Thinking about hosting a garage sale but not sure if it’s worth the effort? In this episode, we dive into the real-life pros and cons of garage sales—from the emotional benefits of letting go to the practical challenges of pricing and planning. This conversation explores whether a garage sale is the right fit for your organizing journey and how to make the most of the experience if you decide to move forward.
Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned garage sale pro, you’ll walk away with helpful tips and a fresh perspective.
In This Episode We Talk About:
- The emotional and environmental benefits of hosting a garage sale
- Why garage sales get a bad rap—and what’s actually true
- Tips for deciding whether this decluttering method is right for you
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Free Garage Sale Planning Checklist on our Resources page
- Blog post
- Episode 87 on outsourcing vs. doing it yourself when organizing
Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast
Review Transcript:
Hey there and welcome back to Organize and Cherish. This week we are bringing back one of our most downloaded and requested episodes about garage sales and reselling, because as you know, every year we have a theme. Around this time of the year, around the springtime, like late winter, early spring, and into the summer where we touch upon the topic of reselling.
We talk about garage sales, the pros and the cons, selling online, like all the different ways that you can be downsizing your stuff via reselling or selling it as opposed to just, uh, donating it or maybe other means of like throwing it away or recycling and whatnot. So we do explore that once a year.
Because many of our audience members have a stopping point at this part, and so we'd like to help you get through the hurdle of wondering if your stuff is worth it. Is it worth it to even go down the lines of trying to resell, host a garage sale? Or do I just donate it? Like what are the pros and the cons?
And so we, we talk about it because it's one of the top three hurdles that all of you have told me you face. And I have seen personally, when people call us, it's usually because they're trying to figure out if their stuff is worth anything or yes or not. Do I keep it? How long do I keep it? And so that ends up accumulating, eventually becoming clutter when they're not thoughtful about it.
So we always bring this topic up at least once a year. In this year, I thought I would bring back one of our podcast episodes that we did because it's, well, it's still very relevant. We haven't done it. Now that we did the rename of the podcast, if you're new here, um, we renamed the podcast earlier in 2025 to organize and cherish.
We were called organized and productive, and that just no longer fit what we were trying to help people do. So we are now organizing terrorists as you know. And so we'd like to bring this episode back with a new intro like I am doing right now, which is very much, you know, modern and updated and, but the tips in the episode are still very relevant.
So whether you are preparing for your first garage sale, or just curious about whether it's worth the effort, this episode is packed with. Some great tips, some thoughtful perspectives and honest pros and cons that still apply today. So, especially the week before, our own current community garage sale. By the way, we do one every year here in Colorado.
Um, I'm one of the sponsors. I put it together. And so I do also talk about community garage sales, like if it's something that you wanna do with several other people. So don't skip this week. Okay? So this is a really good one. Even if you think that it's not for you, there might be nuggets of information in there that you can apply, like reselling online.
Maybe that could be a good avenue for you. Uh, or maybe you hear it again and you get reminded that, yep, nope, I don't do garage sales and this is why. So it is a really good reminder. Here we go. Let's hit the play button and dive right into reselling and garage sales.
Welcome to the Organized and Cherished podcast with the Organized Flamingo. I am your host Stephanie, your compassionate and efficient professional organizer. Whether you are part of the sandwich generation helping a loved one declutter, or just trying to simplify life, this is the place for you.
Together we will tackle those overwhelming piles of stuff, uncover purpose in what we keep, and let go with dignity and care, because it's not just about throwing everything away, it's about respecting memories and simplifying life. Sound like a plan? Let's jump in and get organized. Do you get excited when you go and wake up early and head to a garage sale weekend?
Like how do you feel about 'em? The reason I'm asking you this question is because I know in the last couple of years, garage sales in the reselling market has gotten kind of a bad rap. There has been a lot of innovation around reselling apps and resale marketplaces, which I love, but as a whole and as a society, whenever I talk about garage sales, I usually get a little bit of a cringe effect or factor or commentary.
I. Now you all know that I'm all about the data. So I have not officially made a survey or compiled any official information about how people feel about garage sales, but this has been my own take being in the industry where when I talk to a client and I say, Hey, maybe you are a good candidate to. Host a garage sale.
I kind of get this little pushback of, Ooh, I don't know. Oh, it sounds like a lot of work. Uh, nobody wants my trash and I get that kind of feeling. Now, I'm assuming that there will be a couple of you who were attracted to this episode because you are garage sale pros and you know your. Stuff. So obviously I'm not talking necessarily to you, but I hope you will stick around because we are going to talk about some tips and some observations that I have seen being in the organizing world that hopefully will help you as well.
But as a whole, as a society, I think especially here in the US, we just don't really have a very positive connotation to garage sales. It's usually the. People are getting rid of their stuff because they're downsizing and it's, it's looked upon as it's somebody else's trash, and it's not always the case.
And so we're going to talk about the pros and the cons. We're going to talk about my observations of what I have seen, some of the successful garage sales that I have been a part of, and that I put together, and give you some tips for you to consider if maybe garage selling is the right avenue for you in your organizing journey.
Okay, so let's get started with a little bit of the garage sale 1 0 1 and what it is, um, a garage sale is, in this terminology we're talking about the reselling of items that you already possess. So they could be brand new items you're reselling, maybe you never used them or they could be used and you are now, um, you know, getting rid of them for whatever reason.
So this is a. Sale that you have personally put together. This is not like a company brick and mortar. This isn't a store. This is a personal reselling of items in your possession. So if you're interested in the history of where garage and yard sales came about, it's a term that we use here, especially in the US where you hold, like I said, to those sales, the the privacy of your own home.
Your garage, if you will. Something that came about in, in the 19, around the 1970s were garages, um, were starting to be more popularized, and you could like the sixties, seventies, and you would host the sales in your yard. Before that, they were called rummage sales, and those were mostly held by charities, churches, and groups like that.
That would then. Sell the items to benefit their association or their nonprofit. Uh, and even prior to that, there is some history which we can dive into in on another episode, but there's some history there with, uh, it being a nautical term from rummage, which was the cargo that was packed in. To the hold of a ship and the rummage sales at that time were held at the docks in the cargo that was unclaimed or damaged, would then be sold at a discounted rate, and they were, that was the rummage.
And then from there, it just became the garage sale. So one thing led to another. So it's a little bit of a fun history for you and for you. History buffs. And I also wanted to shed light on the history of it because as most anything, things have evolved. But this one in particular, this type of sale really has stuck to its roots, right?
It's things that are no longer needed wanted, that are being sold for the, for a fraction of their, their original price. And that's the beauty of this type of sale, the seller. Is getting rid of items that are no longer used to them, and the buyer feels like they're getting a good deal, and in today's age, that we're keeping items out of the landfill.
So it's a win-win when you host these types of sales. Now, there's cons to it, and I'm not saying that a garage sale is for everyone, which we will explain some of the pros and cons, who is a right fit for this type of event, but as a whole, it's supposed to be a win-win for all parties. And the reason I am a big fan of this type of sale in an organizing journey is because there is that win-win factor.
It is an emotional win for the seller knowing that the items are going to a new home, where the item will actually be used. Many of our clients, especially if you, um, are more, you have more hoarding tendencies and you are emotionally attached to items. You can't let go of something or the items that are accumulated in your home, in your household, in your space, because there is this fear that.
You didn't get to use it or that it was a waste of time or money or effort purchasing the item. Uh, or if it is an emotional, maybe family heirloom, that you are breaking the tradition of keeping that item alive and there's a lot of guilt associated with it. So to relieve that guilt a little bit, when you know that it's going to a good home and for someone that actually will be using it, it becomes a win for you, the seller or the person who will be selling the item.
And that contributes to long lasting organizing and long lasting decluttering habits. Because it gives you that really good feeling. Now, on the other end, for the seller, they of course feel like it's a win because they got something that was much better priced. They know they're keeping in it out of the landfill, and so it just becomes a really good understanding between the parties that it was a good day.
To buy the item and then, you know, to buy and sell. So it's a win-win. So let's talk about the pros of having a garage sale. So I already talked about the emotional pro, which is finding a better home, the next home for the item. But this is a great opportunity to dec clutter and organize your living space.
It allows you to go through your space, open boxes, maybe that you have not opened in a really long time. So it gives you that chance to declutter and organize. The other is it gives you a chance to make some extra money by selling the items that you no longer need and are taking up space. Now, what kind of money you will get for the item will vary on what you're trying to sell.
I have a whole blog post, which I will link into the show notes and you can, um, also download our checklist on how to, um, have a successful garage sale. So in, in one of those, uh, points on that list, and then the blog post talks about. Yes, making extra money, but also being realistic about what you're selling.
Getting some second opinions, asking friends, going online and seeing what something is worth because, just because something, um, even if it's a brand new item and you bought it for a hundred dollars and you think that you, you know, it's. Never been used. It's brand new. The person who is buying it does not have the same emotional attachment to that item.
So what you are going to make on that item is probably not what you think you will. So just be smart about that. But you will make some extra money and that item sitting in your basement or your closet is probably not making you any money. So, you know, this is one of the other pros. Hi, cherish friends.
Life can get overwhelming. Especially when you're juggling caregiving, clutter and everything in between. That's why I created the Organized and Cherish weekly email that goes out every Wednesday straight to your inbox. To help you keep the momentum inspiration going with tips and reminders of our upcoming events, all you have to do is head on over to organize and cherish.com and sign up for the email newsletter.
It's free and you can up subscribe whenever you'd like. It's my way of helping you simplify your life and respecting memories along the way. Now back to our show. Big disclaimer here. We are not talking about, uh, collectibles or valuables. Some of you are professional collectible, uh, collectors or people that know what something is worth.
And if that's you, then you understand that, you know, you're storing it for the long term, um, value. So that's a whole, that's a whole nother episode. This is just talking about everyday items. Some of the other added benefits, which for some of you, you may like, except for some of you, you may not. Uh, and there is a way around it, but I think it's a pro, and that's the engagement with the local community and the potential to meet new people.
Um, a garage sale is a great way for you to meet your neighbors. Um, and maybe even if you're not. Social. This could be a really good opportunity to hear, you know, see, get some recommendations on where to donate things. Where can I sell this? Is there a better place? Maybe someone will tell somebody that you have a thing that they needed.
So that engagement really helps you. Um. Get rid of your stuff and find new homes for your things. Now, this is my favorite, this next pro, and that's the sustainable practice of recycling and reusing items rather than throwing them away. I, this is my favorite. This is very close to my heart. I host an annual community garage sale here in my neighborhood.
I've actually have done garage sales for many, many years. I've also done them for clients. This is one of the number one reasons why I love doing this, and it's finding new homes for things that may have ended up in the landfill. And like I said, it's a win-win. People feel like they're getting a good deal, and to me it just, it's my way of contributing to the, uh, keeping items away from just laying in landfills forever and ever when I know sometimes it can go to better homes.
This next tip is not for everyone, but I added it as a pro because I know some of you get a thrill out of this. I will say that I am not one of these people, so if you are listening to this next tip and you're like, Nope, that's not me. I hear you because I feel the same, but it's the process and getting that.
And getting the thrill of negotiating and negotiating prices. I know some of you live for this, especially as a buyer, if you enjoy going to garage sales and that thrill of getting a good bargain, oh my gosh, I know that that goes a long way. So if you enjoy that piece of it, you know somebody saying, I'll give you $2 for it, and you say a dollar, and then you meet in the middle for a dollar 50, and you think that that's a win because.
You thought you were going to get 50 cents out of it, and that's like a win for everybody. I get it. So I did add it as a pro, because I know a lot of you really enjoy that part. And if you've never done a garage sale before, try it out and see if you like it. You know? And if you don't, then there's plenty of tips.
Uh, that I talk about over on the blog page, on the blog post that I mentioned earlier. That will be in the show notes, but you don't necessarily have to negotiate. You can put up a sign that says every, you know, it's non-negotiable. You can put price tags on things and you can just let people know that is what it is.
Now, there is a little bit of a subculture and a understanding that in garage sales, in flea markets and things like that, um, in the resale market in general, that there is room for. A bargain or just to, you know, offer another price. So just know that there's a little bit of that norm, but you certainly don't have to say yes, and you can absolutely put in your ads and in your uh, signs and in your pricing that it's non-negotiable.
Okay, so now let's switch over to the cons of having and hosting a garage sale. Now, these aren't necessarily negative things, but just things for you to consider. Um, so I added them as a con because they're important to note in that this one of these cons may be the reason that, that a garage sale may not be right for you.
Okay, so one of 'em is the time, the most important. It's the time and the effort involved in planning, organizing, and promoting this, this type of sale. Uh, like I mentioned earlier, I have hosted community garage sales, which also, if you're interested in having something like that, I do have resources for you down in the show notes.
Uh, but if you're having in individual, like a personal. Uh, garage sale, it still takes some time and effort, right? You have to plan a little bit. You have to plan a date, um, set time for that date, and once you announce that date, because people need to know that you're having one, um, then you, you know, you're basically committing yourself to that, that time, that date that you told people that you were going to be there and.
In addition to that, then there's a little bit of the planning. Even if you're not a planner and you're just more of a fly by the seat of your pants type of person, you just grab and sell. There's still a little bit of planning because you, you just, you know, you have to go grab the stuff and take it out, uh, you know, and put it up on tables or, or just on your driveway or wherever area of your, in front of your house.
So there's a bit of time and effort involved, and that is something that only, you know, if you have time and the ability for. We recorded an episode here that could help you, um, where we talk about things to consider when you're outsourcing. So should you do it yourself or should you outsource it? And, and that is a great episode.
If you're contemplating if doing this type like a garage sale is right for you. I'll put that in the show notes as well. The next one is all about the weather, something that you really just can't help. I put it as a con because it makes people nervous, um, not knowing what will happen, like, you know, finding that perfect date that's like the most beautiful weather.
Not too hot, not too cold. Um, but it's a not, it's not under your control and you can plan as much as possible, uh, knowing that, you know, you, wherever you live, maybe you know your weather patterns and you know that it's just better to have it in June, maybe to have it in August. Um, whatever it may be, only you know that, but just know that if the weather is not great, you do need to make alternative arrangements, especially if you're, you did a lot of pre-planning, like advertisement, uh, like you set up your tables ahead of time and you did all of that.
Uh, like I said, I do have a list of all like how to have a really good successful, uh, garage sale, and it talks about the pre-planning process, so there's effort involved in that. And if you get rained out or something to that effect, well now you have to make some plans. I. For another date. And if that makes you a little bit nervous then, or you have to have the garage sale that weekend because you're moving the weekend after, then that is something that, um, you may not love and something that you just need to consider.
The next one is about an emotional con, and this is a tip that I just, I give. And that I wanted to talk about because this could happen, especially if you've never done a garage sale before, and that's the possible disappointment if items don't sell or they don't get the price that you want. So that is a con.
If you are an emotionally attached person that may. Surprise you that when you, somebody tells you they'll give you, you know, a dollar for it and you bought it for a hundred dollars, or it's a family heirloom and you could potentially feel almost whether embarrassed and or. You may get defensive over it, then a garage sale may not be right for you because people there are trying to get a bargain and it's not personal to you, but you may feel that way.
So if you are in a sensitive emotional place, a garage sale may not be right for you right now. Or for those items that you feel very emotionally connected to because, well, you know, the people that are trying to buy it are in a different place. They don't feel your emotions, so that's another con for you to think about.
I feel like this one can be worked around as long as you. Prepare yourself that that may happen, but I also understand that many of you have items that would be very difficult or you would find offensive if somebody offered you much less in what you thought you were going to. So, you know, keep that in mind.
The last tip is all about getting people to come to your garage sale and potentially having the disappointment of not having enough people come to your sale. Um, so that's not even about that. You can't even sell things. This is about, people are not even coming or stopping by, and especially if you're not in a.
Highly visible place or corner, or house or you know, area. Then if you don't have a good strategy of getting people to come to the sale, then they won't even be able to buy because they don't even know you're there. And so that could be a con if you don't have a good strategy on. Uh, advertising for this or a good reach then, or a good reach of somehow, whether it's through your social media that you're, if you feel uncomfortable about posting or you don't know how to do it, that may be a con for you, because if not enough people, not, not enough traffic comes through your sale, through your garage sale, then there's no way that they know that you're even there.
And that might be disappointing. Now, I do have some tips in that blog post that I just talked about about. Trying to avoid that piece because, so I don't necessarily think it's a con as long as you're prepared. Prepared. If during your sale you find your, if you did not go, uh, do a good enough job advertising or you just didn't have the time or, or honestly it was just a bad day and people are not walking by your neighborhood and therefore not.
Seen your sale. There's a couple of alternatives, um, that you have and that you can turn this event into a positive because you can just take pictures of the stuff that's out there already and post 'em on online social media platforms, marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and Mar and Poshmark.
I have a whole list of online resellers that you can post it to, so even if. That becomes the downside of you having the garage sale and you just don't get enough traffic. Use it as a moment of exposure because everything's probably out in the sunshine, right outside, good lighting. Just take pictures and post them on social media, like I said, all these other marketplaces, and still get some good usage of the time that it took for you to put this together.
So that could definitely be turned around if you have, um, if you're a little bit prepared. So to end our episode today, I wanted to share some feedback that I received from a neighbor. She was one of the participants in our community garage sale this year, and. It was just really heartwarming to me, um, what she said.
So let me, let me read it to you for our first and last garage sale. It was so great. Now, in parentheses here, I just gotta share with you, they are moving to their forever home. So in theory, this would be their last garage sale and they had never hosted one before. So last in first, then she continues.
Enjoyed meeting neighbors. We never knew everything is gone Planned to make a run to the local charity, but gave everything away at the garage sale. So many happy faces. We'd love that some of our treasures found new homes and a new life. Hope the community continues this tradition and for the sake of our landfills.
This was a great idea. Thank you for listening to the Organized and Cherish podcast with the Organized Flamingo. If you enjoy today's episode, I'd be so grateful if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast player. It helps others discover our show. For full show notes, resources, and more organizing inspiration, visit www.theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast.
Until next time, happy organizing.
