This weekend, the spring weather is back! Between the fresh breeze, spring cleaning, and Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix, all I can think of are two of my favorite words: GARAGE SALE!
There is nothing better than purging things you no longer need (or never needed in the first place — no judgement) and making some cash off of it. Watching it drive away to a new home is the best feeling. Do you dig the garage sale, too or does the thought fill you with dread? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few pro-tips to keep you clutter-free and raking in the dough this weekend!
ALL the things
I know that you don’t think anyone will want that Batman pez dispenser you got from the prize drawer in 4th grade, but don’t be so sure. Garage sale scavengers will buy just about anything. Some people go looking for treasures to add to their unique collections, so don’t hold out on them. Make sure you not only clean out the garage and storage spaces, but kitchen drawers and cabinets, too. Housewares are among the top-selling products at garage sales because they are so reusable and can be expensive to buy new. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s pair of tongs.
Permit and Change
We all know “the man” likes to nickel and dime us, but this is not the time to take a stand. Garage sale permits are $17 at HEB, and must be purchased using the ID of the person whose house will be hosting the event. I know, the temptation to not get it and just start throwing stuff on the yard is tempting, but I have had two garage sales now where the police showed up just to check our permit. Always better safe than sorry. While you are at HEB getting your permit, pick up some change, too. Most things at a garage sale are cheap, so you need to be prepared to offer change to someone paying with a large bill. Take a $20 and get $15 in ones and 5 in quarters. That should be enough to keep you afloat until the crowds start and you are making money.
Value vs. Price
No one is going to pay $150 for the really beautiful patchwork purse that your grandma bought you for your 21st birthday. If you are emotionally attached to an item, do not try to sell it at the garage sale. Like Marie Kondo says, if it brings you joy the goal is not to take that away. Do not mistake price for value. The lady down the street who will offer you $5 for that purse sees a purse, not a memory. Your sale will end really fast if your items are “valued” instead of priced to move. Also, don’t set any prices you aren’t willing to budge on. Garage sales are for haggling, and those who frequent them are the pros. If you must, set your price a tad higher, and then, in your mind, have a lower price that is the absolute lowest you could possibly take for that item, that way you are prepared.
Advertise!
What good is selling your stuff if there is no one there to buy it??? Definitely invest in the old stand-by garage sale sign for the corner light post (you can buy Walmart ones or make them out of old boxes using a permanent marker). But this day and age, don’t forget all of the other ways you can get people there! Throw your garage sale up on Facebook with a description of what kinds of stuff you are selling. Put it on Craigslist for the all the garage sale followers. List it on the Nextdoor app for everyone in your area to see. Use the power of social media to get your stuff sold! Make sure to include address and times, and if you can put pictures of big ticket items, you can grab more attention.
You might see us stop by to dig through your treasures! Happy sales to you!