This year marked the seventh annual Larkspur Community Garage Sale and Flea Market. Since 2019, I've had the joy (and the behind-the-scenes rush) of organizing this event for our neighbors in Larkspur, Colorado. Every year is different, and 2025 was no exception—filled with great connections, a few tough moments, and valuable lessons worth sharing.
Whether you’re thinking of joining a community garage sale or considering organizing one yourself, here’s a recap of what worked, what didn’t, and who this kind of event is really for.
Event Overview: What We Did This Year
Here is a quick recap of the dates & logistics.
- We held the event across three days:
- Friday, June 6 was a Flea Market style day at the community park (8 AM–2 PM)
- Saturday & Sunday, June 7–8 were the Individual neighborhood garage sales (8 AM–2 PM)
In total, we had 11 sponsors—six paid and five in-kind—supporting everything from marketing to signage and logistics. These included local real estate agents, organizers, a printer, a hauler, a thrift store, and the Larkspur Sentinel newspaper.
Thanks to our sponsors, sellers received directional signs, listing support, and access to free ARC donation box truck for all 80118 residents and driveway pickup the Monday after the event for people who signed up as a seller—making it easier for participants to let go of anything that didn’t sell.
How Did It Go? Honest Reflections from Sellers
Some sellers had fantastic results:
“Sold all the big items we wanted to and a lot of the smaller items. We made ~$1,200.”
“Traffic was great, and we got to meet a lot of neighbors!! The event was well organized.”
Others were more cautious in their praise:
“We made about $50, but it felt like we earned $4 an hour.”
“It wasn’t as active as last year, but we did move some stuff. I’m still pleased.”
“We did okay—sold quite a bit but not some of the higher-value items. But I didn’t really expect those to go at a garage sale.”
Some sellers came in with clear priorities:
“My overall goal was to get rid of things, so I priced them to sell or gave them away for free. From that standpoint, I met my objectives.”
“I didn’t make a lot of money, but traffic was great, and I met a lot of neighbors!”
“I almost reached my $200 goal. Only two people were interested in the kids’ stuff, which told me a lot about our local buyer base.”
There were also first-timers who left feeling encouraged:
“My first year of participating! I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth everything went. I earned more than expected. Thank you for making it so easy.”
One recurring theme? Sellers who promoted their sale—on Facebook, Nextdoor, Craigslist, or with visible signage—had better results:
“I posted every day on Facebook and Nextdoor, and we had great traffic.”
“We put signs on corners near our street, and that helped draw people in.”
“We were in a more isolated part of the neighborhood, but cross-listing made our sales great each day!”
Who Shows Up to Garage Sales (And Why That Changes Everything)
In my experience, four core groups drive garage sale traffic:
- New homeowners and DIY renovators looking to furnish a space on a budget.
- People restarting their lives—such as asylum seekers, displaced individuals, and people with limited financial means. They often arrive with cash and a real need to furnish a home from scratch.
- Collectors and resellers who are strategic about what they buy and where they go. They know what will flip well or fill a gap in their collection.
- Deal hunters—people who simply love the thrill of a great find.
Expert Thought: When any of these groups are impacted by life circumstances, economic trends, or competing events, garage sale traffic shifts significantly.
This year, we noticed that:
- Other nearby communities hosted sales the same weekend. Our more rural location meant many collectors and resellers opted for denser sales in nearby cities.
- Shoppers weren’t as present. Several sellers noted fewer big groups or newcomers this year. Political tensions and safety concerns may have made some feel hesitant about attending public sales.
- The housing market in our area slowed significantly. Fewer home sales meant fewer people actively searching for furniture and decor.
- As a result, our biggest buyer group this year was the casual deal-seekers—people who love the adventure of browsing tables, chatting with neighbors, and snagging a $2 treasure.
Highlights & What We’ll Improve for Next Time
Overall, sellers praised the organization, communication, and ARC pickup:
“Great experience and great communication.”
“Even though traffic was slower, ARC picking everything up Monday made it 100% worth it.”
“So easy to sign up, get signs, and get listed. I’d do it again.”
But we also heard clear ideas for improvement:
- Signage: The lightweight yellow plastic signs didn’t hold up in wind or rain. We’re considering returning to cardboard signs with metal frames (but these have gone up in price by 2-3x. We used to them for $4-$5 each and now, they are at least $12.00
- Donation truck hours: A few sellers suggested extending ARC pickup past the official end times to allow for late drop-offs.
- More local advertising: A few mentioned wanting to see more signage on highways or main roads leading into Larkspur.
All of this feedback is incredibly helpful—and we’re listening.
Should You Join a Community Garage Sale?
If you’re on the fence about hosting your own sale or joining a community one, here’s who it’s great for:
- People who want accountability to finally declutter
- Households that have a moderate amount to sell—enough for a table or two
- Anyone who doesn’t want to do it alone
- People who value connection and shared experiences over maximizing profit
But it might not be the right fit if:
- Your items are high-value and you want top dollar
- You don’t have time or interest in promoting your sale
- You prefer selling online or in targeted niche communities
Still unsure? I dive deeper into these topics in my podcast and blog posts:
Episode 123: Garage Sales – Worth It or Waste of Time?
Episode 73: Reselling Revolution (Replay)
In-Person vs. Online Reselling
Final Reflections from Me 🙂
Hosting this event isn’t just about what sells—it’s about finishing the story.
What does that mean?
Every item we own carries a story. Some remind us of a time, a person, or a place. Others represent who we used to be—or who we thought we’d become. When those stories are left untold or unresolved, they linger. They clutter not just our homes, but our minds. A garage sale, at its best, is a way to finish the story. To give your items a final chapter. To let go with purpose and move on.
And in doing so, you make space—physically and emotionally—for what’s next.
You might meet a neighbor who drops by for a coffee table and leaves with a smile. Or connect with someone new to the area, picking up kids’ clothes and asking when the next sale will be. These moments matter more than the dollar amount you walk away with.
Yes, it’s work. There are signs to place, spreadsheets to update, emails to send, volunteers to coordinate. But what you get back—a lighter home, a fuller heart, and a stronger community—is worth it every time.
To everyone who participated, supported, or simply cheered us on from the sidewalk—thank you. Whether it was your first year or your seventh, you were part of something that made our town a little brighter.
And if you’ve been standing on the sidelines, wondering if this might be your year to join—maybe it is.
Let’s keep making space for what matters—together.