With fabulous weather in McMinnville this past weekend, garage sales were out in full force and I believe I hit the mother-load. My best finds? A sandbox with cover for $5 and a small bookshelf for $3 I plan to make adorable with a fresh coat of paint.
But enough about me. Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of clutter – and earn a little extra cash – before you sell your home. But make sure the timing is right. Garage sales can take on a life of their own, and it might not be the best use of your energy right before putting your home on the market. Follow these tips for a successful sale of your own.
1. Don’t wait until the last minute. You don’t want to be scrambling to hold a garage sale the week before an open house. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the home and how much stuff you have to sell, planning a garage sale can demand a lot of time and energy.2. See if neighbors want to join in. You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers if you team up with neighbors.
4. Schedule the sale. Sales on Fridays and Saturdays will generate the most traffic, especially if the weather cooperates. Start the sale early, 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. is best, and be prepared for early birds.
5. Advertise. Place an ad in the local newspaper, Craigslist, or even social media platforms such as Instagram. Include the dates, time, and address. Let the public as well as Instagram followers know if certain hot-ticket types of items will be sold, such as baby clothes, furniture, or weightlifting equipment. On the day of the sale, balloons and signs with prominent arrows will help to grab the attention of passersby.
6. Use Garage Sale Signs to Attract Attention.