The Right Way to Have a Yard Sale

I'm having a yard sale this weekend to unload some clutter and generate some extra cash.

I'm having a yard sale this weekend to unload some clutter and generate some extra cash. But, I have to admit, I'm a yard-sale novice. Luckily, the June issue of Kiplinger's Retirement Report has a story, "Make the Most of a Garage Sale," with great tips for people like me. So if you're planning on having your own yard or garage sale, follow this advice:

1. Sell collectibles online -- they'll fetch a higher price there than in a yard sale.

2. Do some research to set prices -- this is especially true if you're selling old or unusual items. Search Google, eBay, Craigslist or consignment stores for similar items to determine market value. Check out other yard sales the weekend before yours to see how items are priced.

Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Save up to 74%
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

Sign up

3. Set prices slightly higher than what you expect to get and be prepared to negotiate.

4. Focus on presentation. Keep items accessible so people don't have to rummage through boxes and create interesting displays.

5. Watch out for thieves -- and pros. Enlist someone to be your security guard to watch shoppers while you negotiate prices and collect money. Look over items as people buy them to ensure that they haven't concealed anything inside them. And beware of antique dealers who will try to lowball you and resell your items at a higher price.

For a truly comprehensive guide -- from when to have a sale to how to prepare and how to price and present items -- see TipNut's Garage Sale Tips for Success.

If you don't have any junk to unload but could use a little more moolah, see 11 Ways to Get Extra Cash.

Cameron Huddleston
Former Online Editor, Kiplinger.com

Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.

Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.