Tips to Host a Pre-Moving Garage Sale

August 5th, 2019 by Counselor Realty

Clear the Clutter on National Garage Sale Day

Break out the bargain bins and tidy up the knickknack tables — National Garage Sale Day is August 10th! Our real estate agents encourage you to invite your thrifty friends and family members to celebrate National Garage Sale Day in the Twin Cities. This is also the perfect time for you to host a sale before your big move.

Moving from house to house can feel like a hassle, especially when you stop and wonder if certain items need to follow you to your new home. Instead of spending the time, money, and energy boxing up these things and letting them clutter up your new space, have a garage sale instead! Here are a few of our favorite tips for hosting your pre-moving garage sale.

Separate Items Before the Sale
Consider all of the items you want to get rid of and separate them into three groups: sell, donate, and trash. The items in the best resell condition should be saved. Items that likely won't be purchased, but can still reasonably be used, should be donated to a local charity. Things that are damaged, broken or stained should go straight into the trash.
Advertise the Sale
You may have the best items in the world, but if no one knows about your sale, you won't sell a thing! Be sure to advertise as much and as cost-effectively as you can. Create road signs leading cars to your home. Post an ad in the local paper or bulletin board and share your event online with your social media followers. Spread the word however you can to ensure you have a great turnout.
Organize the Items Neatly
The term 'rummage sale' doesn't mean your customers should have to rifle through bags and boxes to find what they're looking for. Use tables, bins, racks, and even lawn tarps to organize and label your items neatly. Dividing them into categories or by price is a great way to help your customers quickly locate the things they seek.
Price Items Fairly
No one wants to feel overcharged, especially for used merchandise. Price everything you own accordingly. Clothing, books, and movies can probably fall below ten dollars. Furniture, however, may warrant a higher price point depending on its condition.
Invite Your Neighbors to Join
Getting friends, family members, and neighbors involved is a great way to draw attention to your sale. They will help spread the word, and you'll help them make a few bucks. Just be sure to clearly mark each person's items so there is no confusion when it's time to divide the earnings.
Make it an Enjoyable Environment
Customers want to feel welcome and comfortable when they shop, especially when they're shopping at your home. Be sure to be polite, friendly and helpful to anyone who comes to your garage sale. You can even give out free refreshments like lemonade or cookies to help your customers relax.
Be Ready to Bargain
People come to yard sales looking for a bargain so don't be afraid to give it to them! It's perfectly fine to lower your price on some items if asked. Losing a dollar or two is better than being stuck with clutter that you'll likely end up throwing away.
Have a Post-Sale Plan
You'll also need a plan for the items that do not sell. You can once again divide these items into categories: sell, donate or throw away. If can sell the item online or in a consignment store, you may want to try it. If not, donate it or send it to the dumpster.

For more helpful pre-moving tips and assistance buying or selling homes in the Twin Cities, contact us today!

Categories: Sell a House

Tags: Counselor Realty, Sell your home, For Sellers

Thomas Simonsen, Metrowide Team Office: (612) 978-2585 Cell: (612) 978-2585 Fax: (952) 921-0145 Email Me

Browse My Site

By searching Listing Data you agree to this End User License Agreement

Copyright 2026 Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use

Agency License Information: Counselor Realty, Inc. is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin; Counselor Realty, Inc. of Alexandria is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty Detroit Lakes, LLC is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Rochester is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Victoria, LLC is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Brainerd is licensed in Minnesota.

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/06/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/06/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Fri 03/06/2026 3:09:18 AM EST) or RMLS-MN MLS (last updated Fri 03/06/2026 12:02:34 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Counselor Realty may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.

STATE OF LICENSURE: MINNESOTA

Privacy Policy / DMCA Notice / ADA Accessibility

Agent License Information: Minnesota Broker License #20096468 Wisconsin Brokers License #51024-90