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What to Stock Up on in May

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What to stock up on in May, everything you need to buy in the month of May. MAY IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST LISTS OF YEAR! This is my huge shopping list of sales for stocking up on groceries and other items for the month of May. May is a great month to get amazing deals on seasonal produce, medications for allergies, May holiday items, appliances, pet products and so much more. May is filled with amazing shopping deals!!!

what to stock up on in may

What Should I Buy Each Month?

A smart shopper follows sale cycles…or you can just come here each month to see my monthly lists of what to stock up on every month. Be sure to see other months I have up already: November, December, January, February, March and April

I will be continuing this series every month until I have all 12 months of sale cycle / stock up lists for you. FYI: A sale cycle is how a store rotates discounts on particular items, generally store-wide. What’s great is that most stores follow the same sale cycles; so you can use this list and multiple stores.

Why Should I Stock-up?

You want to “stock-up” on items you and your family use regularly so that you get the deepest discount on those items. Instead of shopping stores for these items every time you run out (paying top prices), you’ll be “shopping” your storage, knowing you got the best price.

10 Tips to Know Before You Stockpile!

  1. Know what you need: inventory your pantry, freezer, cupboards, etc.
  2. Have a storage plan: where will you keep your stockpile? Make use of under-bed storage!
  3. Buy what you already use – don’t experiment because it’s discounted.
  4. Make a plan, make a list and know what you’re buying!
  5. Make sure food items have a long expiration date so they won’t go bad before you can use them.
  6. Consider buying more of items that have multiple purposes.
  7. Be prepared to shop several stores.
  8. Invest in a Food Saver for bulk buying and making smaller “packages”. Also will prevent freezer burn for your meats and vegetables.
  9. Make a budget, and stick to it. DO NOT USE CREDIT CARDS!
  10. Come armed with your coupons and all sales ads. Most stores will accept competitor coupons and offer to match sale prices. Having these can save your gas and time, driving from store to store.

How do I know if it is a good stockpile price?

That can vary but I generally want 50% off or more on grocery items. Now on bigger ticket things, you may not get that deep of a discount. We want rock bottom prices so make sure you checking online, ads and doing comparisons.

The List of What to Stock Up on in May

stock up in may seasonal produce

May’s Seasonal Produce to Buy

Apricots
Artichokes
Arugula
Asparagus
Avocado
Beets
Blackberries
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cantaloupe (See: How to Grow Cantaloupe)
Cauliflower
Cherries
Carrots (See: How to Preserve Carrots)
Celery
Chard
Corn
Grapefruit
Green beans
Greens (mustard / collard)
Honeydew
Kale
Lettuce
Onions (See: Easy Pickled Onions Recipe)
Peas
Peaches
Pineapples
Potatoes (See: How to Grow Potatoes Anywhere)
Radish
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Spinach
Strawberries
Watermelon
Zucchini

May Holiday Items to Stock Up On

Mexican Food for Cinco de Mayo

cinco de mayo food sales

Cinco de Mayo is May 5th and foods for the traditional Mexican holiday will be at DEEP discounts.

Stock Up On These Items:

  • Tortillas
  • Salsa
  • Taco Seasonings
  • Margarita Mixes (check tequila too)
  • Mexican Beers like Corona and Pacifico
  • Tortillas Chips
  • Canned Refried Beans
  • Frozen Mexican Entrees
  • Shredded Cheeses (you can freeze this!)
  • Pre-made Taco and Tostada Shells
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce

Picnic and Grilling Foods for Memorial Day

memorial day sales

Stock Up on These May Items:

  • Hot Dogs
  • Bratwurst
  • Pre-Made Hamburgers (sometimes ground beef)
  • Meats to Grill
  • Buns
  • Condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Relish
  • Pickles
  • Bottled Water
  • Chips
  • Dips
  • Dressings
  • Supplies to make S’mores
  • Pre-made pies (especially the all-American Apple and Cherry Pies!)
  • Charcoal

Grills, grilling tools and coolers may be on deep discounts in May too!

Paper Goods are on Sale in May too!

What to buy:

  • Paper plates / bowls / platters
  • Paper napkins
  • Disposable cups
  • Plastic forks, spoons, knives

Normally I’m not a fan or user of paper and disposable products, but they are nice to have on hand for emergencies.

Items for Graduates

What to look for:

  • Party supplies for graduation parties
  • Small kitchen items for dorms
  • Mattresses will also be on big discounts in May

Pet Products on Sale in May

May 6th – May 12th is National Pet Week!

What is on sale for pets in May?

  • Food for your pets
  • Pet toys
  • Pet housing
  • Treats
  • Vets and groomers may also have specials running

Stock Up in May on Drugstore Items

Not just in drugstores! Stock up on:

Great Cookie Sales in May Too

May 15th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! Look for these items to be on sale and to stock up on in May.

  • Cookies (not just chocolate chip)
  • Items to make cookies like flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc.
  • Pre-made cookie dough

Appliances and Household Items On Sale in May

  • Refrigerators are at their deepest discounts (Home Depot offers low price guarantees!)
  • Appliance bundles
  • Vacuums
  • Mattresses (as mentioned above)
  • Outdoor and patio furniture
  • TVs

May is Great for Off-Season Clothing

Stock up in May on winter and spring clothing items as the stores make room for summer clothes.

What to look for:

  • Rain gear
  • Winter and Spring sweaters
  • Flannels
  • Boots

Make sure to check your local thrift stores for deals too as they will need to make room for an influx of new items not sold and yard sales.

May is a time for you to MAKE Money too!

May is typically the start of yard sale / garage sale season. Start cleaning out your house and have a tag sale to make money for your stock-up items.

See How to Have the BEST Garage Sale Ever!

What are your tips for creating a stockpile? Do you shop monthly sale cycles? Share your tips in the comments below!

Ways for Kids to Make Money

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Summer, believe it or not, is just around the corner. Maybe your kids, under 16, are looking for a way to make money this summer. I know my adult kids are pretty entrepreneurial and liked making their own money; now my 13 year old does as well. I want to share some easy ways for kids to make money this summer, or anytime of the year really.

Ways for Kids to Make Money

We Do Not Pay Allowance

We don’t pay for chores. I know, this is controversial to some. But here’s the thing, I don’t get paid to take care of my house or personal responsibilities. I wanted my kids to understand that we do chores because we have the privilege of living in a home and having personal items. Now that doesn’t mean I never give my 13 year old money; but we don’t have a set allowance that she gets regularly.

I think if you want to give your kids money, consider giving them special projects as “side jobs” that you are willing to pay a set amount for.

Why Should a Kid Have a Business?

I know many people will say, let them be kids. I’m all for that; I don’t want to rob anyone child of that short and precious time of childhood. But a business and a job a very different things. A job is working on other people’s schedules and usually involves doing things we don’t like. A business works around your schedule (you don’t see stores opening at your convenience) and doing something you already love.

I also believe that we sell kids short. They have a lot to offer and giving them an opportunity to shine with a money-making business is just one of them.

Honestly, I’d rather my kid be working as an entrepreneur than spending hours playing video games or on a cell phone.

Ways for Kids to Make Money

What are some good ways for kids to earn money? Yes! But before we get into the list of ways kids can make money, let’s talk safety. It should be obvious that you need to make sure that any adult your child “works” for is a safe adult. Personally I think you or your spouse should be with your child during any working situation. Your child’s safety comes first!

Also make sure what laws your city or state has concerning minors and money. For instance, how much money can a minor make before taxes are owed. Most kids are going to make money via cash but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have no tax responsibility.

Kids Making Money Should Save

Talk to you kids about money management before you decide HOW they are going to make money. I personally think you have a huge opportunity to teach life-long financial responsibility with their little side business.

  • Will you require them to save a certain percentage? I’d recommend 10% minimum.
  • Are you tithers? If you tithe to your church then you should definitely talk to you children about tithing. But let them decide, from their heart, if they’ll tithe from their income. The tithe of our finances is 10%, talk to them about that amount and decide if they’ll tithe to the children’s ministry or to the main church tithe.
  • How will kids making money save their money? Opening a savings account can be a great way to teach savings and make younger kids feel especially grown up; they may take the savings more seriously. This also gives older kids an opportunity to learn how to manage a bank account.
  • You may want to consider opening a checking account with older pre-teens as well.

A List of Jobs for Kids to Make Money

This list is just meant to be a jumping off point. Think about what your child is already talented in, excited about, talks about constantly; help them to turn that into a business they can thrive in!

A Service Business for Kids

A Pet Service Business
Pet sitting, cleaning small animal cages, cleaning dog poo from the yard, dog walking, pet grooming (wash, brush, trim nails)
Lawn Care and Weed Pulling
Mowing, trimming bushes, pulling weeds, etc.
Car Cleaning
Washing outside of car, cleaning and detailing the inside of the cars..
House Cleaning
Is your child a great cleaner? This could be a great job for them. Or have them offer “spot” cleaning, like just bathrooms or mopping weekly.
Babysitting
A tried and true way to make money for responsible and mature pre-teens. Consider just offering “mother’s helpers” service when the parents are home but need to get tasks accomplished.
Helping Out of Town Neighbors
Water plants, pick up newspaper and mail, take care of animals
Holiday Helpers
Have a gift wrapping station or help to set up and take down decorations.
Painting
Have a awesome DIY kiddo? Let them offer to do painting.

Sales Based Business for Kids

Lemonade Stand…Coffee Stand?
Why not switch up that old lemonade stand for a coffee stand? If you preteen likes to bake you could offer baked goods too. This works especially well for early bird kiddos.
Yard / Garage Sale
Need to de-clutter? Pay the kids to do that and/or let them sell un-needed items in a garage sale. See How to Have a Awesome Garage Sale

Skills Bases Business for Kids

Arts and Crafts
If your child is artsy let them sell art work, jewelry or other craft projects. Consider opening an Etsy for a larger audience.
Online Business
Start a blog! This can be a way to make an extra income as well as becoming a more proficient writer. This could be a great homeschool subject too!
Tech Jobs
Is your preteen a technically savvy kid? Can they make and edit videos or create a website? What about editing photos? There are so many ways to use the love a technology for a small business.
Sewing and Other Needlework Crafts
If you child can sew, knit or crochet then making small projects like a coffee cozy, aprons or dresses could be a great income. What about a mending business?
Tutor Younger Kids
Help younger kids with reading, math or any subject they have a passion for and are proficient in.

Be sure to see Homestead Kids Businesses Too!

I hope this helps get you and your kiddo started on a business idea that can make a little income. Remember instilling a entrepreneurial spirit now can mean great things for your son or daughter in the future!

Have you help you kid make money with a business of their own? Tell us about it in the comments!

What to Stock Up On In April

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What to stock up on in April. The biggest and most comprehensive shopping list for stocking up on groceries and other sale cycle items for the month of April. Shopping in April can get you great deals on food, seasonal items, holiday clearance, garden items and more. It is a good shopping month!

what to stock up on in april

What to Stock Up On In April

What to Stock Up on Each Month?

The stock up series started back in November of 2018. Be sure to bookmark all the months so you can stock up on November, December, January, February and March too! I will continue the series until every month is complete; so you’ll always have a guide. With my lists, you will ALWAYS know the best things to stock up on every month of the year!

This is more than a month to month guide to grocery sales! I always include the sales for bigger ticket items, things on sale during a particular season and what will be on the biggest clearance during the month.

Shopping Sale Cycles

The key to stocking up in April, or any month is shopping the store’s sale cycle. So what is a sale cycle? A sale cycles are how store rotate discounts of particular items being on sale, generally store-wide; and most store adhere to this same cycle. My “job” is to take the guess work out of researching those sales; just come here every month and get your list of monthly stock up suggestions and tips.

What Is a Stock Up?

Everyone has the own definition of “stocking up”. But basically this is making a plan to overbuy items that are on sale (in cycles) that will supply your household for 3 or more months. This way you don’t but at the exact time you need an item, for top price. It does take some time to learn how much to buy to last; but the longer you do it the more routine it will be for you.

What Price is Good for Stocking Up on Sales?

A good price for stocking up on an item/s is going to depending greatly on the item itself. But for general purposes, I want to get at least 50% off a product to buy multiples for my pantry, etc.

How do I stockpile when I’m broke?

If you have a limited budget stocking up on anything feels very difficult. You should absolutely NEVER go into credit card debt to buy sales items, that defeats the purpose. Look for items you can cut out or reduce in your budget while you get started stockpiling. Are you buying coffee through a drive-thru everyday? That’s probably costing $80 – $100 a month! Make coffee and home and use that money to build your stockpile. Even with as little as $10 a week you can start saving up for sale cycles.

Do I need coupons to stockpile?

No, but they can make your savings greater. I am not a big coupon person because I think they give us a sense of buying cheaper when items are really at their top price (plus buying stuff you never really use). You can see more about my thoughts on coupons here:
5 Reasons I Quit Using Coupons.

If you can get a coupon that works with the sales during a particular month, go for it!

The Stock Up in April List

Gardening Supplies and Plants

Spring has sprung and April is the best to to stock up on and get the best price on gardening supplies and plants.

Shop for:

Earth Day

Earth Day is in April every year. According to Wikipedia, Earth Day is “an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day now includes events in more than 193 countries, which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network“.

Shop for: (think green & sustainable)

  • Foods that are labeled natural and organic
  • Reusable bags
  • Reusable water / drinking bottles
  • LED / CFL lighting
  • Appliances labeled Energy Star – so April is a great time to shop for new appliances.

Stock Up in April – Seasonal & Holiday Items

Easter is in the month of April in 2019 so make sure to shop very close to or the day after to get the best deals on Easter items.

Shop For:

  • Baskets and basket fillers like plastic eggs, stuffed animals, etc
  • Egg dying kits
  • Candies (just be sure to check the freshness date)
  • Home decorating or home decor items like hand towels with an Easter theme, wall hangings and knick knacks.

Groceries and Produce

April is National Soft Pretzel month! And both Passover and Easter take place in April. Be sure to look at the seasonal fruit and vegetables this month as well; most can be frozen or canned for later use.

Shop For:

  • Frozen soft pretzels to make at home.
  • Hams (traditional Easter Food for many)
  • Eggs (Easter egg dying)
  • Pre-packaged Kosher / Passover foods like matzos
  • Baking items for holidays like sugar, spices, baking mixes and even pre-made refrigerator dough
  • Seasonal Fruits – like apples, avocados, grapefruit, oranges, pears, pineapple, strawberries and tangerines
  • Seasonal Vegetables – like artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, Lima beans, mushrooms, onions, peas and rhubarb.

Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies

If you haven’t already, you may be planning to do your Spring cleaning in April! Stores are often still offering great deals for this!

Shop For:

  • Cleaners
  • Cleaning gear like brooms, dusters, mops, vacuums, etc

Vacations

Most travelers are looking at booking summer vacations but April can be a great month to get deals!

Shop For:

  • Cruises
  • Airfare
  • Hotels

What to Stock Up On in April – Clothing

  • Any remaining winter items
  • Rain boots and other “Spring Showers” gear

Beauty & Personal Care

  • Facial cleansers
  • Body wash
  • Moisturizer

See: Safer Skin Care & Make-Up

Other April Deals to Consider

  • Tax Day Discounts – restaurants and stores often offer special savings on April 15th
  • Sewing Supplies
  • Home Improvement – check your big box stores!
  • The start of Mother’s Days Sales

Did I miss something that you stock up on in April for a great deal? Tell me in the comment section below!

Is there anything I forgot to add to my list? If you think of something please leave me a comment below.

See Food Storage Mom’s Stockpile Motto

What to Stock Up On In March

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What to stock up on in March – the ULTIMATE list you can’t shop without! Let’s talk about what what to shop for in March. I’ve included food items, seasonal items, winter clearance, non-food items and even garden items to stock up on in March! Happy shopping!

what to stock up on in march

Keeping a list of the sales for March will make your shopping faster and easier on your budget. I have stock up lists for November, December, January and February too; so make sure to save those links to your favorites!

What to Stock Up On In March

This and all my “stock up on” posts are based on the sale cycle for that month.

What is a sale cycle?

A sale cycle is a rotation of certain items being on sale store-wide. For example, March is National Frozen Food Month. So based on this and other seasonal factors, stores will have the best deals on those items.

Sales cycles typically cycle back about every 6 weeks. So you’ll want to buy enough of those items to last you and your family until the items come back around on sale. This is the lowest price you’ll find for those items.

Coupons are great but combined with sale cycles you can get items at the cheapest price for the year and often for FREE. If you’re building a stockpile than this is the way you want to shop for sure!

My stock up in March list is based on those sale cycles as are my other lists.

Also when you’re planning your stock up in March sales you have to consider the season. Special occasions in the month of March, like St. Patrick’s Day (see my corned beef in your crock pot recipe) will also effect sale items and prices.

Stock Up on in March Food Items

Did you know that March is National Frozen Foods Month? There is actually a National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) that promotes this. See March Frozen Food Month! But March also has St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness, and later you’ll see items for spring cleaning.

  • Frozen Foods – This is the best time to buy frozen vegetables, frozen fruit, pizzas, fish sticks, ice cream and just about any other item you find in the frozen food section.
  • Corned Beef – the traditional meat of St. Patty’s Day is in abundance and on sale during March. Put a few in your freezer for other times of the year.
  • Cereals – March 7th in National Cereal Day so all your boxes of cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc will be on sale. Check your coupons so you can stack them with the sale prices for the best deals!
  • Seasonal Produce – asparagus, bananas (see how to preserve bananas), beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery,
    grapefruit, grapes, leeks, lemons, limes, lettuce, onions, oranges, mangoes, peas, pineapples, potatoes, radishes, strawberries, spinach and walnuts.
  • Snack Foods and Soda – stock up on in March on snacks and sodas that will be on sale in preparation for the March Madness basketball tournaments. Look at chips, dips, soda, etc for the best deals.

Stock Up on in March – Holiday Items

The best time to stock up on holiday items is after the holiday as passed. Get to the stores fast the next day because they’ll be at great clearance sales prices!

  • St. Patrick’s Day – after March 17th you can find great deals on all things green and Irish! Don’t forget to look at craft stores too if you’re looking holiday items.
  • Easter Items – When Easter is in March you can find great deals on baskets, candy, cards and decor to stock up on in March.

Stock Up on in March – Cleaning Supplies

Because many people are preparing for “spring cleaning” those products and supplies will be at rock bottom prices. Check your stores and stack with coupons for amazing deals (sometimes free). The first day of spring is March 20th for 2019!

  • All purpose cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Candles and other home fragrances
  • Cleaning gear may also be on sale – mops, brooms, dusters, vacuums, etc.

Stock Up on in March – Winter Clearance

Old man winter is leaving and so are all the amazing winter items that will be cheap in March. If you have the space to store them away this is the time to buy!

  • Winter coats, jackets, vests, etc (considering getting larger sizes your kids will need next year)
  • Gloves, mittens, scarves, fuzzy socks
  • Snow and ski wear

Stock Up on in March – Other Non-Food Items

These are the other items you may find the best deals on in March, not just at grocery stores!

  • Boats (hey if you’re in the market for one, this may be your month!)
  • Jewelry – stores are still trying to get rid of those extra Valentine’s Day gifts.
  • Luggage – in preparation for the Spring break travels many stores of the best deals on luggage.
  • Wedding Gifts – it is the start of the busy wedding season so look for deals on items typically given to couples as a gift. Items to consider: small appliances, flatware, dishes, etc.
  • Laptops – If you missed the back-to-school and Christmas sales you may still find a great deal on laptops as stores prepare for the graduation season.

Stock Up on In March – Seeds and Plants

Getting ready for your spring garden? March is a great time to stock up on seeds and plants! See What to Plant in March.

Tips for Stocking Up on March Items

  • Don’t blow your budget for ANY sale item. The point of shopping these sales is to save money but if that makes it hard for you to pay a bill then it isn’t worth it.
  • Don’t use credit, that defeats the sale price (see above).
  • Make sure your have room to store the extra items and food!
  • Don’t buy things you don’t already use. This isn’t the time to get 10 boxes of cereal that you’ve never tried!
  • Shop stores that price match to save yourself time.
  • Make a plan, write a list and don’t be distracted.
  • Take a buddy that will keep you from over doing it!
  • Make sure to check freshness dates on food items. Store pantry and refrigerator items with closer expiration dates to the front.
  • Start a price list – this will help you track the best sales prices in the cycles.

Happy shopping and savings as you stock up in March!

Garage Sale Have The Best One Ever

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Garage Sale tips are on the agenda today. It will soon be spring and that, to me, is the best garage sale season of all. But now is the time to get ready for your garage sale (yard or tag sale)! I have some tips and tricks to have a successful garage sale…the best one ever!

garage sale tips and tricks

Garage Sale Tips and Tricks

Garage sale, yard sale, tag sale – I know we all call them something different depending on where we live; but it is all basically the same thing. A garage sale is a wonderful way to purge your home of items you no longer need or use and make some money to boot. Win!

There are a few things you can do to go from a good yard sale to an amazing one! I am going to share what’s worked for us in the past so you can implement them in your next sale!

We are getting read for our annual spring garage sale. I love to shop thrifty and yard sales are great for that too. BUT I have never found an easier way to make a little side cash than a good old fashioned garage sale. So what can you do to have a bigger, better and more profitable garage sale? I’m so glad you asked!

10 Tips for The Best Garage Sale Ever!

Garage Sale Tip #1 – Plan Ahead

If you want to have a spring yard sale then you should start planning it in the winter. Sure you can throw together of last minute sale, I’ve done that too. But for the BEST garage sale you want time to plan.

  • Pick a date, put it on the calendar and plan around it. Depending on how much clutter you have to clean out, it could take several weeks or even months to get yourself ready. That’s ok!
  • See if your area or neighborhood does annual or semi-annual garage sale. These group tag sales will bring bigger crowds which is a better opportunity for you to make money.
  • Find out if your city or town requires a permit to hold a tag sale.

Garage Sale Tip #2 – Make a Collection Area

  • Use 1/2 of your garage or a spare room in your house (if you can) to collect and organize what you’ll be selling at your garage sale.
  • Organize items into groups like kitchen items, books, clothing, etc. This will make set-up on the day of your yard sale much faster.

Garage Sale Tip #3 – Get Volunteers

  • It is so much easier to have a great yard sale when you have a helper or 2.
  • Normally this will be your spouse and maybe your kids but if you’re single ask a few friends to help. Make sure to offer friends some food / treats / drinks for their time. You could consider offering your garage sale volunteers a set percentage of the profits as well.
  • Can you yard sale volunteers help you with the pre-sale organization? Even better!

Garage Sale Tip #4 – Make Sure Everything Is Priced

  • There are 2 schools of thought here. One says price high so people can haggle. The other says ask what you want because some people just want to buy without negotiating. I tend to fall a little in the middle. Most shoppers want to walk away feeling like that got a deal so give yourself some wiggle room in the prices.
  • Price as you go. As your organizing and going through your rooms to find items to sell, price them right away.
  • Make sure price tags are visible and shoppers don’t have to search for them.
  • If you’re unsure what to price something check for similar items on Craigslist and Ebay.
  • Yard Sale Kit with Pricing Labels

Garage Sale Tip #5 – Advertise Your Yard Sale

  • You really don’t need a newspaper ad anymore.
  • Find local groups on Facebook to post your yard sale. If you don’t feel comfortable putting your exact address you can ask people to message you for it but that does make more work for you.
  • Announce it on your personal social media.
  • Add it to your local Craigslist with a few pictures of choice items.
  • Post flyers at your local library.
  • The day of, put out clean, easy to read signs with LARGE print.

Garage Sale Tip #6 – Organizing The Sales Area

Keep your yard sale area neat and easy for shoppers to see what is available. Group like items together.

how to organize a garage sale
  • Clothes with clothes – clothes are best seen and sold if they are hung up. Try hanging a heavy rope between trees or in your garage door area to hang the clothes. You can also invest in a garment rack. If not make sure everything is neatly folded on a table.
  • Books with books – consider offering discounts when multiple books are purchased.
  • Household goods
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Etc

Garage Sale Tip #6 – Cash and Cashier & Help

  • Have a designated cashier for your garage sale so you can be in with the shoppers.
  • Make sure you have plenty of small bills for change. You may want a way to check large bill for counterfeits (it happens). You can buy a Money Marker for this.
  • Do not work your garage sale alone. In addition to a cashier you want 2 – 4 people “working” the crowd and sadly watching for thieves.

Garage Sale Tip #7 – Free Stuff

I like to have a box of freebies available at my garage sale. This is the stuff I don’t feel like haggling over, may be missing pieces or need repair. I rarely have any of it left.

Garage Sale Tip #8 – Refreshments

You might want to consider offering some drinks and snacks at a reasonable price; it will keep people shopping your yard sale longer! This is a great job for the kids to man. Here are a few ideas that have worked for us:

  • Donuts
  • Water bottles
  • Coffee
  • Hot Chocolate
  • If you’re really ambitious you could do grilled hot dogs (I saw this once but never have tried it personally).

Garage Sale Tip #9 – Don’t Bring It Back In

Have a plan for leftovers when the yard sale is over. Many companies will come and pick up your yard sale leftover items at a specified time. So make that plan in advance and do not bring the clutter back into your home.

The only caveat to that is if you are planning to have a 2nd day or 2nd weekend to your tag sale.

Garage Sale Tip #10 – Where is the Money Going?

I always like to have a goal in mind for the money we make at our tag sales. Maybe savings for a vacation, a new couch, home repairs, etc. But a goal and a plan makes all the prep work and sales worth it!

I hope these tips give you the confidence to have a yard sale, no matter what you goals for the money. I love to have the once or twice a year to keep the clutter down around the house.

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