Holding a garage sale is a great way to get rid of some of your possessions while making a profit from them. Garage sales are an excellent way to help declutter your home.
Garage Sales can be a little overwhelming, but taking the time to plan and organize will be beneficial in the long run. Keep in mind that different cities may have rules regarding garage sales. Some areas require a permit, limit the number of items you can have or even treat your garage sale like a small business. Ensure you know the rules for your area.
We have created a list of steps to assist you in preparing for your garage sale and using self storage to keep your possessions safe.
This list of 8 suggestions will assist in making the most of your garage sale.
Organize your items
More the better
Advertise your sale
Prepare to negotiate
Have enough change
Sales toward the end
Rent a self storage unit
Enlist in help
When it comes time to hold your garage sale, take the time to sort your items into groups. There are often items with higher value, such as vintage toys, jewellery, and kitchen wares. Take the time to create a display of your shoes, purses, and handbags, as these items tend to sell fast.
A good rule is to place your large items along your driveway to entice passersby's to stop in and take a look. Tidy tables and colourful displays will draw attention and possibly help with a sale.
Garage sale shoppers look for a plethora of items. Why not include your neighbours? Multiple sales will attract more customers. A variety of items and prices will allow all shoppers an option to purchase something new to them. Your goal is to gain a few extra dollars and declutter some of your unwanted items.
Advertising your sale is imperative in getting customers. To build interest, use social media and websites such as craigslist or a local Facebook page. Signs on the street, balloons that draw attention and posters at your local grocery store will also help bring people to your sale.
Garage sale shoppers are also looking for a deal. Be prepared to haggle on the price. Bartering can be a fun part of a garage sale, and who knows, you may even make a friend or two in the process.
Go to the bank and get a variety of coins for change. Your customers probably will not have the correct change for their purchases, so ensure that you can make the change. You want to make sure that you can get the most money for your items, and having the correct change will lead to more sales! If you wish to accept credit cards or debit cards, a Square is an easy option. All you need is a smartphone or tablet.
If you find that you are not selling your items, perhaps they are priced a little too high. Be prepared to reduce your items. It's better to sell your items than be stuck with things you don't want to keep. When doing reduced prices, cross out the old price and mark with a new one. Place a sign on the lawn that states "everything 50% off." Sales toward the end of your garage sale will attract new customers.
When you are preparing for your garage sale, renting a self-storage unit is beneficial. It will provide you with a clean and safe location to sort and declutter without the need for an instant sale. A self storage unit will allow you time to find the perfect weather for your garage sale.
Riel Park RV & Self Storage is a great storage facility to store your extra household items after your garage sale. With unheated storage units and climate controlled indoor storage units, we have a space for all your things, big or small, at affordable storage prices to accommodate your budget.
Climate controlled storage units are available if you need storage to keep your wood furniture, seasonal items or art that has not sold.
Having a garage sale is like running a small business. Enlist the help of friends and family to help with your garage sale. There are many components such as handling the cash box, tidying up the tables, talking to customers and marking down prices if needed. On hot summer days, older children may want to add a lemon-aid stand for extra cash and an added bonus to your customers.
Once your garage sale is over, Riel Self Storage can help with your remaining items. Call us today at 780-459-6435 or rent a storage unit online.
