Need Money for Moving Expenses? Look In Your Garage !
by Judi Wolfson and Elaine Shreiber
Immensely popular, garage sales offer a homeowner a way to turn unwanted items into cash, and shoppers an opportunity to get real bargains. If having a garage sale is in your future, start gathering up the following objects. These items have proven to be the most sought-after treasures at garage sales:Selling your home often means getting rid of a ton of stuff that you have accumulated over the years. What better way to do this, make money, and have fun in the bargain than by holding a garage sale?
- BOOKS: When asked what they had bought at garage sales, 63 % of respondents said, "books", making them the single most popular item.
- CHILDREN'S CLOTHING: The better the condition, the more in demand. But, even those garments with stains may still be serviceable, and may be swept up by bargain hunters.
- CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: Those five boxes of lights that you found under the eaves ( and haven't used in 10 years) are sought-after items.
- EXERCISE EQUIPMENT: That bike, or rowing machine, that you have been using for a clothes rack, can be turned into cash.
- FURNITURE: Whatever odd piece you no longer want will probably be snapped up by someone else.
- GARDENING GEAR: Well-crafted trowels and other digging tools are virtually indestructible. Some gardener will surely be looking for them.
- HARDWARE: Don't throw away those picture hangers, hooks, and nails. Your old tools will also be a hit.
- LAMPS: Even if they need to be re-wired, table lamps are an item that garage sale advocates want.
- LUGGAGE: Old suitcases, while heavier than today's models, are also tougher. Some people prefer this strong luggage.
- PET SUPPLIES: Alas, a hamster cage or a fish bowl often lasts longer than the pets they once housed. Sell it !
- PICTURE FRAMES: Because new ones are expensive, frames are popular items, and ones that never go out of style.
- PLANTERS, and VASES: Again, these items do not go out of style, but DO go quickly at garage sales.
- RECORDS: Collectors scour garage sales looking for gems, and ordinary people come looking for their favorites.
- TOYS and GAMES: Simple toys and classic games are always in demand.
- Have small bills and change available. Don't lose a potential sale because you can't make change, or break a twenty dollar bill.
- Bring your common sense. People shop garage sales for bargains. Period. Be realistic with the pricing of your sale items.
- Bring your sense of humor. Be prepared for good-natured (or maybe NOT so good-natured) haggling. If you think you might be offended if someone makes a low ball offer on the picture frame Aunt Tillie gave you, then don’t put it out for sale.
- Remember WHY you had the sale in the first place. A garage sale is successful if you have nothing left at the end of the day to put back into the garage!
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