How to Plan a Successful Yard or Garage Sale

Garage sales, otherwise known as yard sales, barn sales, rummage sales, porch sales, and tag sales, are all great ways to get rid of items no longer needed. Having a sale is also a great way to raise extra cash. Everyone has unused items lying around the house, and what better way to get rid of them than by making money at the same time. What you thought was junk and may have considered throwing away, might be useful to someone else. Never underestimate the value of accumulated clutter!

Planning a Garage Sale

It’s impossible to plan a garage or yard sale in advance and be certain it isn’t going to rain. Not everyone has the luxury of having a garage or building in which to hold a sale. For those who don’t have a shelter for their sale, it’s best to plan a rain date in case of bad weather.

A few weeks before the date of your sale, call your local city or town hall, and find out if a garage sale permit is required. Some towns require a permit in order to hold a sale. The fee is usually nominal, and the permit helps keep track of garage or tag sales. Many towns and cities have a limit as to the number of sales that can be held per year by one group or individual.

While asking about required permits, ask if signs may be posted throughout town. Some cities and towns don’t allow signs to be posted on public property. This is because people often don’t come back to remove the signs, and the signs tend to be unsightly. Old signs that blow down contribute to littering. In addition, sale signs on poles and directional signs at intersections can obstruct the view of drivers.

Garage Sale Ads

Newspaper ads are generally quite expensive. The cost varies according to location, but ads are by far the costliest part of having garage sale. Unfortunately, for a garage sale or yard sale to be successful, advertising is necessary.