5 Tips for Holding A Successful Moving Sale
MOTM
June 30th, 2022
As you prepare to move, many people decide to throw a moving sale in order to get rid of the things they don't want or need and make some extra cash while they're at it. Whether you're planning on selling just a few things or trying to get rid of everything before moving day, here are some tips to help you have the most successful moving sale possible!
1) Decide Where You Want to Hold Your Moving Sale
You can have a garage sale, yard sale, or even hold your sale online through social media platforms or classified ads. Where you have your sale will determine how much advertising you'll need to do.
If you're having a garage or yard sale, check local ordinances to see if any permits are required or restrictions on the days and times you can hold your sale. Once you've selected your location, choose two or three sale days and set a start time for each day. Early birds will try to get to your sale before it starts, so be prepared for them.
Now that you know where and when your moving sale will be, it's time to start preparing for it!
2) Advertise Your Sale
You need to let people know that you're having a sale! Place ads in local newspapers and online classifieds websites. Be sure to include the date and time of the sale, as well as a list of some of the items that will be for sale. You can also put up flyers around town and post them on community bulletin boards.
3) Decide What Items to Sell
Moving can be expensive and time-consuming, so it's important to declutter your home before you pack everything up and move to your new place. A moving sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra money in the process. Here are five tips to help you prep your sale:
- Make a list of items you want to sell. Go through your entire house and decide what items you no longer need or want. Be sure to include furniture, décor, appliances, electronics, clothing, and anything else you can think of.
- Research similar items online to get an idea of how much to charge. Once you have your list of items, do some research online to see how much similar items are selling for. It will help you figure out how much to charge for your own items.
- Give away any perishable food that you won't be able to take with you on moving day by donating it to a local food bank or hosting a neighborhood yard sale where everyone brings food they don't want anymore.
- Create flyers with photos of the items that will be available at your moving sale, along with prices and contact information (your phone number, email address, and post office box). Make enough copies for all interested buyers! Print them on high-quality paper (preferably card stock) using colors that represent excitement or warmth, such as reds, oranges, yellows, etc., if possible. Mail them to nearby neighborhoods and businesses, post them around town near places like grocery stores and libraries, or put them up around town using sticky tack. If you're planning a moving sale on social media, share links with friends who live close by and ask them to share it too.
- Take lots of pictures! After putting up posters around town advertising your moving sale, take lots of pictures from different angles of each item being sold. People like seeing images so that they know exactly what they're getting into when buying something at a moving sale.
4) Sell It All
- Start by making a list of everything you want to sell.
- Next, research fair market prices for similar items.
- Once you have an idea of what everything is worth, set your prices.
- Advertising is key to holding a successful moving sale. Be sure to put up signs in high-traffic areas near your home and post ads online and in local newspapers.
- On the day of the sale, be sure to set up early and be organized. Display items in an appealing way and be prepared to haggle with customers.
- Finally, don't forget to pack up any unsold items and donate them or have a garage sale at your new home!
5) If You Do Everything Right, People Will Come!
Preparing for a move can be stressful. To wrap up, make a moving checklist to streamline the process and ensure you don't forget anything important. Next, start advertising your sale a few weeks in advance - put up flyers in local businesses and post them on online classifieds websites. On the day of the sale, make sure everything is clearly priced and organized, and be prepared to haggle a bit with buyers. Finally, be sure to have plenty of change on hand, as people will often try to lowball you.
Long Island's Moving and Storage Blog