|
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. |
|
|