Need Extra Money? Have a Yard Sale!
I have learned the value of saving for a rainy day. I have also discovered some easy ways to make extra money by being resourceful. With spring in full swing, farmer markets and yard sales are abundant in my neighborhood. I love yard sales and thrift stores, I always find unique items at bargain prices. This year have a yard sale. This is a great way to declutter your home and earn a little cash on the side. How many times have you gone in your basement or closet and were stunned by the accumulation of unused clothing, toys, and even furniture collecting dust?
Tips on to make your yard sale a success
Gather and Separate Unused Items
First go in each of your rooms and take inventory of what you no longer use. Have a box with you and put those items for the yard sale in the box. If you discover items that are unusable put them in the trash. After each of the boxes are filled put them in one central area of your home to get ready for pricing.
Price Your Items
Purchase plain white stickers to stick on the items. Think about the value of your items and price them fairly but don’t short change yourself.
Pick a Date
Make the yard sale a family activity. Choose a date preferably on the weekend that there are no soccer practices or ballet lessons. Choose a date there is no other sale going on in the neighborhood. Decide if it will be an all day affair or just four hours. My advice is to set up bright and early and go into the evening around 5:00 or 5:30 to maximize your results. Many people will do a weekend affair if they didn’t do well the first day.
Get the word out!
The only way people will know about your yard sale is you! Post it on Craig’s List, if it is legal to put flyers up in your neighborhood post them on the corners or in the local grocery store or coffee shop. Another great place to post a flyer is in a college environment, college kids are always looking for deals. Let your friends, family, and fellow church members know about the day and time at least a week or two in advance.
Practical Tips
People who attend yard sales will usually expect to use cash. Make sure that you have one dollar and five dollar bills to make change. Dress comfortably for the weather and have a place to sit and relax and to make transactions. When you put up the signs for your yard sale make sure to indicate that all sales are final and if you will accept checks. As a general rule accepting cash is the quickest and easiest way to complete transactions. Also have an alternative rain date written on your sign, in case mother nature doesn’t cooperate.
Get the Kids Involved
Lemonade stands are still a great way for your kids to have fun and make some money. Include some baked goods such as brownies or cupcakes which are a great compliment to lemonade. Let them keep the money they earn and you’ll see their entrepreneurial spirit shine!
Lastly, I urge you to gather the items that don’t sale and donate them to charity. There are so many people in need and it is a blessing if you are able to help them. Make donating to charities common practice in your family. Remember to always be compassionate stewards of God. A yard sale is fun and can bring in extra dollars all it takes is a little bit of planning and you’ll be make a deposit in your bank account in no time at all!
Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved