This is the third in a series of tips on relocation and moving:

Garage Sales:
One Way To Save Money On Your Move


Having a garage sale prior to your move can save you money in two ways! You'll not only have some extra money in your pocket, but you'll also be getting rid of some of the things you own, thereby having fewer items to move.

Have your sale on the weekend and when the weather is mild. To catch all interested buyers, hold a two-day sale. Holding a garage sale can be exhausting, so be sure to have someone there to help you throughout the day.

The golden rule of garage sales is "anything goes." If you have doubts whether something will sell, put it out anyway. Remember that your junk just may be another person's treasure. Think about where you're moving and what items might be obsolete there. That snow blower will go unused in Miami, and some items might cost more to move than to replace--firewood, for example.

When pricing items for sale, be realistic. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes: How much would you be willing to pay for clothing that went out of style 10 years ago?

Keep the set up simple and organized. Arrange tables for your goods so that browsers have room to walk. If possible, make an electrical outlet available to test appliances. Secure all cash that you receive in a strongbox or piggybank. Keep out only enough money to make change and put the rest in the house. Don't accept checks unless you're well-acquainted with the buyer.

Place a classified ad in local papers, featuring your best or most unusual items. Take advantage of any free advertising in your community--bulletin boards in your supermarket, church, school or club. Consider putting up signs on your front lawn and at nearby street corners a day or two before your sale. Also, many local radio stations have swap-and-shop programs where you can have your sale announced free.

Consider donating unsold items to charitable organizations. Some will send a truck to your home to pick up the goods. Be sure to get a receipt, as your donation may be tax-deductible.

If an item has no resale value, if it has no practical or sentimental value, and if it's inappropriate as a charitable donation, simplify your life and just throw it out. It'll reduce the cost of your move and make settling into your new home much easier

Article One: Preparing Your Children For A Move
Article Two: Packing Tips
Article Four: How Long Distance Moving Operates
Article Five: Countdown To Moving Day
Article Six: Special Moving Needs
Article Seven: Glossary of Moving Terms
Article Eight: Quick Moving Tips

Excerpted from Allied Van Lines' Guide To A Good Move.
This page is provided as a service to the reader.  It is not an advertisement for, nor an endorsement of, Allied Van Lines, Inc.  The views expressed are those of the author.