A garage sale is a great way to clear out unwanted items and make a little extra cash while you’re at it. Whether you’re spring cleaning, moving to a new home, needing more storage space, or just wanting to make some money from selling your old things, holding your own garage sale is one of the best ways to tick all of these boxes. If you’re worried you might not have anything to sell, or if you’re not quite sure what to sell at a garage sale (that people will actually want to buy), I’ve got you covered.
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Benefits Of Having A Garage Sale
There are plenty of reasons to have a garage sale, but here are some of the most popular ones:
A Great Way To Declutter
We all know how good it is to declutter, but the idea of being able to make money from your decluttering efforts can be extra motivating.
Clear out the things you no longer use, and be sure to dig out all of those gifts you received and have been stashing at the back of your closet because you will never use them. They might just find their perfect new home.
You Can Make Extra Cash
We could all do with a little extra cash, and what better way to earn some money than by doing a bit of decluttering at the same time?
A great idea is to set a goal of how much extra money you’d like to make from your garage sale, and what you are going to do with that money.
You could make extra home repayments, create an emergency account, put it away for Christmas savings, or even use the money you make to go on a family vacation.
Teach Your Kids About Mindfulness and Waste
A garage sale can be a great way to teach your kids about mindfulness and waste.
You can explain to them that just because we don’t want something anymore, doesn’t mean it has to go to waste. Other people might still find a use for it and by selling it at a garage sale, we’re doing our part to be more sustainable.
Plus, you can get them involved in choosing which toys they no longer play with and they might just make a little spending money from selling the things they no longer want.
How To Price Items For Your Garage Sale
You’ve gone through your closets, your kids’ closets, the attic, and the basement. You’ve sorted, purged, and organized. Now it’s time to price your items for your garage sale!
But… how do you determine how much to ask for each item?
Pricing items for a garage sale can be tricky.
On one hand, you want to get rid of everything you’ve decided to sell, so you don’t want to price things too high.
On the other hand, you don’t want to give away everything for pennies, after all the goal here is to make some extra money.
So how do you strike the right balance?
Here are a few tips:
- consider the condition of the item. Is it in good condition? Has it been well cared for? If so, you can price it a little higher, but if it’s damaged or well-worn, you’ll need to adjust the price accordingly.
- be open to negotiations – people go to garage sales because they’re looking for a good deal, or they want to find something unique for a good price. This doesn’t mean you have to give everything away, but be open to negotiating a fair price.
- check Facebook Marketplace and eBay to find a fair market value for items that can be difficult to price, such as collectibles or vintage items.
- items that are in excellent condition or in their original packaging are always going to be the items people gravitate toward, and will pay more money for.
Keep in mind, it’s very rare you’ll ever get retail price for your items, even if they are brand new and have never been used (with the exception of collectibles and vintage pieces).
27 Items That Are Popular At A Garage Sale
There are certain items that are always going to be garage sale best sellers, and usually, these are items that people use on a daily basis.
What is popular can vary based on the time of year, as well as your location, but there will always be items that sell really well.
Rather than wasting time wondering what sells at garage sales, use this list of some of the most popular items and best sellers at garage sales all year round to help you decide what things you can sell at your garage sale.
1 – Clothing (Especially Baby and Kids Clothes)
People love to find good deals on clothing, especially baby and kids’ clothes.
If you have any clothes in good condition that you or your family no longer wear be sure to add them to your list of things to sell at your garage sale.
Seasonal items such as Halloween costumes and winter gear (jackets, gloves, etc), as well as name brand clothing are also popular items.
2 – Books & Magazines
Books and magazines are always popular items, especially if they’re in good condition.
If you have any gently used books or magazines that you no longer want, chances are someone else will be interested in them.
Hardcover books are always best sellers, as well as old books, and craft magazines.
Hot Tip: Sell books and magazines in bundles rather than individual items – this can help you move them quickly.
3 – Baby Items
Baby items are always popular, especially items that are gently used and in good condition. Be sure to advertise that they come from a smoke-free and/or pet-free home (but only if they do).
Bundle baby clothes together – such as a bundle of 10 rompers, and keep the same sizes together.
Other baby items that sell really well include cribs and other furniture, pack-and-plays, monitors, swings, and modern cloth diapers (there’s a very passionate and dedicated niche of moms who scour sales just for modern cloth diapers… it’s huge).
4 – Tools (Power Tools)
Tools, especially power tools, are always popular garage sale items.
If you have any tools in good condition that you no longer need, chances are someone else will be interested in them.
This is especially true for power tools such as drop saws, mitre saws, and routers. These have increased in popularity with the rise of the DIY renovators and the upcycling trends (thanks TikTok!!).
Old tools are also very popular, as are tool sets such as screwdriver sets or mechanic’s tool sets. Snap-On tools are always popular and sell very fast too.
5 – Garden Tools & Outdoor Furniture
Garden tools and outdoor furniture are always popular in the spring and summer months.
If you have any gently used garden tools or outdoor furniture that you no longer need, chances are someone else will be interested in them.
This is especially true for items such as lawn mowers, weed whackers, and garden hoses.
Outdoor furniture such as patio sets, lawn chairs, and umbrellas are also popular items.
6 – Kids Outdoor Toys & Sports Equipment
Kids outdoor toys and sports equipment are always popular in the spring and summer months.
If you have any gently used kids outdoor toys or sports equipment that your kids no longer use or have grown out of, chances are you can sell them very quickly in your garage sale.
This is especially true for items such as bikes, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, and trampolines.
7 – Camping Gear
Whether you have an old tent that hasn’t seen the stars in years or a hiking backpack that’s been collecting dust in the attic, there’s sure to be someone out there who’s willing to give it a new home.
And what’s more, camping gear can be surprisingly profitable. This is because a good camping setup can be quite expensive so people often look for second-hand items to save money.
8 – Gaming Systems & Video Games
If you or someone if your family is a gamer, chances are you’ve got a collection of consoles and games you no longer play.
Gaming systems are increasing in popularity as more people buy second-hand due to how expensive they are to buy new (plus there can often be large wait times for new consoles too).
9 – Lego & Action Figures
Lego is always one of the first items to go at a garage sale, and people often buy it by the tub full (a great way to price and sell Lego is to put it the pieces into tubs and sell per tub).
Action figures are another popular toy, especially if they are from popular series like The Avengers. Be sure to check the value of any action figures that are still in their original boxes – they may be worth a lot more than you think.
10 – Barbies, Dollhouses, Doll Clothes
.Barbies, dollhouses, and doll clothes are popular items with both kids and collectors.
If you have any gently used Barbies, dolls, doll clothes, or dollhouses that your kids no longer play with, and are in good condition, chances are there are kids out there who would absolutely love them.
11 – Wooden Toys
Thanks to the rise in popularity of sustainable living and responsible consumption, wooden toys are making a comeback and are more popular than ever.
Wooden blocks, train sets, and educational toys like puzzles and matching games are very popular now and sell super fast.
12 – Board Games
While family games night might make the most competitive family members unpopular (we all have that one family member), board games are still one of the most popular items to sell at a garage sale.
Strategy games, card games, and classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble are amongst the most sought after – if you’ve got them, chances are someone will want to buy them.
13 – Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry is always popular, especially if it’s in good condition.
Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings are all popular items, and people often buy them in bulk to make their own unique jewelry sets.
14 – Furniture
Big ticket items like furniture can be some of the most profitable things to sell at garage sales.
If you have any old furniture that you’re looking to get rid of, a garage sale is the perfect place to do it.
Items that are popular include anything that is made from hardwood, items that can be upcycled, and items that are in very good condition.
15 – Home Decor & Art
Home decor and art can be very popular at garage sales, especially if it’s unique, or on trend.
Vases, picture frames, and sculptures are amongst the most popular items, but anything that is decorative and in good condition is likely to sell.
Display these items in a decorative way, like you would if you had them inside your home, and they’ll sell crazy fast.
16 – Vintage Dishes / Glassware / Cookware / Tupperware
If you have any vintage dishes, glassware, or cookware, chances are they’ll be popular at your garage sale.
Tupperware is always popular (especially if it’s from the 70s or 80s), and people often buy it in bulk to use for storage.
The same goes for dishes – people love buying sets of dishes at garage sales because they’re often very cheap, they’re unique, and they last so much longer than the new ones.
17 – Kitchen Appliances
Small kitchen appliances are always popular items at garage sales because they’re often expensive to buy from the stores, but can be very reasonably priced second-hand.
Be sure to only sell appliances that are in good working order, don’t have any electrical issues, and have all of their parts (such as plugs, attachments etc).
Handmade Items You Can Sell At A Garage Sale
You don’t have to just stick with items you have in your home that you no longer want to fill up your garage sale inventory.
Make the most of your garage sale unleash your creative side by making and selling these items.
18 – Home Decor
There are so many different home decor items that you can make and sell at a garage sale.
Picture frames with unique artwork, vases that have been painted, sculptures – the sky is the limit.
See what is popular at the moment, get creative, and come up with some unique home decor items that people will love.
19 – Upcycled Furniture
Upcycled furniture is very popular now, and you can make some really amazing pieces if you’re creative.
Take an old piece of furniture and give it a new lease on life by painting it (like this outdoor furniture makeover), staining it, or changing out elements like glass panels in doors for rattan.
There are so many different ways to upcycle furniture, and people will love buying unique pieces for their home.
20 – Plants and Planters
If you’re into plants and gardening, why not make some unique planters and sell them at your garage sale?
You can make planters out of all sorts of different materials – old tires, buckets, mugs, bowls – the sky is the limit.
Plants are always popular items too (especially indoor plants), and can be super easy to propagate.
21 – Baked Goods
Who doesn’t love baked goods?
If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, whip up some of your favorite treats and sell them at your garage sale.
Not only are delicious treats popular, but selling them can easily increase the amount of money people spend. Someone might buy a $2 magazine stack from you and a $2 muffin – and just like that you’ve doubled your income.
Cold drinks are also super popular and can be profitable for very little effort.
22 – Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are all the rage right now, and you can make them at home with just a few ingredients.
There are all sorts of different recipes online, so find one that you like and get creative with the scents and colors. You can even add dried flowers or other elements to make them even more special.
23 – Candles
Candles are another popular item that people love to buy at garage sales.
You can make your own candles at home with a few simple ingredients, just make sure the glass/ceramic you’re using for your candle is safe to do so.
Get creative with the scents and colors, and you’ll be sure to sell out in no time.
24 – Crochet or Knit Toys
If you know how to crochet or knit, you can make all sorts of different items to sell at your garage sale.
Toys are always popular (especially if they’re handmade), so get creative and see what you can come up with. You could even make a few different items and sell them as a set.
Face cloths, dishcloths, and makeup removal pads are also really inexpensive to make and popular to sell too.
Unusual Items You Can Sell At A Garage Sale
Here’s to thinking outside of the box and selling some things that you may have overlooked as potential money-making items.
25 – Perfume, Face/Body Creams and Lotions, Makeup (Unused)
If you’ve got any unused beauty products taking up space in your bathroom cabinets, gather them all up and sell them at your garage sale.
People love buying beauty products (especially if they’re high-end), and you can easily make money selling items you won’t use or don’t want.
26 – Leftover Paint / Home Renovation Supplies
If you’ve got leftover paint or home renovation supplies taking up space in your garage, why not sell them at your garage sale?
There will definitely be people looking for these kinds of things (especially if they’re planning on doing some home renovations or upcycling furniture themselves).
27 – Battery Chargers / Extension Cords / Electrical Cables
We all have that stash of chargers and cables that we keep because we’re not quite sure what they’re for but we’re too scared to throw them away… time to get rid of them!
Chances are, there’s someone out there who is looking for the very same thing. Gather up all of your mystery cords, cables, and chargers and sell them at your garage sale.
Tips For A Successful Garage Sale
Now that you know what to sell, it’s time to start planning your garage sale. Here are a few tips to help you have a successful sale.
Choose Your Date Carefully & Promote, Promote, Promote
This would have to be the number one garage sale tip and at the end of the day, can be the difference between a successful garage sale and a lackluster event.
Before you set a date for your garage sale, be sure to check the weather forecast and also check to see if there are other big events on that weekend that could keep crowds away from your sale.
Then promote, promote, promote!!!
Share your garage sale on social media and on Facebook Marketplace, list it in your local newspaper, and put up signs anywhere you can.
Also, be sure to have clear signage up on the day of your garage sale so people can find you easily.
Keep Pricing Simple & Bundle Low-Cost Items Together
Keeping your pricing simple will make it a lot easier for you on the day of your garage sale.
Price clothing by type rather than per item (such as sweaters $3, shirts $1 etc, or bundles $5), and use simple price tags like stickers for other items.
Keep Extra Cash On Hand
Make sure you have plenty of small bills and change on hand so you’re not stuck trying to make change for people.
You can even grab a low-cost card payment processor like Square so you can take payments from credit cards, and can make it easier for people to buy from you.
It can also be a good idea to use a cash box or something similar to keep your cash all in one place.
Display Items Clearly & Neatly
Nobody wants to sift through a pile of clothes or rummage through a box of miscellaneous items, so make sure your items are displayed neatly.
Hang up clothes, fold them nicely, put similar items together (such as all of your books in one place), and be sure to remove any clutter.
Group similar items together such as household items, kitchen items, or small appliances. You can display these on their own table or in their own section.
Also be sure to clean your items, wipe over surfaces, and pop the clothes through the wash so they smell clean and fresh.
Keep A Tape Measure On Hand
If you’re selling furniture or larger items, it’s a good idea to keep a tape measure on hand so people can easily see if an item will fit in their car or in the space they have at home.
Enlist The Help Of Family Members or Friends
If you have a lot of items to sell, it can be helpful to enlist the help of family members or friends on the day of the sale.
They can help you set up, keep an eye on things, and pack up at the end of the day.
It’s also a good idea to have someone keeping an eye on your cash box or taking payments so you’re not stuck in one spot the entire time.
Keep Track Of Your Sales
Throughout the day, keep track of what items you’ve sold and for how much. This can help you get an idea of your most popular items and what’s selling well.
It can also help you keep track of your earnings so you know how much money you made at the end of the sale.
You might also enjoy these articles on making money:
Easy Side Hustles to Consider in 2022
How to Make Money Without a “Real” Job
Final Thoughts On What To Sell At A Garage Sale
Having a garage sale can be a great way to declutter your home, earn some extra cash, and get rid of items you no longer need or want.
By following these tips, you can have a successful garage sale and make some serious extra cash while you’re at it.
Garage sales can be a lot of work, but if you’re organized, strategic about what you sell and your pricing, and advertise well, you’re bound to have a profitable (and fun) garage sale.
