Start sorting through your household for unwanted items - have the mindset that almost anything will sell if it is a bargain

Price your items

- price items about 25-35% of what they cost new (clothes are exceptions - 5-15% here)

Pick a date and time for your sale

- weekends are the best; avoid public holidays or special events

Write your ad and advertise your garage sale

- give the address and hours of the sale; mention items that are of particular interest - Place your ad in local newspapers and using free garage sale advertising sites - put up flyers on local community boards; inform neighbours as they might want to have a joint sale

Make sure items are cleaned and repaired

- the better condition it is in, the higher price you will get

Determine where signs will go

- in and around your neighbourhood is best; one in front of your house is smart too

Make your signs

- use arrows, print the address, start and end times, use big letters

Set up your sale area

- use tables to lay items out, display clothing hung up; you want to create an area so people can browse and shop in comfort

Get checkout area ready

- have plenty of change; spare bags; calculator; newspaper (to wrap fragile items); paper & pens

Put up signs

Make some refreshments and have a radio ready to play some soft background music

Make sure your house is locked up and fully secure

- you don't want to give buyers the opportunity to snoop around

Open the gates/door to your sale

- greet all customers with a friendly smile and "hello!"; be prepared to bargain with buyers

Take signs down - not only is this courteous to the environment, but you might incur a fine or penalty if you don't Count your money and rejoice!