How To: Hold a Successful Yard Sale

Don’t Sell It If It Isn’t Yours
Don’t sell your toddler’s toys, your husband’s baseball card collection, or Grandma’s heirloom dishes if the owner isn’t ready to let them go. “I remember buying some toys for my son and the little kid [who lived there] still wanted them,” Heiska says. “It was heartbreaking for me.” That makes other prospective buyers uncomfortable, too. If an item is not for sale, cover it up and/or add a sign that says “Not for Sale.” 

Mind Your Money
A forgotten cash box is an easy target for thieves. Use a fanny pack, apron, or pocket to keep money with you at all times. If you’re worried about counterfeit bills, buy a special counterfeit detector pen at an office supply store. Make a mark on the bill, and it turns a different color if it’s counterfeit. Don’t take checks or large bills.

Space Is Important
Give people room to browse. If they feel pressured or watched, they’ll leave. “Every time they put an item back, they’re almost rejecting you and it’s embarrassing to them,” Lundgren says. “You have to back off and let people look at your items. Say ‘Good morning,’ then have a cup of coffee or chat with a friend.”

When your yard sale is over, store the leftover items in your bins for the next sale or donate them to charity and deposit your earnings in the bank. Your home will be less cluttered and, in a week or two, you might just be ready to go yard saling for your own new treasures.