Garage Sales 101

There are two reasons to hold a Garage Sale: To get rid of stuff, and to make money.

In addition, a Garage Sale can be very profitable if you have a plan that is implemented like any other business deal. Holding a Garage Sale is a great way for homeowners (and renters) to clear out the clutter and get a jump-start on spring-cleaning. I have held my fair share of Garage Sales over the years; some because I needed to prepare a house for sale, and others just because I wanted to clean out the clutter.

The "Good Stuff" - What Sells

At Garage Sales just about anything can go up for sale, and most of those anythings will sell if the price is right and if there is a buyer who is willing to pay. The key to getting top dollar for anything you sell is to make sure that it is clean and still useable. Buyers will be looking for Designer or better brand label clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Shoes and designer handbags are also big sellers.

Furniture and appliances, books of all kinds, decorative household goods, bicycles and other sporting equipment, items you received as gifts but never liked or used...the list goes on.

Baby goods, from clothing to furniture and toys are highly sought after. Important to note: Baby furniture has strict federal guidelines these days concerning safety, so if little Johnny was born in 1994 and you are hoping to sell his crib or car seat, check with consumer product safety guidelines first.

What not to sell...

Check with municipal restrictions for liquor or wine and porno magazines, even if they are deemed collectibles.

Do not sell anything that you think you will regret later on. We all have chachkes that have been collected over a lifetime, such as a useless wedding gift from a beloved relative, and souvenirs from our travels. If you are not willing and able to let go of an item that holds even the slightest emotional significance, keep it. Otherwise, you will have to deal with seller's remorse, and it will come back to bother you over and again.