Originally posted on https://hootakes.com/blog/garage-sale-furniture-selling-5-tips-that-will-help-you-get-it-gone/

A garage sale is an ideal way to get rid of excess furniture. But first, you have to do a certain amount of planning.

For starters, you need to figure out the best time to hold your garage sale. In some places, holding a garage sale in October or November is fine because the weather is mild. In other places, it’s already snowing by Halloween.

Once you’ve got a date, focus on garage sale pricing. Furniture is often one of the hardest things to price, so read on for garage sale tips that will sell your furniture fast.

1. Scope Out the Competition

You may think you know all there is to know about garage sales in your neighbourhood. But to be safe, follow some garage sale signs and check out the competition.

If the neighbourhood has changed in recent years, then the quality of furniture that’s offered might also have shifted. High-end furniture items might be more commonplace than you know.

In that case, you may have second thoughts about selling your clean but battered futon bed. It might be best to post a furniture ad elsewhere.

2. Use Price Tags

Figuring out how to price garage sale items is tricky, but you’ve got to try. You don’t want to spend your entire day doing price-checks for customers.

The price tags should be visible and legible. Stickers will work in some cases, but for furniture, you should use actual tags. No one wants to peel a sticker off a couch or end table.

If you’re negotiable on price, write “OBO” on the tag. If you can’t move much, write “Firm” instead.

3. Have a Minimum Price

Even if you decide your garage sale pricing is flexible, you still should set limits.

Write down minimum prices for every piece of furniture. That way, if someone makes an offer that’s too low, you can say, “I’m sorry, but I can’t go below £20 for that dining room table.”

This is more useful for bigger items than smaller ones. If someone wants a lamp for £3 and your minimum is £5, you may be better off just selling it for £3.

4. Make Furniture the Focal Point

Sure, some people might attend your garage sale to rifle through your books or shoes. But most people are there for the big-ticket items. That includes furniture.

Don’t hide the furniture in the back of your garage. Pull them out to the front. Get them as close to the curb as possible.

Doing that makes you more likely to attract any drive-by shoppers.

5. Avoid Taking Offence

Garage sales can start to feel personal if you aren’t careful. If a customer demands you give him your couch for free, don’t take it personally.

It’s not a value judgement about either you or your couch. Chances are, it only means this customer is both cheap and has a poor sense of boundaries.

After the Garage Sale

A garage sale is not usually about making a profit. You’re not going to get back the money you spent on furniture.

But you can clear out some clutter and put a bit of cash in your pocket at the same time. If some items don’t sell, don’t despair.

At Hootakes, we can help you get rid of furniture cheaply and quickly. Contact us to find out how.