How to Have a Successful Yard Sale

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If you’ve just finished reading our article on how to organize your apartment and you now have a giant load of stuff that is taking over your living room, it might be time to have a yard sale! Yard sales are a great way to empty the clutter from your place and feel like you’re getting something back for your efforts. Here’s how to have a successful event that will get you the most for your cleaned-out belongings. After all, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure!

Location

If you don’t have a yard, having a yard sale is a bit tricky. The best way to draw customers is to hold a joint sale with other members of your apartment complex. You can probably convince your landlord to let you use the parking lot or other centralized location if you have the camaraderie of other residents. If location really becomes an issue, look for a church or neighborhood sale and join in.

Preparing for the Sale

• Look for other events that bring people to your town (festivals, craft fairs, carnivals) and set the date for your yard sale around the same time.
• Assess the best public area for signage. Look for locations like busy intersections or posting boards in local coffee houses, gyms or other gathering places. Make sure you indicate on your signs: where your sale will be held, what date/s it will be, what time it will be on each date and and a brief line that states what type of items you will be selling, (“Kids Furniture!” or “Women’s Clothing Size 10!”). Adding this line to your sign, will draw more people who are really interested in what you have to sell. The more specific you are, the more you’ll be able to only draw the people who really want to help you deplete your stash. When you make signs that will be posted outdoors, get a light (white) or yellow heavy duty poster board, styrene or foam core. Use dark and bold black lettering. Use a permanent marking pen as both your sign and the words on it need to be able to stand up to the elements. You should post your signs and notices at least a week in advance of your sale.
• Check with your local city center to find out if you will need a permit. Your landlord should be able to help you with this as well. Your local town hall may also help you rent tables if you need them. These tables may also be found at restaurant supply stores. Ask your friends and family to borrow any tables they may have available. If you’re selling a lot of clothes, get a portable wardrobe or clothes rack. It’s much easier to look at items of clothing if they’re hanging rather than rummaging through piles set on a table.

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