Garage
Sale Guidelines
One Way to Save Money on Your Move
Having a garage sale prior to your move can save you money
in 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 having fewer items to move.
 (Moving Tip #12)
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.
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Think about where you're moving and what items might be
obsolete there. That snow blower will go unused in Miami, 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 buyer's 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.
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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 checks 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 on 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 have your sale announced free.
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Consider donating unsold items to charitable organizations.
Some will send a truck to your home to pick up the goods. 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'll reduce the cost of your move and make settling into your new
home much easier.
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