Let’s face it. Moving is no fun. But, there are a few ways to ease the pain. Organizing a moving sale just before moving is a good way to get rid of stuff you no longer want or need, and a little extra cash can buy you a nice dinner on move day or cover some moving expenses. You can also donate or recycle, too. However, hosting a pre-move sale has its advantages, like less time packing, loading, and unpacking. If the weather is on your side, a yard sale can be a great way to clean out. Organizing a yard sale involves more than laying out your unwanted items and furniture on the lawn for sale by putting up a sale sign. In order to ensure a successful yard sale, here are some tips that will help make it a success.
- Set Your Schedule: First of all, set a date and time for your yard sale that makes sense for you, your schedule and for others. Weekends are by far the best. Select the things you want to include in advance, and plan the area layout. Allow a path for people to follow with a clear view of all items for sale. Carefully choose you checkout location so you can watch over your items. And, don’t try to do it alone. You’ll need one or more helpers before, during and after your sale. Make sure to start early in the morning so as to ensure maximum sales. Most of the people generally tend to plan their weekends and prefer to shop yard sales during earlier hours of the day. It’s best not to plan a pre-moving yard sale on a holiday because people make other plans with their friends, family, and loved ones.
- Get the Permission of Local Authorities: Check with your city’s website or call their permit department before planning a yard sale. Be aware of the rules, regulations, and other special permits that may be required for hosting a yard sale. It is advisable to take the time to check in with your local authorities at least a month before your date so that you have sufficient time to complete all the necessary paperwork and other preparations, such as signs and parking.
- Pick and Choose: Start with the easy decisions, then select the more difficult ones. The more care you put into your sale, the more the value visitors will see.
- Clean It First: Dirty things don’t sell well, so spruce them up the best you can.
- Presentation for Success: Use tables whenever possible. People don’t like to stoop over to examine your items. Hang clothing on racks or a line or pole you can easily setup. Stacked things will not stay stacked long, and you can expect to be constantly tidying up.
- Price It Right: You don’t want to be stuck with a yard full of leftovers because they were over-priced. So, for example if you paid around $100 for something, start with $40 or $50 the first day. Drop what is unsold by 25% the second day and 50% the third day. If you only have one day, make the price attractive. Don’t expect a lot for used furniture, especially if it is worn. Start with 25% of what is was worth new. For new items, try 50%. Setup a $1, $5, and $10 box or tables for small items. Don’t try to sell fine jewellery, sterling silver, gold, true antiques or other valuables. Unless you just don’t care, you won’t come near their real value in a yard sale. Save those for a special online sale.
- Advertising and Signs: Control Your Creative Side, Stick With Your Smart Side: Take photos of your best items. Post these online such as on Facebook and Nextdoor. Keep in mind that shoppers just want the info about what’s for sale, so start with something like “Big Yard Sale”. Avoid tricky headlines and descriptions that won’t relate to your shoppers. Start the small print of any ads with a list of your most desirable items so that your prospective customer can know about what’s available for sale.
- Signs, Signs, Signs: If your city allows, placing your yard sale signage at all intersections in your neighborhood and major streets is the most effective strategy to invite prospective customers. But you need to check the regulations. Use a yellow sign with black lettering that is bold and readable. Forget the address. You won’t need it with the right signage and people can’t read fine print while driving. Use bold directional arrows pointing at each turn, where possible. Be sure to place a sign in your yard to be easily seen from all directions. You can also expand your marketing efforts by making/printing some flyers and asking local business owners if they can highlight your yard sale on their storefront windows or allow a stack of flyers for patrons to pick up. In this age of technology, make use of social media to announce your yard sale event. Place your signs when you are ready to open, and take them down for the day, when closing your sale.
- Tell Your Neighbours: Socialize with your neighbours and invite them to join your yard sale. The bigger the sale the better for everyone.
- Hire Professional Movers for Your Move After a Successful Yard Sale
After the sale is over, it’s time to look for a reliable and trusted moving company. AB Moving offers a vast array of relocation and moving services to meet all your moving needs. If you have any questions about our Moving services, don’t hesitate to reach out by contacting us or calling 214-740-4926 today! A member of our staff will gladly answer any inquires and help you schedule your next move. AB Moving is a trusted local name for moving services in Dallas, Texas.
