Making Money From A Yard Sale: How Sellers Can Cash In And Buyers Can Get A Good Deal

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Whether you’re a seller who’s looking to declutter your home or you’re a buyer seeking bargains on things you need, a yard sale can be just the answer. Everyone can benefit from well-run yard sales, which often include items like clothing, cookware, books, toys, tools and furniture.

Not all yard sales are equal, however, as those that generate more foot traffic and sales are usually ones that are carefully organized and offer a wide variety of items. Here are some tips for making the most out of a yard sale or garage sale, whether you’re the one hosting the event or you’re just stopping by to shop for good deals.

Yard sales can be a great way to generate funds for future goals, such as helping your kids pay for college or taking your dream vacation. What’s more, the money you make can earn some interest by being placed in a high-yield savings account.

Giving yourself weeks or months to plan your yard sale means you’ll have ample time to decide what to sell and whether to make it a multi-house event.

There are also various ways to get the most out of a yard sale when you’re the one doing the shopping. With some advanced planning — and maybe a little negotiating — you can walk away from a yard sale with some useful items that are in good condition, for a fraction of what you’d pay at a store.

The sky’s the limit, as long as an item you’re interested in appears usable and undamaged.

Items commonly sold at yard sales include:

Hosting a yard sale can help you earn some extra money for building up your emergency fund, paying down debt or reaching other financial goals. Strategies such as advertising in advance, organizing items neatly, and offering digital payment options, can greatly help increase your success as a seller.

As a buyer, you can make the most out of yard sale shopping by creating a shopping list, mapping out yard sales near you that take place on the same day, and negotiating prices, when possible. In all, shopping at yard sales can effectively save you a bundle on items you need that are in good condition.