Let’s talk about garage sales! Garage sales can be a great option for decluttering and making some extra money. But how do you make them successful? We covered tips on how to get people to come to your sale, how to make the most of the sale, and alternative ways to sell your items if your garage sale doesn't go as planned.
In this episode we talk about:
- Pros & Cons of garage sales
- What to consider when hosting a garage sale
- How does the reselling market impact garage sales?
- Are Garage Sales right for you in your organizing journey?
- How can you turn a poorly attended garage sale into a positive experience?
Mentioned in this Episode:
Should You Do-it-Yourself or Outsource It?
https://theorganizedflamingo.com/6-should-you-do-it-yourself-or-outsource-it/
Virtual Sell/Buy Marketplaces Blog Post
https://theorganizedflamingo.com/virtual-sell-buy-marketplaces/
Think your community or group of friends could benefit from a Community Garage Sale?
Get our “Community Garage Sales Made Easy Handbook” in our shop!
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The Organized & Productive podcast is brought to you by The Organized Flamingo and hosted by Stephanie Y. Deininger! For those of you who love the thought of organizing & being more productive, but don’t know where to start or constantly up against hurdles that don’t let you advance the way you want to, this podcast is for you!
Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast
Connect with Stephanie
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Review the Transcript:
Welcome to the organized and productive podcast with organized Flamingo. I am your host, Stephanie, a professional organizer and productivity expert, ready to explore the right organizing and productivity solutions for you? Yeah, well, then let's go.
Be honest. What do you think about garage sales? Do they make you cringe? Do you get excited when you go and wake up early and head to a garage sale weekend? How do you feel about them? 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.
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 been in the industry where when I talk to a client, and I say, hey, maybe you're a good candidate to host a garage sale, I kind of get this little pushback of ooh, I don't know. It sounds like a lot of work. 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 a 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 one on one and what it is, 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 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 the 19.
Around the 1970s work garages, were starting to be more popularized, and you could like the 60s 70s. 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. In even prior to that there is some history which we can dive into in on another episode. But there's some history there with it being a nautical term from rummage, which was the cargo that was packed in to the holder of a ship. And the Roman shells at that time were held at the docks and 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 fret 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 use 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 landfills 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 con on who is the 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 are more, you have more hoarding tendencies, and you're emotionally attached to items, you can't let go of something or the items that are accumulating in your home in your household in your space. Because there was 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. 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 good home in 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 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 declutter 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. But I have a whole blog post, which I will link into the show notes. And you can also download our checklist on how to have a successful garage sale. So one of those points on that list in the blog post talks about Yes, making extra money, but also being realistic about what you're selling and getting some second opinions, asking friends going online and seeing what something is worth. Because just because something may even if it's a brand new item, and you've bought it for $100. And you think that you know, it's never been used, it's brand new, the person who was 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 at your basement or your closet is probably not making you any money. So you know, this is one of the other pros, big disclaimer here. We are not talking about collectibles or valuables some of you are professional, collectible collectors or people that know what something is worth. And if that's you, then you understand that you're storing it for the long term 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 the first some of you, you may like it's up for some of you, you may not and there is a way around it. But I think it's a pro in that's the engagement with the local community and the potential to meet new people. A garage sale is a great way for you to meet your neighbors. 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 need it so that engagement really helps you get rid of your stuff and finding new homes for your things. Now this is my favorite this next pro in that 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, but 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 keeping items away from just laying in landfills forever and ever when I know sometimes it can go to better homes. This now 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 $1, and then you meet in the middle for $1.50. 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 don't if you don't, then there's plenty of tips that I talked 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 everything, 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 understanding that in garage sales and flea markets and things like that, in the resale market in general, that there was room for a bargain, or just to you know, offer another price. So just know that there was a little bit of that norm, but you certainly don't have to say yes, and you can absolutely put in your ads in in your 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. 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 a garage sale may not be right for you. Okay, so one of them is the time, the most important, it's the time and the effort involved in planning, organizing and promoting this, this type of sale. 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. But if you're having an individual, like a personal community garage sale, it still takes some time and effort, right, you have to plan a little bit, you have to plan a date, set time for that date.
And once you announce that date, because people need to know that you're having one, then you 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 a 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 you there's still a little bit of planning because you you just you have to go grab this stuff and take it out. And you know, and put it up on tables or or just on your driveway or wherever area of you're 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 would help you where we talk about things to consider when you're outsourcing. So should you do it yourself? Or should you outsource it and that is a great episode. If you're contemplating if doing this type of 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. 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. But it's not it's not under your control.
And you can plan as much as possible. 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, 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, like you set up your tables ahead of time and you did all of that. Like I said, I do have a list of all like how to have a really good successful 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 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 you may not love and something that you just need to consider. Then next one is about an emotional con.
And this is a tip that I just give in that I wanted to talk about because as 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, $1 for it, and you bought it for $100, or it's a family heirloom, and you could potentially feel almost weather 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're 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 than 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. 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 a 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 can be a con if you don't have a good strategy on advertising for this or a good reach, then or 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 that 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 prepare prepared. If during your sale, you find your if you did not 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 seeing your sale. There's a couple of alternatives that you have in 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 them on online social media platforms, marketplaces like Craigslist, and Facebook marketplace and mark in 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 a 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 if you're a little bit prepared. So and 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 heart warming to me 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 got to 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 lastin 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. Great lesson to teach the next generation. Thank you for listening to the organized and productive podcast with the organized Flamingo. If you enjoyed today's episode, I would love it if you'd leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast player. It helps with letting people know that we're here are full show notes and resources head on over to the organized flamingo.com/podcast have The Organizing
