Yard sale- worth it? tips?

[Anonymous]

I need to majorly declutter and am contemplating having a yard sale. Lately I've been using Craigs list and freecycle but that just seems like too much coordination for so many things. My thinking is that if I set a date for a yard sale, I'll have motivation to get everything cleaned out by a certain point, hopefully get rid of a bunch of stuff at once and at least get a little money in return (not expecting a lot, and that isn't my prime motivation). Then with the leftovers I can take them to goodwill or freecycle. Good idea or not? I've got misc. adult and baby clothes, toys, kitchen stuff, decorative items, some furniture, and small electronics to get rid of.,

If I do it, what is the best way to publicize? How should I price things? I was thinking $1 to $5 for most things?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I love the idea of a yard sale, but we don't have anywhere for people to park.... Most people place an ad in the paper and put up signs with the address/date around the area.

Instead of Craig's list (where people SAY they're coming but never show!) I get rid of things at consignment sales. There are a couple coming up that specialize in baby/kid stuff (Danisduds.com, Redeemer Lutheran in McLean and various MOPS groups throughout the area). Some may also take household goods as well.

Anything I can't sell there I take to Goodwill.

[Anonymous]

When DH and I got married and moved into our house together we had a yard sale-- lots of stuff as we combined the households of two 40 year olds. Turns out, it wasn't really worth it. A lot of effort for very little money.

Since then, I just use Craig's List for anything I can get $40 or more for and everything else goes to Salvation Army.

If we had a neighborhood yard sale, we'd probably get enough traffic to make it worthwhile.

[Anonymous]

Yard Sale! Yes, it takes planning and organization, but it's not difficult. You can advertise for free on Craig's List for the yard sale. Does your neighborhood have a list serv? Consider putting a notice there. Also - posters do work. Put them up the night before. Haul everything out very early the morning of. And promise yourself that nothing comes back in! Right after, pack it up and take it to goodwill, or if they are just odds and ends, post a curb alert on Craig's List and your listserv. Otherwise, schedule a bulk trash pickup for the MOnday following. Best if you can get some of your neighbors to participate as multi-family sales get a lot of foot traffic. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I never go to yard sales, the ratio junk/value does not make it worthwhile.

[Anonymous]

I love the IDEA of a yardsale. I have found when I have gone through the effort, only certain things sell. Then there are the potential "buyers" who claim not to speak English. Yeah, okay me too. I'd rather pick a charity of my choice and take the tax deduction. If I wanted to give stuff away, would I be going through the yard sale effort and work?!?!

[Anonymous]

Free curbside pick up listed on craigslist.

[Anonymous]

My block has a yard sale once a year. I save the big ticket items for it. Other items - go to various charities / freecycle

[Anonymous]

I've had some good luck with yard sales, mostly in the early morning. You can put up a poster board sign early in the morning outside your subdivision. Some people drive around early in the morning looking for yard sales. I've had the best luck with toys, books and dishes. Everything that doesn't sell gets packed up immediately after and taken to Salvation Army.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I need to majorly declutter and am contemplating having a yard sale. Lately I've been using Craigs list and freecycle but that just seems like too much coordination for so many things. My thinking is that if I set a date for a yard sale, I'll have motivation to get everything cleaned out by a certain point, hopefully get rid of a bunch of stuff at once and at least get a little money in return (not expecting a lot, and that isn't my prime motivation).
Thanks!

Given your objective - yes I think a yard sale is a good idea.

Anonymous wrote: Then with the leftovers I can take them to goodwill or freecycle. Good idea or not?

Yes - get these out of the house immediately after the yard sale.

Anonymous wrote: best way to publicize?

Post on your local community listserve, Craigslist, DCUM, put a flyer up at your local park and posters up in the commnuity a few days before (note: please take these down when you are done)

Anonymous wrote: How should I price things?

People will want to negotiate so be ready for that

tip - I know of other areas of the country where people are robbed while they are having a garage sale. Make sure your house / back door is locked!

[Anonymous]

I think you'll have much more success if your yard sale is part of a community yard sale, as I believe a PP mentioned. Community yard sales get lots of people traffic........probably making it worth your time, as opposed to just hosting your own, single, yard sale. UNLESS you live right on a main road and passerby will instantly see your sale.

Pricing? People come to yard sales looking for deals....so keep this heavily in mind...don't be unrealistic. You mentioned $1-$5, so it sounds like you are clued in on this regard.

Also, you can advertise your yard sale on Craig's List. That's what we've done when participating in community sales.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I had a yard sale this past summer and didn't make more than $50 BUT I only had to drag the stuff out front and got rid of a ton of it so I wasn't stuck carting it to Goodwill, etc. I sold stuff cheaply. Best Sellers are kids clothes and toys but only if priced right.