Your Ultimate Guide to a Cracking Garage Sale Before You Move
Moving house is a mammoth task. Between the packing tape, the removalist quotes, and the endless checklists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if you could make your move easier, lighter, and put some extra cash in your pocket? Enter the pre-move garage sale.
A well-organised garage sale is the ultimate decluttering tool. It forces you to go through every item you own, reduce the volume of stuff you need to pack and transport, and make some money to offset those moving costs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to host a stress-free and successful garage sale, turning your unwanted clutter into someone else’s treasure.
Why Bother with a Garage Sale Before a Move?
Let’s be honest, it’s an effort. But the payoff is huge.
- Drastically Reduce Moving Costs: Fewer boxes mean a smaller truck or fewer trips. Removalists often charge by volume or time, so culling your belongings directly saves you money.
- Make Instant Cash: It’s a fantastic way to generate a quick injection of funds right when you need it most—for bond, cleaning fees, or that new couch you’ve been eyeing.
- A Fresh Start: Moving is a chance for a new beginning. Starting life in your new home surrounded only by things you truly love and need is incredibly liberating.
- It’s Eco-Friendly: Giving your items a second life is much better for the planet than sending them to the tip.
The Golden Rule: Timing is Everything
The biggest mistake people make is leaving it too late. A successful garage sale requires planning.
Start planning 4-6 weeks before your moving date. This gives you enough time to sort through your belongings without rushing, advertise properly, and deal with any unsold items afterwards.
Choose your date wisely. The best days are typically Saturday or Sunday mornings. Start early, around 7 a.m. or 8 a.m., to catch the keen bargain hunters and finish up by early afternoon. Avoid long weekends when many people might be away. Check the local community calendar to make sure your sale doesn’t clash with a major local event.
Your Step-by-Step Plan for Garage Sale Success
Follow these steps to ensure your sale runs as smoothly as possible.
Step 1: The Great Sort and Declutter
This is the most time-consuming part, but it’s the most crucial. Tackle your home one room at a time. Create three distinct zones or use three different coloured labels for everything you touch:
- KEEP: These are the non-negotiables. The items you love, use, and definitely want in your new home. Pack these away separately so they don’t accidentally end up in the sale pile.
- SELL: These are items in good, clean, working condition that you no longer need. This could be anything from clothes you haven’t worn in a year to kitchen gadgets still in their box. Be ruthless! If you haven’t used it, you probably won’t miss it.
- DONATE/TOSS: This pile is for items that are broken, stained, or not worth selling. Be realistic about what can be donated to charities like Vinnies or the Salvos. Anything else is destined for the rubbish or hard rubbish collection.
Step 2: Price to Sell, Not to Admire
Pricing is an art. You want to make a profit, but the main goal is to get rid of things. People come to a garage sale expecting a bargain.
- Research: Quickly check Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace for similar second-hand items to get a feel for the going rate.
- The 10-30% Rule: A good rule of thumb is to price items at around 10-30% of their original retail price, depending on condition and demand.
- Bundle and Deal: Group similar items together. For example, a bundle of baby clothes for $10, a set of 5 books for $5, or all DVDs for $1 each. This moves stock faster.
- Clear Pricing: Use brightly coloured sticker dots or tags with clear, bold prices. Haggling is part of the fun, but a starting price is essential. If you’re open to offers, you can write “O.N.O” (Or Nearest Offer).
Step 3: Spread the Word Like Wildfire
You can have the best stuff at the best prices, but if nobody knows about your sale, you won’t sell a thing. A multi-pronged advertising approach is best.
- Online Listings: This is your most powerful tool. Post a free ad on Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and in your local community Facebook groups. Do this 3-5 days before the sale. Your ad should include:
- A catchy headline: “Huge Moving Out Sale – Everything Must Go!”
- The date, time, and full address.
- A brief, enticing description of what you’re selling (e.g., “furniture, tools, kids’ toys, kitchenware, designer clothes”).
- Photos of your best items! This is critical for drawing a crowd.
- Signage is King: On the day, good signage is non-negotiable. Create large, bright, easy-to-read signs with a thick black marker. Keep the text minimal: “GARAGE SALE,” your address, and a big, clear arrow. Place signs at the end of your street and at nearby major intersections. Remember to check your local council regulations on placing signs.
Step 4: Set Up Shop Like a Pro
Presentation makes a huge difference. Don’t just pile everything on the ground.
- Create a Flow: Set up tables (borrow from friends if you need to) to display items at eye level. Create a logical flow, almost like a small shop. Group similar items together: all kitchenware in one area, all clothes in another.
- Clothing: Hang clothes on a portable rack if you can. They will sell much better than if they’re folded in a box.
- Electronics: Have a power board handy so people can test that the lamp or toaster works.
- Checkout Area: Designate one table as your ‘checkout.’ Have a cash box or a bum bag with a good cash float—plenty of $5 notes, $10 notes, and gold coins for change.
- Bits and Bobs: Have a box of cheap, miscellaneous items marked “Everything in this box $1” to attract people and encourage small purchases.
Step 5: Master the Day of the Sale
It’s showtime! Be prepared for an early start.
- Be Ready: Have everything set up at least 15-30 minutes before your advertised start time. The early birds are often the biggest spenders.
- Be Friendly and Engage: Greet people with a smile. Be prepared to haggle—it’s expected. Decide on your lowest acceptable price beforehand.
- Supplies: Have plastic bags, old newspapers for wrapping fragile items, and maybe a measuring tape handy.
- Stay Safe: Keep your cash float on you in a bum bag or deep pocket. Keep the doors to your house locked.
The Aftermath: What to Do With Leftovers
It’s unlikely you’ll sell every single item. Have a plan for what’s left so it doesn’t just move back into your house.
- Donate: Box up any remaining good-quality items and drop them at your local charity shop immediately after the sale.
- Sell Online: If you have a few higher-value items left, list them on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree as “must pick up today.”
- Hard Rubbish: For anything that’s left, schedule a council hard rubbish collection or take it to the tip. The goal is to end the day with an empty garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a garage sale really worth the effort before moving?
Absolutely. The combined benefit of making extra cash and significantly reducing the amount of stuff you have to pack and pay to move makes it one of the most productive pre-move tasks you can do.
How far in advance should I start planning?
A 4 to 6-week window is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to sort, price, and advertise without adding to the moving stress.
What are the best-selling items at a garage sale?
Tools, good-quality furniture, kids’ toys and clothes, kitchen appliances, and gardening equipment are always popular. Unique vintage or retro items also do very well.
How much cash float do I need to start with?
Around $50-$100 in mixed notes and coins is usually sufficient. Focus on having plenty of $5 notes and $1 and $2 coins.
Do I need a permit for a garage sale in Australia?
Generally, you do not need a permit for a one-off garage sale on your own property. However, regulations about placing signs on public land vary between local councils. It’s always a good idea to check your local council’s website just in case.