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If you’ve been in your home for years, you might have an untapped gold mine on your hands. Your garage isn’t just a home for your car and next year’s Christmas decorations. It’s also a resource, usually storing unused valuables that others would be willing to pay lots of money for. Garage sales help you bring in extra cash and get rid of that mountain of clutter you don’t know what to do with. In this post, you’ll discover how to host a successful garage sale in Denver, CO.

Host Your Event On a Saturday

Most people set aside Saturdays for shopping, leisure, and entertainment. Having a garage sale on the weekend ensures that your customers will actually have time to visit you. The most successful garage sales are hosted during the summer and only one day on the weekend. 

Late spring to early fall are the best times for garage sales, coinciding with spring break or with kids heading back to school. 

Set Store Hours

It may seem like a good idea to stay outside selling until everything is gone, but having set hours creates a sense of urgency in customers. It also helps the hardcore garage sale enthusiasts know when to show up before the crowds. Start early in the day so you don’t have to be selling into the night. Typically, 9 am to 4 pm is a good operating time for garage sales.

Think Like a Shopper

You’ve likely left places because you were hungry or bored. People stick around longer if they know they don’t have to leave for lunch. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but consider offering small snacks and drinks to buyers. Providing people with something they can walk around with like cookies, crackers, or lemonade can be a great way to encourage them to linger. 

Also, bust out the wireless speaker and play some music to keep your guests entertained while they shop and boost the overall ambience. Remember: Neat appearances can raise the perceived value of your items! Give yourself enough time to wash items and scrub away any old dirt or grime before selling them.

It’s most enjoyable to shop in a clean environment. If you want to clean your garage exterior for the big day, read How to Deep Clean Your Garage Door or for tips on boosting your curb appeal and attracting more shoppers.

Tell More People Than You Think You Need To

The worst feeling when hosting a garage sale is having no one show up. That’s why it’s so important to get the word out. It’s better to give people adequate time to plan than to host a garage sale spontaneously. Tell your friends and family and ask them to spread the word!

Post about your sale online on popular Facebook garage sale groups or neighborhood community message boards ahead of time and on the day of. Also, post 10 or more signs around your neighborhood. This way, your neighbors know when to head over and those impulse buyers driving by can be clearly directed by the signs. 

Now that you’re a garage seller, think of yourself as a marketer. The most successful sales are the ones that people know about in advance. 

Don’t Overcharge

Most people that host garage sales will look up the price of an item online and may immediately believe that their item should go for that price at the sale. What’s helpful to remember is that we live in a world with one-day, free shipping.  If your customers can get the same thing online and in better condition, then they will. People go to garage sales because they want to find unique items and great deals. It’s okay to haggle a bit with valuable items, but being too stubborn over the price of an item might mean you get to keep it and lose out on sales.

The best items to sell at garage sales in Denver include:

• Video games
• Furniture 
• Kitchen appliances
• Picture frames 
• Vintage dishes
• Fishing rods 
• Camping gear
• High-quality coats/gloves
  

Declutter Your Garage and Fill Your Wallet

Humans love to collect things. Whether it’s for practical use or sentimental value, we usually end up keeping more than we need. Instead of letting your items pile up for years at a time, consider hosting an annual garage sale in your Denver area.

Scan your home and pick out any items that you haven’t seen or used in a year. Not only will doing this regularly keep your mind free of clutter and stress, but it will make your home and garage more comfortable places to be.

Want more tips on how to de-mess and de-stress? Check out 5 tips to declutter your garage here.