Garage Sale, Anyone?
By Nancy Kruschke McKinney

Did you do some spring cleaning this year? If the answer is yes, you probably have boxes and bags of stuff that you decided you didn't want anymore. Some are items that were once treasures that you no longer use or see a need for in the future. Other items may be broken, or things you just don't want anymore. Consider having a garage sale and make some extra cash-and get rid of clutter at the same time.

If you don't have stuff to sell this year, you can build up items for your garage sale gradually. Label a box "Garage Sale" and place items in this box as you are working to eliminate clutter from your house throughout the year. You may find it easier to get rid of clutter knowing that you will get something in return.

What items can you sell? You name it, people will buy it. Clothing, toys, dishes, sport equipment, knickknacks, furniture, etc. You know those items you think no one will buy? Put them out-you'll be surprised!

If you don't think you have enough items to have a garage sale by yourself, talk with your neighbors or relatives to see if they are planning on having a garage sale or would like to participate in one with you.

Preparing for the sale:

1. Clean up your items as much as possible. People will be more willing to buy clean, attractive items. Wash toys and clothing and dust off those knickknacks and furniture.
   
   
2. Think about how you want to display the items. Will you need tables, racks shelves, or racks to hang the clothing? Will you have bags for purchased merchandise?
   
   
3. Put up signs on your street and on main streets around your house. Make sure that the words "GARAGE SALE" are in big letters and that your address is on the sign. You may even want to add arrows.
   
   
4. Advertising in the newspaper might be costly, but if you have lots of stuff to sell or are having a joint sale with other neighbors, it might be worth the cost.
   
   
5. Stickers are the best way to label your items with prices.
   
   
6. Deciding what to charge is a bit more difficult. You might want to visit other garage sales in the area to see what they are charging. Use round numbers: 25 cents, $2, $3.50, etc. This will make it easy for you to make change and for your buyers to add up their purchases.
   
   
7. Consider setting similarly priced items in the same location. You could then place a sign on the table "All items $1.00". Place higher priced items near you for security.
   
   
8. Have at least one other person with you the day of the sale. One of you can be the cashier and one can keep your eyes on the crowd and answer any questions people may have.
   
   
9. If some of the items you have may be antiques, don't sell them at a garage sale-leave that task to a professional so you get their true value.
   
   

After the sale, donate items you don't sell, or toss them! And have fun watching others find treasures among your stuff while you increase your wealth and reduce your clutter!

Nancy Kruschke, owner of Successful Organizing Solutions (S.O.S.) is an organizing coach, consultant, and speaker. Nancy can be reached at 608-441-6767 or Nancy@SOSorganize.net or visit www.SOSorganize.net.