Are You Planning a Garage Sale? |

So you've decided to have a garage sale after cleaning out your home. It can be lots of fun to sell the items and make a little extra money along the way.

But, a successful garage sale can depend on your advertising efforts before the event. Here are some tips on how to advertise your garage sale for free or at minimum cost from an article entitled "Advertising a Garage Sale" (Source: Real Estate Market Watch, April 3, 2012, page 10):

Yard Signs: Use large neon-coloured posters with bold lettering to list location, time, and date. The lettering of your signs should be at least three inches high and one-half inch thick so that passing cars can read the words. Post the signs on your front lawn before the event. For example, if your garage sale is to be held on Saturday, post the sign on Friday morning. Affix balloons to the sign in order to attract attention.

Flyers: Print flyers with the location, time, date, and some of the better items you are selling. Again, use large print in bold letter. Ask to post your flyers on bulletin boards in grocery stores, laundromats, and more. If your garage sale is held on Saturday, it is recommended that you post your flyers on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Online Ads: You can place free online ads. Most community newspapers have an online version and allow free garage sale advertising. Free online ads can be placed with Criagslist and Kijiji. If your garage sale is on Saturday, post your online ads on Thursday.

Print Ads: Some newspapers in print allow free ads for garage sales. Check with the newspapers regarding deadlines and days the ads will appear. If your community newspaper is delivered once a week, make sure to meet the deadline.

At the end of the garage sale, remember to remove any signs and flyers that have been placed in the community. Also remember to remove any online ads from Craigslist and Kijiji.

For further tips on organizing a successful garage sale or how to find second-hand treasures, check out the following titles in the Toronto Public Library system: