WHAT IS A SUCCESSFUL MOVING SALE
If there’s one constant about moving, it’s that it always provides the ideal opportunity to get rid of things you don’t want or need. Even though you could just throw such items away, recycle them, or give them away, having a pre-move sale is the best way to get rid of them while also making a little extra money to help pay for the movers.
A pre-moving sale provides more benefits than just the opportunity to make quick money. When you pack fewer items into the moving truck, the freight is lighter, and the cost of your move is lower. Using them will also result in much faster packing and unloading of unnecessary items.
A pre-move sale requires a little more effort than simply laying out your items on your front lawn and hanging a sign. Follow the steps below to organize a successful moving sale if you want to get rid of as much as possible for the best price.
Date and time are set: Select a suitable time and day. Weekends are the best days. Because of the better weather and increased outdoor activities, spring is often the best time of year for moving sales. Avoid holding a pre-move sale on a holiday or on a day when a major event, such as a big sporting event, is taking place in your area. Start early in the morning and work through the afternoon. Also, be prepared for early birds who may arrive a little before the official start time.
Consult with the local authorities: If permission is required, or if there are any laws or limits to be aware of, obtain information ahead of time. Even if you think you won’t have any problems planning a garage sale, it’s always a good idea to double-check. Begin this process three to four weeks in advance to allow for the completion of any necessary permits or other arrangements.
Make the following list: When you look at a collection of items you no longer want, it’s easy to wonder who will buy it. Consider your old items to be undiscovered treasures rather than a massive pile of garbage. Spend some time thoroughly washing everything. If the item’s original packaging is still available, put everything together. If you still have the original owner’s manuals, tape them to the equipment. Make every effort to return something to its original, alluring state.
It is preferable to have more (excellent) items: Don’t limit your search for items for moving sales to closets and cabinets. Check your attic, cellar, garage, shed, and other storage areas, as they may contain items you haven’t used in a long time. We’ve all heard the expression “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” A useful object in good condition is worth displaying. Anything that is damaged, filthy, or in poor condition should be discarded as soon as possible.
If you have a lot of items to sell, consider placing an ad in your local newspaper. You can also advertise your yard sale on Craigslist. In your advertisement, include the location, date, and hours. Give potential customers a summary of what you have for sale. Consider local advertising as well. Don’t forget to distribute signs and flyers throughout your community.
Request Assistance from Your Friends: Looking at our things objectively can be difficult at times. One method for dealing with this problem is to enlist the assistance of a few close friends. They’ll be familiar enough with you to know you’ll never give up your collection of decorative tins. With the help of your friends, you can sort through your belongings objectively. Furthermore, the procedure will be much faster.
Everything Should Be Priced: Garage sales can be chaotic. Even if you have two or three friends to help you sell your wares, you won’t have time to stop and calculate a price each time someone asks for something. It is entirely up to you whether you want to allow customers to haggle over pricing, but marking everything ahead of time will save you the headache of having to figure out a price on the fly. While making money is important, your main goal should be to get rid of all these extra items so your movers have less to move.
Establish reasonable prices: The main goal of a pre-move sale is to make money, but if you charge too much, fewer people will buy from you. Because people go to moving sales to get a good deal, you won’t be able to charge what an item is really worth or even what a used store might charge for it. Bring it to a consignment shop if you believe it is worth more than you can get for it at a moving sale.
Accept negotiating: While it’s ideal for customers to pay you the price you set for a service or commodity, those who value a good deal will frequently look for a better one. Consider lowering the price if you have a buyer who is interested in your items but will not pay full price. Even a small price reduction may increase their likelihood of purchasing something, but it does not have to be at the price they are offering. If there are any prices that you are certain you will not accept, mark them ahead of time.
Make refreshments: Even the smallest additions will allow more people to enter. You could sell refreshments, snacks, and/or baked goods in addition to your wares. You could also provide free refreshments on a hot day by giving them access to a cooler containing something hydrating. It may be beneficial in the long run, even if it requires a little more effort from you.
Garage sales are an excellent way to get rid of unwanted items. You can make the most of your garage sale and earn some extra cash by following these tips.