Garage Sale Checklist
Work top to bottom — tick each box as you go.
About 2 weeks before
- Pick your date + a rain backup (aim for a Saturday morning, comfortable weather)
- Check local rules — permit? sign rules? (they vary by city/HOA — check locally)
- Ask neighbors/family if they want to join (a multi-family sale draws a bigger crowd)
- Start gathering, room by room: sell / donate / keep
About 1 week before
- Clean and test items (wipe down, fold clothes, confirm electronics work)
- Price everything with round numbers; price everything, comp the good stuff
- Gather supplies: stickers, markers, tables, rack, bags, cash box, poster board
- Photograph your best items and post your online listing
- Make your signs: big letters, bold arrow, dark on white
The day before
- Get your cash float ready (plenty of $1s and $5s + coin rolls)
- Set out tables; group items by category; hang clothes
- Put signs out at the nearest intersections and every turn in
- Check the weather; confirm your rain plan; decide your early-bird policy
The morning of
- Carry everything out; best/eye-catching items facing the street
- Cash float on your person (apron/belt), not in an open box
- Final sign check along your route
- Open a little early — early birds are your best buyers
During the sale
- Keep checkout by you and near the exit; watch the money
- Be friendly; haggle reasonably; get flexible as the day goes on
- Restock and tidy tables so nothing looks picked-over
The last hour & after
- Slash prices — "half off" / "fill a bag for $2"
- Box leftovers for donation (keep the receipt)
- Take down every sign; tidy the yard; count your money
From the full checklist guide on yardgaragesale.com. Ready? List your sale free.