If you’re planning a move and have a lot of things you’d like to get rid of around the house – why not raise cash by selling the items you don’t want to move with you. Here’s a sampling of things might want to sell:
- Books
- Appliances
- Children’s toys
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Kitchen utensils
- Jars/bottles
- CDs and DVDs (you might have a hard time selling VHS videos, but some may still be collector’s items)
- Music instruments
- Exercise and sports equipment
- Gardening tools
- Patio furniture
- Mirrors and lamps
- Plants
- Anything bulky or that you won’t have room for at your new place
How to Have a Moving Sale
Any type of yard or garage sale requires planning, so if you are having a sale in conjunction with your move you’ll really need to schedule it. Give yourself at least three weeks to organize a moving sale and set the sale date a weekend or two ahead of your move-out date.
You should also check with your local municipality to see if they require a permit for a yard sale. Some do and some don’t. Make sure to advertise the sale and put out yard signs a few days in advance around your neighborhood. If you have neighbors who are planning to have a garage sale as well, try to coordinate your moving sales for the same date. You’ll both benefit from this coordination by grouping them together.
Organize your items so they are displayed effectively and price them to sell. One of the biggest mistakes people make with moving sales is pricing their items too high. Remember, this is stuff you don’t want to take with you, so mark it to go. What doesn’t sell can be donated to charity.
Moving sales can be a lot of fun, but they’re also a lot of work. Make sure you have plenty of change on moving day to accommodate buyers who pay with large bills and have some bags on hand for the merchandise. If all goes well you will have some extra cash in your pocket to help fund your move.
