YOUR GARAGE SALE CHECKLIST 

Firstly

·         Find a space to gather all items to be sold

·         Ask your family, friends and neighbours if they have items they would like to also sell

·         Clean and price all items

·         Work out how many helpers you need on the day

·         Choose a Saturday or Sunday, 3 – 4 weeks ahead to hold the garage sale

·         Check your local community guide to ensure no major events or sporting games will be held on that same date

Two Weeks Before

·         Place a brief advertisement in your local paper detailing the address, day, date, and start and finish times

·         Don’t include your name and telephone number in the advertisement

The Evening Before/Day of Sale

·         Place signage and arrows on the corners of your street and on both sides of major roads leading to your street.  Ask your local First National agent if you may borrow their garage sale signs

·         Have all helpers wear a money belt or, alternatively, have one person handling transactions

·         Have plenty of change available

·         Have drinks and seating available for helpers

Getting Organised

·         Sort through your possessions to look for items you no longer need.  Store them separately.  Let family, friends and neighbours know you’re holding a garage sale and ask if they have any items they would like included. Ask if they would like to help on the day. Clean all items to ensure a good price

Date and Time

·         9am is a good starting time as you will find serious buyers will probably start knocking on your door an hour or so before.  An earlier start could result in buyers disturbing you and the neighbours. Remember to clearly state a finish time (12pm or 1pm) otherwise people will still arrive later in the day

Security

·         Have plenty of change available – lots of small items will require plenty of small change. Large items may require you to break larger notes

·         Do not accept personal cheques.  Ensure all items are paid for and removed immediately or at least on the same day.  If people wish to pick up items later in the day, be sure to get the payment in full.  If really pushed to hold an item, give a limited time, say half and hour

Advertising and Signs

·         Place advertisements in your local paper during the week of your Garage Sale as most hunters will normally check local papers. Daily papers tend to be expensive but some do have special sections and deals that may be worth investigating.  Place an advertisement one week ahead and again the day before the event

·         Do not include your name or telephone number or you may be inundated with phone calls

·         Your advertisement should be brief.  If you have special items that you think will entice buyers remember to mention them. List items such as furniture, baby goods, books, bric-a-brac etc.

·         Place signage the evening before or on the morning of the sale. Keep signs brief – day, time and address

·         Please respect other people’s property when putting up signs.  Consider approaching local shopkeepers as they may allow signs in their windows.  Also, consider community notice boards.  These can be placed about a week before the event.  Often your First National Real Estate office will also be able to help you with the supply of directional pointer signs