Mommysavers

Frugal Moms Living Well for Less

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Cooking
    • Cookies
    • Copycat Recipes
    • Crock Pot Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Freezer Meals
    • Frugal Recipes
  • Holidays
    • Back to School
    • Birthdays
    • Christmas
      • Gift Ideas
      • Elf on the Shelf
    • Easter
    • Halloween
      • Costumes
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Frugal Living
    • Leftovers
    • Repurposing
    • Crafts
    • Saving Money
  • Hobbies & Home
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Organization
    • Time Management
    • Simple Living
  • Family Fun
    • Date Night
    • Random Acts of Kindness
    • Travel
  • Deals
  • About Us

How to Plan a $2000 Garage Sale

June 13, 2013 by Kimberly Danger Leave a Comment

garage sale success tips

How to Plan a garage sale: A Comprehensive Guide to a Successful Sale

Do you have a bunch of unused items and clutter that you're eager to clear out, but you're not sure where to start? Or perhaps you're on the hunt for a fun, potentially lucrative side hustle? A garage sale can be a great way to accomplish both of these goals. In this guide, we'll provide you with everything you need to know about how to plan a garage sale that could help you rake in serious cash—even as much as $2000!

Planning Your Garage Sale

Your garage sale success depends heavily on the planning and organizing stage. Start preparing early—gather and organize your items well in advance of the sale date. A substantial collection of merchandise is key to attracting buyers and boosting your potential earnings.

  • Start gathering and organizing your items well in advance of your sale.  You'll need plenty of merchandise if you want to make big bucks.
  • Begin saving paper and plastic store bags together with boxes for the shoppers to carry the goods home in.
  • The more the merrier.  Tell all your neighbors about your sale and invite them to join you in having one on the same date.  Collectively you'll draw more traffic, and can split advertising costs.
  • Choose the date for your garage sale very carefully.  Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings usually see the highest turnout, depending on the part of the country you're in.  Avoid long holiday weekends, as a lot of families head out of town.

Garage Sale Pricing Guide

Pricing is a pivotal part of how to plan a garage sale. Start by putting prices on everything. Customers appreciate clarity, and having clearly marked prices can prevent confusion and facilitate sales.

  • Put prices on everything.
  • Price in the largest increments possible ($.25 for example).  It makes giving change and adding things up in your head much easier.   Nobody wants to mess with pennies, nickles and dimes.
  • Don't mark things too high.  Remember, your goal is to get rid of stuff.  However, in-demand items like furniture, quality name-brand children's clothing and gear can be priced a bit higher.

Garage Sale Advertising

No matter how well-organized or well-priced your items are, your garage sale won't be successful if people don't know about it. Advertise on free platforms such as gsalr.com, garagesalefinder.com, Craigslist, and social media sites like Facebook. Include photos and as many details as possible to draw in potential buyers.

  • Advertise in any and all free sources such as gsalr.com, garagesalefinder.com and craigslist.  Take advantage of social media sites like Facebook to advertise your garage sale and items listed.  Include photos and as many details as possible.
  • Make signs… and lots of them!  Use brightly colored signs like neon poster board. Go for miles around putting them on the corners. Place the signs at your neighborhood entrance and beyond.  Instead of listing your address, draw arrows pointing in the direction of your sale.  Tie colorful balloons to your signs to attract attention.
  • Advertising various product categories in your ad will entice more shoppers.  Always list big-ticket items like furniture and electronics.  List clothing sizes and brands, toys, tools and antiques if you have them.
  • Advertise in either your local paper or a city paper that reaches several towns around you.  Some city newspapers give a free garage sale kit when you advertise with them.
  • Be sure to state NO EARLY SALES.  Otherwise you may have people ringing your doorbell at 6 a.m.
  • Be sure to remove your signs promptly when the sale is done.

Garage Sale Staging and Display

The presentation of your items can greatly impact sales. Ensure all your items are clean and in good repair before your garage sale.

  • Make sure all of your items are clean and in good repair.
  • Have clothing separated by size and gender.  Make signs such as 0-6 months, 2T, etc. so shoppers can easily find what they're looking for.
  • Have and electrical outlet and batteries available so customers can test electronics.
  • Hang up clothing when possible (get brackets and a rod at a hardware store to create a bar for hangers).
  • Don't expect people to rummage through boxes or tubs of clothing.  Have everything neatly displayed.
  • Don't open up your garage and expect people to realize that all the stuff stored inside is NOT for sale. If the items on shelves inside your garage isn't for sale, tape it off with sheets, tarps, or something else.
  • Make your sale look good from the street.  Set larger items near on the driveway to your sale to entice buyers.  If it's not raining, put as much outside in plain sight as possible.  If everything's in the black hole (a.k.a. the garage) those doing the drive-by may not see what they want and keep driving.
  • Get the kids to sell bottled water and concessions during your sale.
  • Set the mood with music to get people to linger.

Garage Sale Logistics

Being prepared with plenty of change is crucial for garage sale logistics. Keeping the money in a fanny pack rather than a cash box can also help ensure its safety.

  • Make sure you're prepared with lots of change.  I recommend having $50 in ones, coins, and smaller bills.
  • Wear your money in a fanny pack instead of leaving it in a cash box.  You don't want to leave a box of money sitting somewhere if you leave your chair.
  • Be willing to bargain, but don't make too many deals at the start of your sale.  One option is to tell people to come back towards the end of sale and make an offer then if the item is still there. If they can't come back, you can offer to take their phone number and call them if the item is still left at the end of the sale.
  • Don't hold items for people. If they want an item they can to pay for it and you'll put a sold sign on it for them to pick-up later, if they want. If they haven't paid for it, it isn't sold.
  • Never allow anyone to use your bathroom or go inside your home.
  • If possible, recruit extra salespeople so that you can serve multiple customers at once.
  • Keep your pets in the house or back yard.
  • If it's sunny, apply sunscreen at the start of the day.
  • Have a plan for unsold merchandise so you don't have to bring unwanted items back into your home.  Some donation charities will even pick up unsold merchandise.  Make sure you keep the receipt to claim the donation on your taxes.

View more Tips for Having a Successful Garage Sale and What NOT to do at Your Garage Sale. Thanks to our members who shared their advice!  Did we miss anything?  Post your tip/comment below!

Share9
Tweet
Pin310
319 Shares

Filed Under: Money Tagged With: organization, money, home, garage sale

« FREE Glasses from Coastal Contacts (First Time Customers)
2013 Summer Reading Programs for Kids = FREE Books and Other Prizes »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About Mommysavers

Kimberly Danger established Mommysavers.com in March 2000 as a way to channel her creative energy while raising her kids. Initially an online discussion board, the website evolved into a comprehensive platform offering money-saving tips, deals and budget-friendly recipes and tips for frugal moms. Read More…

View My Blog Posts

mommysavers

Helping families live well for less 💰money saving tips 🥘 budget-friendly recipes 💵 frugal living

Kimberly Danger


#momlife
#momlife

🚀 Transform Your Money Mindset 🚀

Ready to a
🚀 Transform Your Money Mindset 🚀

Ready to achieve financial success? Discover the mindsets to avoid in our latest blog post and unlock the path to financial abundance and freedom. 💰💡

🔍 Learn how to overcome scarcity mentality, instant gratification, fear of failure, and more. Gain valuable insights and actionable tips to cultivate a positive money mindset.

✨ Don't let negative beliefs limit your financial potential. Embrace a new perspective and pave the way for prosperity! 🌟

Read the blog post now and take a step towards financial empowerment! 💪💸

🔗 https://mommysavers.com/money-mindsets-to-avoid-financial-success/ 

#MoneyMindset #FinancialSuccess #FinancialEmpowerment


🍳Discover the secret to saving time, money, and
🍳Discover the secret to saving time, money, and stress in the kitchen with our #ALDI one-week menu plan. Your meal planning dilemma? Consider it solved! 🥗

Attention ALDI shoppers - you won't need to worry about what to cook each day with our curated menu plan.  It not only leverages ALDI's fresh, budget-friendly ingredients, but focuses on what's on sale this week to help you save even more. 

This plan includes make-ahead meals to simplify your busy weekdays, and easy dishes that won't take long at all to make.  Some of our mouth-watering meals include Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks, Cedar Plank Salmon, and an Olive Tapenade Veggie Wrap?  Did we mention a scrumptious Homemade Pizza night is on the menu too?  You definitely won't have to sacrifice flavor in order to save! 

Here's the link to start saving >> https://mommysavers.com/aldi-menu-plan-week-of-may-31-june-6-2023/

Be sure to let us know if you'd like to see more of this type of content! #ALDI #aldiusa #aldihaul #frugalfood #mealplan

I'm guilty of this. In fact, there are things on
I'm guilty of this.  In fact, there are things on the stairs right now. #momlife

👩‍🍳 Meet Abbie, a Nebraska farmer, Mommysa
👩‍🍳 Meet Abbie, a Nebraska farmer, Mommysavers community member, and the mind behind a brilliant idea – the Freezer Meal Club. 🥘 Every month, she and five other hardworking moms come together to cook, trade, and stock their freezers full of delicious meals for the busy harvest season. They've discovered that #BulkCooking doesn't only save time ⏳ but also ensures cost-efficiency! 🌽 

Joining a freezer meal club introduces a beautiful diversity to your meal options without the hassle. In this post, you'll learn how to start your own club today and experience the convenience for yourself!  https://mommysavers.com/freezer-meal-club-a-frugal-approach-to-meal-prep/. Share this post with your friends to see who is interested in joining you!

#FreezerMealClub #FreezerMeals #FrugalFoodie

👩‍🍳💼🌿Are you a mom looking for ways
👩‍🍳💼🌿Are you a mom looking for ways to make an extra $100 this week, right from your own home? 💰We've got you covered! Whether you're a craft lover, a tech whiz, a plant enthusiast, or a baking queen, there's something for everyone in our blog post "100 Easy Ways to Bring in an Extra $100 This Week". 😍 Find the perfect side gig that matches your skills and start your earning journey today. 💪Click the link in our bio to explore. #WorkFromHome #SideHustle #Mompreneur #ExtraCash #solopreneur #WAHideas #workathome #sidegig 💸


Are you a fan of Olive Garden's Alfredo Sauce? 🍝 If so, I have a perfect homemade recipe that will satisfy your cravings. This creamy and flavorful sauce is surprisingly simple to make, and you won't believe how delicious it tastes. Check out the full recipe here https://mommysavers.com/olive-garden-alfredo-copycat-recipe/ and get ready to elevate your pasta dishes to a whole new level! 🍽️ #OliveGarden #CopycatRecipes

📣 Redefine your concept of wealth! 💡

What i
📣 Redefine your concept of wealth! 💡

What if I told you that wealth is about more than just money? 🧐 Do you remember our "Forget the Joneses" challenge? We discovered that true wealth aligns with our values, personal growth, and sense of fulfillment.

Today, I invite you to take our 🆕 quiz: "How Wealthy Are You?" This isn't about your bank balance, but rather your holistic wealth - reflecting your life's richness that extends beyond the monetary. 👍

The quiz explores your Freedom, Growth, Connection, Purpose, Health, Peace, and Joy. You might discover areas of your life you'd like to enrich further for your overall well-being! 😌

Remember, there are no wrong answers here. This isn't a test; it's a self-discovery journey toward understanding what true wealth means to you. Ready to redefine wealth? 🚀

Let's engage! Take the quiz (link in bio) and drop a comment with your thoughts! 💭 Can't wait to hear about your journeys! 🌍 #TrueWealth #RedefineWealth #SelfDiscovery #ForgetTheJoneses


🔥Crock Pot Potato Soup: It's a CULINARY HUG IN
🔥Crock Pot Potato Soup: It's a CULINARY HUG IN A BOWL! 🍲💖

This scrumptious recipe, originally dropped in our money-savvy forums by none other than the famous frugalista Mommy2Mercedes, became a MASSIVE HIT within the forums. With countless pins and bookmarks, it's become a legendary dish in our cooking community! 🌟

If you're ready for a RE-RUN of this budget-friendly, warm-your-soul recipe, check out the link in our bio... and GET READY to experience a spoonful of comfort! 🥄💫


🌟6 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Happier 🌈✨

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but let's face it, it can be overwhelming at times. 
In our latest blog post, we explore scientifically proven practices that bring more happiness and fulfillment into your life... and they're all completely free!

Do you have any to add to the list?  Are you doing these things already? 

#Motherhood #HappinessJourney #BusyMoms #SelfCare #WellBeing #FindJoy #momlife 

Read more here: https://mommysavers.com/embracing-happiness-6-simple-daily-practices-for-busy-moms/

I just finished organizing the $5 or Less Family M
I just finished organizing the $5 or Less Family Meals into a nice .pdf you can download for free!  These ideas came from our frugal forum members.  The link to download is in my bio.  #cheapmeals #frugalcooking #cheapdinners #frugalfood #frugaltips

Instagram post 17876488349895177
Instagram post 17876488349895177

FRUGAL BITES: Healthy for Less Menu Plans

Healt
FRUGAL BITES:  Healthy for Less Menu Plans 

Healthy eating doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming! Join the recipe group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleaneatingfixrecipes to find the recipes to go along with this menu plan!

Breakfast: Mexican Egg Scramble
Lunch: Asian Chicken Salad
Snack: Greek Yogurt Parfait
Dinner: Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
Dessert: Baked Apples


📣 Attention Savers: Discover the Power of the $
📣 Attention Savers: Discover the Power of the $5 Savings Plan and Watch Your Money Grow! 💰💪

🌟 Are you tired of struggling to save money? 💸💔 Don't worry, we've got you covered! This blog post reveals the simplicity of the $5 Savings Plan, and you won't believe the results! 😱💥

👉 Learn how brensmom saved $700 in change and turned it into a memorable Christmas! 🎄🎁 Discover the competitive journey of 55quiltlady and her BFF, who fund their annual quilting adventures effortlessly! 🧵💃 Find out how allemee77's daily $5 contribution can accumulate to an astonishing $32,850 by the time her daughter reaches college! 🎓💒

But that's not all! 💡 We've gathered even more inspiring stories and clever saving strategies from our old forum community members, including Stormy, Cookie2, wichwire, Susannah, Smokeybandit, and kgummey. Their insights will revolutionize your approach to saving money and help you reach your financial goals faster than ever! 💪💰

Click the link below to read the full blog post and be prepared to be amazed! ✨✨

👉https://mommysavers.com/5-savings-plan/

💬 Tell us in the comments: What's your favorite money-saving tip? Have you tried the $5 Savings Plan? Share your thoughts and experiences with us! 🤔💬

#MoneySavingTips #FinancialGoals #SavingsPlan #PersonalFinance #MoneyMatters

The ultimate in saving money on gourmet foods… #
The ultimate in saving money on gourmet foods… #foraging. This weekend brings us #morelmushrooms and #wildonions

Instagram post 18284423317140395
Instagram post 18284423317140395

Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day!

NOVEMBER = THANKSGIVING

Why not make it a practic
NOVEMBER = THANKSGIVING

Why not make it a practice to express gratitude daily, not just on Thanksgiving?  What we focus on expands.  It's so easy to see all the negativity in the world, especially online. Is anyone interested in joining me for a daily gratitude photo challenge?  If we focus on the little things that we are grateful for, our whole world changes. The blog post about it and.pdf of the checklist are on mommysavers.com .
#30daysofgratitude2018 #mommysavers #gratitudejournal #30daysofgratitude #attitudeofgratitude #begrateful #30daychallenge #bethankfuleveryday


@oreo bat cookies for halloween with @wiltoncakes
@oreo bat cookies for halloween with @wiltoncakes candy eyes- I made 24 in just half an hour. Instructions on Mommysavers.com .
.
#halloweenpartyideas #halloweenfood #halloweenfoodideas #wiltoncakes #wiltoncakedecorating #oreocookies #halloweentreats #halloweencookies #halloweencrafts #frugalmom

Did you know that Hallmark has a line of cards at
Did you know that Hallmark has a line of cards at @dollartree? they’re just 2/$1!! .
.
#dollarstore #dollarstorefinds #frugalliving #frugalmom #savingmoney #dealsandsteals #bargainshopper #abundancemindset #frugalfinds #moneysaving #moneysavingtip


Load More



Follow on Instagram


Tags

80 day obsession activewear air fryer amazon amazon prime beach camping christmas treat christmas treat ideas clean eating fix clean eating recipe clean eating recipes crock pot recipes Clean Eeating copycat recipes Costco deals crafts crock pot meals crock pot recipes declutter exercise family night frugal fun frugal meals fun with food furniture gifts for men gymboree halloween cupcakes halloween party halloween treats healthiness eat healthy healthy living healthy menu plan healthy recipe healthy snacks holiday toys home decor homemade christmas Instant Pot kohl's deals marriage Michael's deals Shakeology vegan

Copyright © 2023 · Delightful theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Delightful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in