Getting ready for a yard sale? This handy checklist will guide you step-by-step to ensure everything runs smoothly, from picking a date to making the most of your profits.
2-4 Weeks Before the Sale
- Pick Your Sale Date (and a Backup) Choose your sale day and consider a rain date, just in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
- Gather Items for Sale Start collecting all the things you’re ready to let go of. Don't forget to check the attic and basement for hidden treasures.
- Check Local Regulations Some areas require a permit to hold a yard sale—look into the rules where you live.
- Plan for Leftovers Research local donation centers to arrange for pickup of any unsold items.
- Invite Friends or Family to Join In Yard sales are more fun (and attract more buyers) when others participate.
- Write Your Advertisement Find out the deadlines for placing classified ads in local papers, and start drafting your ad to attract potential buyers.
The Week Before the Sale
- Borrow or Gather Supplies Get folding tables, clothing racks, hangers, and tarps if you don’t already have them.
- Get Your Pricing Materials Ready Stock up on pricing stickers and consider balloons or other markers to make your sale easy to spot from the road.
- Clean and Price Your Items Make sure everything looks its best, and price each item clearly. If you have owner’s manuals for bigger items, dig those up too.
- Organize Your Sale Items Group similar items together for a tidy display. Don't forget to create a "Free Box" for smaller, less valuable items.
- Plan Easy Meals Prep simple meals for the day of the sale so you don't have to worry about cooking while you’re busy selling.
- Snacks and Drinks Stock up on water and snacks to keep you going throughout the day.
- Photograph Big Items Take pictures of your larger items and post them on local classifieds like Craigslist to attract more buyers.
A Couple of Days Before the Sale
- Place Ads Online and in the Paper Make sure your yard sale ad is live in the newspaper and on online marketplaces.
- Make Your Signs Create bright, easy-to-read signs to direct people to your sale.
- Yard Prep Mow the lawn and tidy up the yard for a good first impression.
- Gather Packing Materials Collect boxes, bags, and old newspapers to help customers carry their purchases home.
The Day Before the Sale
- Get Cash for Change Visit the bank to get small bills and coins for making change.
- Put Up Your Signs Place your signs around the neighborhood to direct traffic to your sale.
- Set Up Your Sale Lay out your items and make sure everything is organized for easy browsing. Keep an eye on the weather and be ready to cover items if rain is expected.
- Prepare a Checkout Station Set up a table with a notebook, pens, pricing stickers, tape, a calculator, and packing materials. Make sure you have comfortable chairs too!
- Power and Tools Have an extension cord, batteries, and a measuring tape ready for testing electronics or measuring larger items.
- Safety Check Inspect your yard for any hazards to avoid accidents.
- Cover Items for the Night Use tarps to protect your sale items overnight.
Day of the Sale
- Get Dinner Ready Early Put something in the crockpot before you start your sale so dinner is taken care of.
- Uncover Your Sale Items Remove any tarps and set up your tables for the day.
- Concession Table (Optional) If you plan to sell snacks or drinks, set up a small concession stand.
- Keep It Neat Periodically straighten up your tables to keep everything looking appealing.
- Adjust Prices As the day goes on, consider lowering prices to move remaining items.
After the Sale
- Take Down Signs Remove your yard sale signs around the neighborhood.
- Donate Leftovers Arrange for donation pickup or drop off any unsold items at a local charity. Don’t forget to grab a tax receipt!
- Return Borrowed Items Return any tables, racks, or supplies you borrowed for the sale.
- Count Your Profits Add up your earnings, roll any change, and make a bank deposit.
