the Salvation Army. Be classy - throw out the stained/ripped stuff - only give away things in good condition.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the word out about your garage sale by creating a cute and colorful flyer with the details and emailing it to people who might be interested, print some out and put them up on bulletin boards.
• You can also post signs around your town, where allowed, and use a sign stand to put a poster in front of your house or street.
• Smile! People are happy to find things they want and need, and you get some cash in return. It's a great day!

Resources

• Heaven Healing Arts
• The Salvation Army
• The Container Store
• Pink Calculators for the Stylish Girl

[Elizzabeth]

on 7/17/2009 Geat tips for having a fabulous garage sale! 5*