How to Have a Successful Yard Sale, From Planning to Pricing

Although online platforms Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor are more popular than ever, yard sales aren't lost to a bygone era. They're still ideal for getting rid of lots of items at once (without having to wait for an interested buyer to pop up online), as well as an opportunity to pocket some cash. But what’s the difference between a successful yard sale and a subpar one? Well, like many things, the devil is in the details, and careful preparation is key.

We consulted with experts who know a thing or two about selling items secondhand. Here, they’ve shared their tips and tricks for how to have a successful yard sale. From getting the word out to decluttering and pricing, here's what you need to know.

Choose What to Sell and What to Skip

First things first: you’ll need to decide what to sell—and we don’t suggest starting the night before your sale. Ann Couser Kittredge, a vintage décor expert, recommends walking through your home with a fresh set of eyes, keeping a lookout for items you haven’t used or styled in a year.

Start a designated pile or area where you can store the items as you go through your home. This will help you keep things organized, especially when the time comes to price everything. In particular, look out for “small furniture (side tables, vintage chairs), kitchen items, garden décor, tools, vintage linens, and home accessories under $10,” says Kittredge. These are the items that tend to move the fastest at yard sales.

"Start with duplicates and anything still boxed," adds secondhand seller and certified personal property appraiser Josh Levine. "If it’s useful, nostalgic, or giftable, it moves," he says.

Avoid adding anything broken, stained, or heavily used or worn to your "to be sold" pile. When in doubt, ask yourself if you’d pay $5 for the item at someone else's yard sale. If you wouldn’t, it might need to go in the trash. “If it feels like junk, buyers will think so too,” Kittredge says.

How to Price Your Items

Once you’ve got a good idea of the items you’re willing to part with, it’s time to price everything. Both of our experts say it’s a balance between making money and the goal of cleaning out as much clutter as possible.

“Start low,” Levine advises when pricing. “People are looking for deals, not retail therapy. Use whole numbers ($1, $5, $10) and price to move.” Overpricing means you may have to haul items back inside or to the thrift store.

Kittredge also notes that it's important to price everything at the sale. (Some shoppers may be too shy to ask and leave empty-handed.) She recommends using a permanent marker and writing the amount on painter's tape to keep things clear and prevent damage.

How to Choose a Date for Your Sale

According to our experts, Saturday is the best day for a yard sale in terms of attracting buyers. However, Kittredge says Fridays are also a viable option, especially for a multi-day sale. 

“Some towns love Friday sales, especially if you’re near a summer vacation area,” she shares. Sundays are usually slower.”

How to Get Shoppers at Your Yard Sale

Use the internet to your advantage when it comes to hosting a yard sale: Facebook, Craigslist, Instagram, and Nextdoor are all great platforms to advertise on. “Add clear photos, your ZIP code, and a list of the best items,” Levine suggests.

Traditional signs are worth putting up, too. A colorful poster board with chunky lettering still catches people’s attention. “It works on me like a charm,” Levine says. “Don’t overthink it—just make sure people can see it at 25 MPH.”

Remember to add the day and time of the sale, and Kittredge suggests attaching a balloon to the sign to get extra attention.

Essential Supplies and Set-Up

The day of the sale, Levine recommends having cash on hand, plastic bags to wrap up sales for customers, folding tables, and a speaker with good music. “Coffee helps, too,” he adds.

Levine says to group like items together on folding tables or tarps to create a “mini store environment.” It’ll make the shopping experience more pleasant for buyers, which may encourage them to purchase more items.

Expert Tips for Yard Sale Success

For your best chance of yard sale success and moving your items, keep these expert tips in mind and avoid some common mistakes.

• Be sure you're not under-advertising your sale. To boost foot traffic, it's best to advertise on multiple platforms.
• Resist overpricing items, as it can slow down your sales or leave you with more leftover items than expected.
• Have a plan for unsold items at the end of the day, whether it's a thrift-store drop-off, a giveaway, or hiring a dumpster.
• Be polite and flexible when it comes to haggling with buyers. Remember that it's the norm for yard sales.
• Reference prices on resell sites and eBay to help ensure you're not overpricing or undervaluing your items.
• On the day of, waking up early to set up is in your best interest. "Be 30 minutes early, as people show up fast," Levine says.
• Always have cash on hand to make change.
  

Finally, remember to enjoy the journey and the experience. “People will always surprise you with what they’ll buy, and what they won’t,” Kittredge concludes. “Sometimes, that funky lamp I almost tossed is the first to go. And the piece I was sure would sell? Still sitting there at the end of the day. That’s the charm of secondhand.”