Possibly the best way to cut clutter in your house is to have a garage sale, and now that it’s summer here’s the excuse you’ve been waiting for! Selling things online would work too, but this is a little more low-key, fun to do with the family. However, as you know, deciding to have a garage sale is one thing, but actually following through on it can be pretty tough, so here’s our guide on how to stick to the plan! Go through our checklist below for a quick and easy yard sale day:

3-4 Weeks Ahead…

First things first, plan the yard sale! It’s best to do this 3-4 weeks ahead of time so you’re completely ready for it! During this 3-4 week period you’ll want to hunt your entire inventory down, and plan a date to stick to. Whether it’s your old furniture, old magazines, or just miscellaneous items you can’t keep track of anymore, put it all in one place! Once you decide an item is merchandise, it’s merchandise! Don’t be a wishy-washy-should-I-keep-it type! Odds are you shouldn’t! Keep everything in those big storage boxes for the next couple weeks, if that’s what it takes to keep you from changing your mind…

The next thing to do is to research your neighborhood or community rules on garage/yard sales. Some have them, some don’t, but you always want to make sure you don’t break any! Typically it’ll require having a garage sale permit costing from $1-$15. Don’t skip out on this step because it’s not worth getting in trouble over!

Find another family to sell with! Double the fun, and double the pressure not to back out last minute. Not only will it encourage you to go through with the whole thing, but you’ll also get double the customers! Just keep track of whose things are whose…

If you want to place an ad in your local newspaper, go for it! Or better yet, place an ad in Craigslist. Make sure you word your ad carefully, highlight the bigger items you sell such as furniture, but stay away from words like “miscellaneous”! Split the cost with your sale buddy, and watch your traffic grow. If you have specific times set, make sure to include this in any ads so unwanted customers don’t come too early.

When the sale is over you’re bound to end up with extras, but don’t take this as an opportunity to keep the junk! Three weeks ahead, organize a charity to pick up all your extras or save it for the next garage sale, but don’t add it back to the clutter.

A Week Ahead…

Touch up your sale items! If it looks like junk, your customers won’t be interested. Clean up your merchandise and repair anything if necessary. Give everything a price (even if you plan to bargain), and head to the bank for change so you’re prepared for the big bills that need to be broken.

Here’s where the whole family comes in, make fun signs to hang around the neighborhood! Just get a couple blank posters, bring out the markers, and let the kids have at it! Make sure to include the day, times, arrows if needed/the location.

A Day In Advance…

Don’t forget to set up the sale area! Whether it’s the garage, driveway, or yard, move your signs and tables outside so you’re ready to go! Test your calculator, make sure there’s enough change, and collect some old grocery bags for the smaller items! Set paper and pens aside so you can record each sale, and gather packaging for more delicate items.

Day of…

If your signs aren’t already up, put them up! Get ready for the sale by moving all merchandise outside and treat your customer to fresh lemonade or refreshments! Make sure to open the sale as planned and sell, sell, sell!

Day after…

Deposit all your well-earned money to keep track, and clean up the evidence. Make sure your extras get delivered to the charity you planned, or store them away for the next time! Take down all the signs and celebrate!