A yard or garage sale reduces the clutter in your home to help it show better, gets rid of items you don’t want to move, and provides extra cash for moving expenses.  Here’s how to do it right.

1)      Check with your city government to see if you need a permit or license.

2)       See if neighbors want to participate and have a block sale to attract more visitors.

3)       Advertise.  Put an ad in free classified papers, put up signs and balloons at major intersections (if your city allows it), and post notices in stores near your home.

4)        Attach prices with removable stickers.  Yard sales are supposed to offer bargains, so don’t try to sell anything of significant value this way or charge outrageous amounts.

5)        Check items before the sale to be sure you haven’t included something you want to keep.

6)         Keep your pets away from the sale.  Some people are fearful of animals.

7)         Have an electrical outlet so buyers can test appliances and lamps.

8)         Keep plenty of bags and newspapers on hand for wrapping fragile items.

9)         Maintain enough change and keep a close eye on your cash.