Garage Sales: Earn Extra Money and De-Clutter Your Home

Garage sales are a great way to earn a little extra cash for yourself and your family. Plus it’s something in which that the whole household can participate. It’s also a good way to de-clutter your home before heading into the summer. In order to have a successful sale, here are a few tips and ideas to help you get the best results possible.

ORGANIZE

Take an afternoon or two with your family to prepare for the sale. Have everyone in the house gather three piles of everything they no longer want/use, even the kids! The first pile will be for gently used items that can be sold. The second pile is for items to be donated to your favorite local charity. The third and final pile will be for garbage (broken toys, ripped clothes, etc).

UNITE

Invite other family members and friends to join forces and make a “mega-sale.” Multi-family sales tend to bring out more shoppers. Check with your neighbors to see if they plan on having a sale. If possible, join forces with them to have your rummage sale on the same day. People are much more likely to come to a neighborhood sale versus a single home sale.

ADVERTISE

Hang signs around the neighborhood and place free ads on Craigslist as a way to get the news of your sale out to those who are looking for a great deal. Post hours and get ready for shoppers. Don’t let early bird shoppers catch you off guard.

INVOLVE YOUR KIDS

Working at the sale is not just for adults. It’s fun for kids too! It’s a great way to get your kids working on math skills. Allow them to help price items and work at the checkout table. Working with the money and adding up totals and handing out change is a great way to get the mind working.

Did your kids sell anything in the sale? Let them keep their earnings for their books, clothes and toys they sold. That way they can start saving money for a new toy that they want, or have their own money to spend next time they go out with their friends for a movie.

By hosting your own rummage sale you will reduce household clutter and you will earn a few extra dollars. Those extra dollars can be used for a meal out, paying ahead on a utility bill or saving for future expenses. The possibilities are endless!

If you would like some guidance on how to spend your extra earnings, call LSS at 888.577.2227 or get all your support online. Our financial counselors can help you determine the best way to use that money - and provide unbiased advice. Take action today and improve your financial future!

By Sarah Packingham