As the weather warms up and spring cleaning begins, a garage sale may seem just the ticket. What a great way to bring in some cash while de-cluttering your living space!

From the editors of Family Circle, come 10 tips for making sure your garage sale is fun, efficient, and successful:

• Make it a group sale – Choose the date and ask your neighbors to join in. A larger sale brings more shoppers.
• Permit needed? Check with City Hall to determine if you need a permit and/or any ground rules or restrictions you should know about.
• Advertise – In the week before the sale, arrange for a free ad in neighborhood papers and/or post announcements in local stores.
• Arrange for pickup of leftovers – Make arrangements at least a week before your sale date to have a local charity stop by afterward to pick up unwanted leftover items.
• Sort and price items – Be realistic about what things are worth. Garage sale shoppers are looking for bargains.
• Have change and wrapping goods on hand – The day before the sale, stock up on ones, fives, tens and lots of loose change. Be sure to have plastic bags, a few small boxes, and newspapers and/or bubble wrap if you will be selling fragile items.
• Post signs and sort display goods early – Garage sale shoppers get an early start. Be sure items are clearly marked and sorted by type (kitchen goods, books, clothing, tools, toys. etc,)
• Consider a ‘freebies’ area – Freebies always attract a crowd. You may want to add to the contents as you move toward the end of the sale/
• Keep an eye on the cashbox – If you have a cash box, never leave it unguarded. Better yet, keep your money on your person in a fanny pack or similar item.
• Add treats for sale – Consider adding to the day’s income by having the kids sell coffee or cold drinks and/or snacks such as brownies or cookies.

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