Garage Sale Guidlines

Having a garage sale prior to your move can save you money - two ways! You'll not only have some extra money in your pocket, but you'll also be getting rid of some of the things you own, thereby leaving fewer items to move.

Have your sale on the weekend and when the weather is mild. To catch all interested buyers, hold a two-day sale. Holding a garage sale can be exhausting, so be sure to have someone there to help you throughout the day.

The golden rule of garage sales is "anything goes". If you have doubts whether something will sell, put it out anyway. Remember that your junk just may be another person's treasure.

Think about where you're moving and what items might be obsolete there. That snow blower will go unused in Victoria, and some items might cost more to move than to replace - firewood for example.

When pricing items for sale, be realistic. Put yourself in the buyers shoes: How much would you be willing to pay for clothing that went out of style 10 years ago?

Keep the set up simple and organized. Arrange tables for your goods so that browsers have room to walk. If possible, make an electrical outlet available to test appliances.

Secure all cash that you receive in a strongbox or piggybank. Keep out only enough money to make change, and put the rest in the house. Don't accept cheques unless you're well acquainted with the buyer.

Place a classified ad in local papers, featuring your best or most unusual items. Take advantage of any free advertising in your community - bulletin boards in your supermarket, church, school or club.

Consider putting up signs in your front lawn and at nearby street corners a day or two before your sale. Also, many local radio stations have swap-and-shop programs where you can get your sale announced free. Consider donating items that don't sell to charitable organizations. Some will send a truck to your home to pick up the goods. And be sure to get a receipt, as your donation may be tax-deductible.

If an item has no resale value, if it has no practical or sentimental value, and if it's inappropriate as a charitable donation, simplify your life and just throw it out. It will reduce the cost of your move and make settling into your new home much easier.