How to Have a Moving Sale

Pick a date

Depending on where you live, yard sales can be popular from April through October. Most people host events on Saturdays, but some sales might start on Thursdays or Fridays and extend into Sundays. 

To select the best day(s) of the week, check local ads to see what’s common in your neighborhood. 

Decide what to sell

Before a move is the perfect time to declutter unwanted belongings, and while doing so, to separate things that are likely to sell. Furniture, electronics, exercise equipment, kitchen items, books, home décor, toys and baby supplies are usually big hits at yard sales.

Gather supplies 

Start by saving your grocery sacks for shoppers’ purchases. You can also purchase cheap trash can liners or ask friends and family to help collect bags. If you’re selling fragile items, make sure to save old newspapers or packing paper for wrapping them. 

You’ll also want to purchase or make price labels, and it helps to have permanent markers and signage materials on hand (ready-made signs, poster boards, duct tape, etc.).

Price and organize

Separating stuff into categories as you price everything will save time later. For example, group all books together in the same box.

If you already have moving boxes, use some to sort items and keep the rest for packing later. 

Advertise the sale

For a worthwhile sale, customers have to know about it! Post about it on Facebook and ask friends and family to share to spread the word. Share photos of items and notices on local Facebook groups to help draw buyers. If allowed, advertise in any community newsletters to reach those not on social media.

Use bright-colored directional signage during sale days (if allowed in your area). Look for premade signs at home improvement or office supply stores, or make your own with poster board and markers. To direct shoppers, it’s best to place signs at major intersections along the route and use a larger one in front of the sale. 

Prepare for payment exchange

In the past, most yard sales accepted only cash. Now, many people prefer to pay electronically, so accepting Venmo or Cash App could boost sales, especially for big-ticket items like furniture or appliances. If you’re uncomfortable using personal accounts for payments, set up temporary IDs. 

For cash payments, you’ll need change. To start the day, most people get between $100 and $200 in quarters, $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. You might want to pick up a counterfeit pen at an office supply store to check paper money. 

Have a cash box or bag you or a helper can always keep in sight. If you’re working alone, choose a zippered pouch or a fanny pack to keep money safe. 

Have a plan for unsold items 

After the sale, take down any signage for recycling or disposal and delete any online listings to avoid having people show up when you’re all packed up.

Consider donating leftover yard sale items — some charities will even pick them up! You could also post the lot for free on an online marketplace.

Yard sale FAQS

How is a moving sale different than a yard sale?

Essentially, the sales are similar, but moving sales might have more items if sellers are downsizing. Every great tip that makes a yard sale better will also help for a moving sale.

Can I run the garage sale by myself?

While it is possible to run a sale on your own, it can be challenging. If possible, ask for help from your spouse or significant other, kids if they’re old enough, and friends or other family members. 

Having company and extra hands during prep and on the sale day(s) can make the experience more fun. Allow friends or family to put in some of their items if they’re willing to help; multi-family sales are usually a hit! 

What can I do to make sure things sell?

Everything should be clean, organized and in working order. Price competitively, create bundle deals and be willing to barter with shoppers. 

How much should I charge for things?

Many sellers have good luck by offering a box of small items (kids’ meal toys, etc.) for free and pricing everything in 25-cent increments to help make change for cash-paying buyers. 

Garage sale shoppers typically want bargains. Your willingness to negotiate prices can make the difference between selling an item or not.

Some sellers slash prices in half on the last day of the sale or offer bag deals like $5 for a sack of clothing or books. If you’re willing to negotiate prices, you’re more likely to get rid of everything. 

Try these general guidelines to get started: