Moving Sale Tips & Tricks
It’s approaching moving day, and after weeks and/or months of planning, you’re getting closer to the big moment. But not everything from your old house is going to make the trip with you to your new abode. Whether you’re downsizing, decorating a new space, or trying to minimize moving costs, moving house is a great excuse to get rid of accumulated clutter (and maybe make a few extra bucks!).
Here are some tips for hosting your own moving sale.
Inventory and price
After you choose the items you want to sell along with the date of your sale, make an inventory and price list. Take the time to research what your items should be worth and ask around to see what others would pay for them. On the day of the sale, clearly tag the items with the price, or group them together under a price sign.
Permit and approval
Check in with your Homeowner’s Association or local council to see if you need permission or a permit to host a yard sale. There may be restrictions on location, signs, hours, noise level, and what equipment you use to set up your sale (can you put those posts and tables on that grass lawn?).
Recruit some help
Put the call out to friends and family to help out on the day (manning the float, helping to sell goods). You don’t want to lose customers if they are left waiting for help, and it also pays to have extra sets of eyes to watch over all the items displayed.
Make sure to thank them for volunteering – like pizza for lunch, beverages, and a big hug!
Make it look good
It’s no use going to the effort of putting together a yard sale if the items on sales are dirty, broken or don’t work.
Make sure to clean, fix and test anything that you will be selling. By having items in good condition you are upping the chance that someone will buy them and possibly even increasing the sale price.
Likewise, spend some time cleaning up your yard sale location (mow your lawn, pick up any junk, sweep, clean your garage). You don’t want people to keep driving by if they can’t find the sale items in all the mess (nor will they want to stop by).
Get the word out there
It’s important to spread the word about your sale by advertising. There are plenty of ways to share information on a grassroots level: advertising in your local paper, online listings like Craigslist or Kijiji, event listings on community portals, or asking local businesses and community groups to display flyers.
If you are putting up flyers or posters make sure you are doing it where permitted. Trynearby Rec centers, community noticeboards, or local cafes.
It’s also useful to decorate (balloons are good!) and display signs on the day, so everyone can easily find your sale.
Be prepared
Expect the unexpected. Have bags available in case there are any requests. Collect some tarps to place over your tables if a storm suddenly rolls in, or have tents that you can put up. Make sure you have plenty of smaller bills and coins – not everyone is going to have exact change.
Most importantly, remember to have fun!
