Tips for Holding A Successful Pre-Move Garage Sale

Getting ready for a move can also mean cleaning out the old house and starting fresh in the new one. This includes getting rid of things you may no longer want or need. Some can be thrown away, donated, or you can host a pre-move garage sale. Copperstate Moving has some great tips for holding a successful pre-move garage sale. 

#1 Set a Date and Time

When planning a garage sale, picking a day on the weekend would probably be best, specifically a Saturday. Spring is also a great time to consider since the weather is starting to warm up, and people will be eager to get outside. Try to avoid holidays or days with bigger events in the town, like sports. 

#2 Check With Local Authorities

While it is not likely that you will run into any trouble, it is good to be safe and let them know. It is also good to check in and see if a garage sale permit is needed. Also, check in to see if putting our garage sales signs is okay in your neighborhood. 

#3 Make an Inventory

Treat your garage sale as if it were a real store. Creating an inventory can help you stay organized during your garage sale. Go around your house and make a list of items for sale, items for donation, and the prices for the items you want to sell. This way, come the day of the garage sale, you have your list with items and pricing on hand. Make sure to check items off this list as they are sold, as well.

#4 The More (Good) Items, the Better

Think outside the box when looking for items around the house for the garage sale. Check the attic, shed, garage, cabinets, and closet. You should check everywhere for items that you may not necessarily be bringing with you on your move. 

#5 Get Creative With Your Advertising  

While the sign on the side of the road is a common and effective way to advertise your garage sale, getting creative with it is also a fun way to get the word out. If you plan on having a big garage sale, then you’ll need the big crowds to match! Think about posting on social media, advertising some of the items for sale, printing flyers, and asking local businesses if they could post a flyer up in their store for you. 

#6 Ask Your Neighbors if They Want to Join

As we said above, the bigger the garage sale, the more attention it will get. Getting the neighborhood involved will draw more attention and bigger crowds to yours. Come together to agree on a date and time you are available. 

#7 Set Fair Prices and Offer Bulk Deals

On top of decluttering for a move, garage sales are a great way to make some extra money. Setting your prices too high and turning potential buyers away instead of luring them in. People at garage sales expect good deals, so offering fair pricing and even bulk deals, like “buy a few items in a set, then get the rest for free” is a good strategy.

#8 Be Open to Haggling

Since people go to garage sales for deals, they will be ready to haggle the prices down or deals together. It’s best to be open and prepared for that, lowering the price a little (if it’s fair), or even grouping items together for a deal. This will make some people more inclined to buy from you. 

#9 Organize Smartly  

Having organized stations will also make it easier for you to keep track of what items are where and what’s being sold, but it will also make it easier for buyers to see your items for sale. Making it easy for customers to sift through the items will keep them around longer and hopefully buy more. 

#10 Have Refreshments

Even small, extra steps can make your garage sale more enticing! Have water out for the customers or even little snacks. The little extra work on your part could really pay off at the end of the day.

Our professional movers have seen many people declutter before moving, and a great way to get rid of some of those items is by following our garage sale tips! On top of planning your garage sale, don’t forget to call us to schedule your move.