National Garage Sale Day

Clear out your home and earn some cash along the way!

Whether you’re downsizing, rightsizing or simply want to clear out some possessions, garage sales are a popular way to do just that. National Garage Sale Day, the second Saturday in August, recognizes the history of and activity around sales that pop up in almost every neighborhood from coast to coast.

Looking to downsize? WayForth’s downsizing professionals can help you! Contact us today for a consultation.

A quick history lesson

These types of sales – where people got rid of items they no longer wanted – probably started in the late 1800s as a way for churches or civic groups to make money for those in need. People in the church or community donated their possessions and clothes, and the money made went to charities or struggling families. At these events, people “rummaged” around to find what they wanted. Hence the alternate name of “rummage sales” for garage sales.

Later as modernization and innovation took hold, people in the 1950s and 1960s wanted to get new, updated items, so they sold their things to clear the way for a new purchase. An added bonus was that they made a little money.

Today, garage sales are still popular and occur in large neighborhoods and small towns. Spring and summer are the most popular times to hold one since the weather is more cooperative. And, depending on which place or area of the country you live in, they can be called “stoop sales,” “yard sales,” or “tag sales.”

Make a garage sale plan

If you’re interested in having a garage sale, you should know that it takes time and effort. Pulling things from your attic, basement or rooms and sorting them can mean a couple of weeks, especially if you’re downsizing. Planning ahead and managing the work in a reasonable amount of time can cut down on stress.

Once you decide to have a garage sale, It’s important to:

• Organize ahead of time—Start thinking a month ahead and group items together. For example, make a box of books that you want to sell and put any children’s items in one single pile. This will make it easier on you when you are pricing items and moving them outside the day of the sale.

• Advertise ahead so people can plan to stop by—Use your local newspaper, Facebook page, Next Door app or other avenues to let people know the location and time of the sale. You can also use some signs around your neighborhood to direct people to your sale.

• Get an assistant or two to help manage customers and collect money—If garage sales are popular in your area, you may want to get help. Customers may all come at once and you will have to answer questions, bargain on prices and collect money. Ask a neighbor or family member to lend a hand. It’s also smart for your safety since you will have people you don’t know coming to your home.

• Know what you want to do with things that don’t sell—Not everything will sell. Be ready to bargain, especially if it’s the end of the day. A bedframe might be marked at $25, but know if you will accept $10. Also, figure out what organizations will take donations of unwanted items and what hours they are open.

Talk to WayForth if you need help

While we don’t organize garage sales, we can help with downsizing and clearing out items if you’re selling your home. We also offer storage services if you need somewhere to stash your items. Our moving solutions include:

• Downsizing: Let our team work with you to make sure you’re only packing and moving items you still love, need, and/or use. We’ll help you sort, decide what to keep and even pack if you need our support. We can also make a plan for items that are no longer needed including storing them for family members to pick up.

• Clear-out and prepare for sale: We can make donation runs for you and clean your empty home from top to bottom so it’s ready for real estate showings or its next owner.

• Storage services: From furniture to holiday decorations, we can store what you want to keep until you’re ready to use it. WayForth can also hold items until you have a new home or find a new owner for your possessions.

Want more information about our comprehensive moving solutions with WayForth, including downsizing, clear-out and storage services? Contact our moving professionals today at 1.844.WAYFORTH.