Make Money off Your Clutter

It's yard sale season! I love it like few other to-do's. What could be better than getting rid of the items underfoot and putting some extra money in your account? It's a terrific motivator -- setting a date for clearing out your space, gathering your junk and getting it out into your driveway for sale.




What I've often found is that people are far less likely to hold onto something they don't need when given the choice between making money on it or keeping it.



So here's the process:



1. Set a date and a time frame. Don't choose a holiday weekend and pray for nice weather. Make big posters that clearly include your address, hang them in high-traffic areas around your town. Take out ads in your local paper (*the deadline for ads are usually a week or two before the print date, so give yourself plenty of time to meet the requirement). You also can post a free ad on craigslist.com under your locality. Describe your items for sale with some specifics and a few adjectives that will grab attention. Don't forget to say NO EARLY BIRDS. Otherwise, you'll have bargain hunters on your lawn at sunrise. I'm not exaggerating.



2. Gather your items for sale. This means everything from big-ticket items such as furniture, bikes and appliances to outgrown clothing and toys. If you have any pieces that could be worth more to antiques dealers, do your research before you tag them. At a recent sale, a woman realized she was about to sell more than a yard of gorgeous handmade Spanish lace that was nearly 100 years old. We pulled it before anyone made an offer, thankfully!

3. Gather the supplies you'll need. This will include tables for display (you can borrow them or rent them but make sure if they are tables you want to sell that you don't cover them with other items for sale. Buyers are reluctant to even ask because they won't want to bother you to clear it off). You'll also need tarps (in case it rains); bins for organizing books and other small items; adhesive tags in different sizes and sharpie markers (make sure you can write prices clearly on each item); and clothing racks (borrow or rent) and hangers for clothing.

4. Sort in similar groups. When organizing clothing for sale, hang items by size and mark them clearly. Pieces sell faster and for a lot more money if they're washed, hung and appear to be in good shape. Toss anything that's stained or ripped. Leaving those out for viewing makes the whole lot seem less desirable. Organize other items in groups of the same, like housewares, linens, CDs and DVDs, etc.


5. Start by pricing your biggest item. This will give you a framework for pricing everything of lesser value. Go from highest price to a free table (items you will throw in to sweeten a sale).


6. Enlist helpers. Assign your helpers specific tasks like managing the crowds, answering questions, making sales, taking payments and providing laughter and fun.



7. Make sure you have adequate change. Before the day of the sale, get plenty of 20s, 10s and ones as well as pocket change. Give everyone on your team a fanny pack to hold money so it is easily accessible.


8. Be helpful. Have an extension cord handy so people can check electric items. Have shopping bags and boxes handy to help people collect and carry goods away.

9. Watch for early birds. The day of the sale, expect early birds (even though you clearly said no) and those looking for dirt-cheap bargains. Be willing to dicker, because, don't forget, the whole idea is to make money.



10. Above all, keep your sense of humor. Your good attitude will make the day more enjoyable for all. Encourage people to haggle and make a game of it. You'll sell more stuff and have fun. When the sale is over, anything that's left can be donated to charity. There are a bunch that will even come and collect your items for free.



For a free pricing guide or a list of charities that pick up in your town, please contact LT at linearthoughts@comcast.net.



Now get clearing out that garage!