The weeks leading up to a household move can get pretty hectic. One way to alleviate some stress is to get organized and offload possessions you don’t need. Holding a moving sale is an ideal way to downsize, save on moving costs, and put extra cash in your pocket. Here are seven tips for having a successful moving sale.
1. Select a Date and Time
Generally, the best days for moving sales are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Plan to hold your sale for at least two days. Set a date as soon as possible once you know you’re moving. This way, if you don’t sell as much as you’d like, you can either hold a second moving sale, sell items online, or have time to donate them. Next, choose a start and end time. Try to plan the sale early in the morning; 7 or 8 a.m. is usually the best time. (Keep in mind, you’re also likely to get early birds regardless of the time.)
2. Ask Neighbors if They Want to Join In
The more, the merrier! Ask neighbors if they’d be interested in participating in a multi-family yard sale event. The larger the sale, the chances more buyers will attend. Plus, it’s easier to spread the word about the sale with more neighbors involved.
3. Be Sure to Advertise
Dropping a post on Facebook is helpful, but it isn’t going to be enough to have a successful sale. Use different advertising techniques, including Craigslist, placing flyers at grocery stores and other high traffic areas, and posting bright-colored posters in and around the neighborhood.
Pro Tip: Before posting signs, check with local officials and HOAs to ensure you don’t break any rules.
4. Set Prices for Each Item
Evaluate the items planned to be sold and set fair pricing. If unsure, look on eBay or other online sales spaces to see what similar things are going for. Be sure when you plan for pricing to remember that people will try to barter and go into the sale willing to negotiate. Items truly worth more money than you’re ready to negotiate might be better off sold online or at a consignment shop.
5. Tag Each Item
Tag each item with its own sticker and place it in an easy-to-see location. It’s sometimes helpful to use colored tags (e.g., high and low-priced items or if it’s a multi-family sale) to help differentiate where needed.
6. Plan for Tables, Baskets, and Blankets
Get as organized as possible and eliminate the possibility that possessions you don’t want to sell aren’t comingled with the items for sale. Set up tables, place smaller, non-breakable items in baskets, and layout blankets. Having an organized display makes your things look more appealing, and it’s easier to keep track of what you are selling.
7. Establish a ‘Register’ for Payments
Have a separate table to handle transactions. Items you’ll need include:
- Cash box with plenty of change
- Calculator
- Scissors, tape, and packing paper (for fragile items)
- Plastic bags, boxes, etc.
Be sure to designate someone to always be at the “register” at all times during the sale.
Moving Made Easy
Holding a sale is a great way to reduce clutter, simplify packing, and reduce moving costs. Need help with an upcoming move? Contact us today for a free quote.