This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Want An Empty Garage? Have A Sale.

Before you hang out those signs for a garage sale, discover some basic tips on how to do it successfully. And have fun too!

These days I think about finances more than I used to. My guess is you probably do too.

Making the same amount of money stretch further is tricky, but it isn’t impossible. Patch offers tips. Coupons and deals on Groupon are often good values. Flea markets and garage sales are great.

Not long ago I wrote about how much . I divulged a plan to move unused items to a remote corner of my garage in an effort to de-clutter and recycle. Now it’s time to take the next step. I’m considering having a garage sale.

Find out what's happening in Mountain Viewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I’ve had them in the past. Garage sales are hard work. In case you’re thinking of doing one, let me share a few basic tips with you that might help make your sale more successful.

Advertise! No one will come otherwise. Post your sale on bulletin boards, in the newspaper and online. Use sites like Yard Sale Search and Craigslist. You can even send Patch your sign and they'll post it too. Make signs that are noticeable and easy to read, and post them in visible locations. Don’t post them too early unless you want “early birds” knocking on your door at daybreak. 

Find out what's happening in Mountain Viewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The best days for sales are Friday and Saturday, but not on holiday weekends. One day is long enough. Try to schedule your sale when the weather is decent– arainy Saturday in winter is probably not the best choice. Consider piggybacking on another local event that generates foot traffic in your neighborhood.

Before you hang out those signs decide why you’re having the sale in the first place–to make money or get rid of things–and price items based on your answer. Put prices on everything, it’s easier than answering the “how much is this” question all day.

Don’t price things too high and be sure you offer inexpensive items. People want a bargain. Put a box marked “free” at the end of your driveway containing things you absolutely want to get rid of. There are always "lookers" that stop by who will happily take free stuff off your hands.

Clean out your closets and cupboards. Be sure items are clean and in working condition. No one wants to buy your broken-down junk. Ask neighbors to join in. The more stuff you have the better the sale. And absolutely positively allow sufficient time to get ready.

Think about how to display your stuff. Hang clothes on a rack–if people can easily see them, you have a better chance at selling them. If tools or electronics are included, locate them close to the front to attract men to browse. Do the same thing with big or expensive items to entice people driving by to stop. Remember my Hitchcock chairs?

Don’t forget to be friendly, have enough small bills and change on hand and lower your prices at the end of the day to avoid putting things back in that remote corner of your garage. When the sale ends, take the unsold items to Goodwill, a local charity or post them on Freecycle. And remember how many signs you put out and where you put them so you can take them all down.

Need more tips? Check out this site: Yard Sale Queen.

Garage sales may sound like hard work, but you meet new people, get rid of unwanted stuff and make money in one fell swoop. Even a small amount of money is money you didn't have when the day started. And how about the empty space you gained in your gagage? Sounds good to me.

Have fun! Have a sale!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?