OK....I have just spent the day hauling endless crap out of the attic space (and any other space one can store crap).....in the attempt to organize myself for a garage sale.
There are boxes and boxes and even more boxes of fabric.....enough books to start a small library.....dishes, ornaments, small appliances............................................................The biggest problem I'm having is the limited space I have to sort through it.
I'm overwhelmed !!!!!
I'm sure it will take me at least a week just to haul this stuff out.
SO....from there....what's next? How far ahead do you advertise.
Anybody done this who has any advice?
Good for you, P.C. The garage sale stuff can really take over the house! I think you need to just "make a mess" of it while you're sorting. I usually put up the signs around Wed, if the sale is on Sat/Sun.
If you have time on garage sale day, bring out the BBQ. You can make a killing selling hot dogs, coffee and freezies.
If you have time on garage sale day, bring out the BBQ. You can make a killing selling hot dogs, coffee and freezies.
GOOD IDEA !!! That's the stuff I'm looking for.
Also, try to bag things up (in clear plastic) and sell by the "lot" so people have to take the good with the bad. That really gets rid of the junk! Let me know when your garages sale is, and I'll notify my inlaws. They can never resist a "garbage sale" (not implying that your stuff is garbage!)
We're gunning for 2 weeks from now. I have a neighbour who wants to combine them.....so she's been putting the screws to me. I could probably use another week, but.....on the other hand, sometimes I need a kick in the pants to get on it.....especially when it's something I really don't want to do.
Also, try to bag things up (in clear plastic) and sell by the "lot" so people have to take the good with the bad.
I like this tip too ! Good thinking.
Oh, you'll have fun once the actual sale starts. The people watching is always hilarious.
Put a sign on the cat that says he's not for sale.
Lil Me......this is absolutely unbelievable. How did this HAPPEN ? You're talking to someone who still has her first etch-a-sketch...my kids favourite first toys.....artwork they did in kindergarten...a ton of stuff from my parents place when they passed on. I'm one of those people that has a hard time letting go of things. (but it feels SO good when I do)
I buy clothes....wear them 2 or 3 times and then I either get bored with them, or I decide they don't look as good on me as I thought they did...LOL I must have 40 dress jackets/blazers.
My thinking is, if I get rid of a heap-o-junk....then I'll have the space to keep the frivolous stuff that I want to hang on to.....lol
Put a sign on the cat that says he's not for sale.
I don't think that'll be necessary....he has a tendency to think he's a rottweiler when strangers come around.....lol
I never throw things away.
Heck when my mother would pack my lunch when I was little for field trips I'd eat everything or I'd get depressed if I didn't. Because my mother cares about me.
I'm the same way with clothes. lol
Are you trying to tell me you got a whack of old lunches stored somewhere?
P.C. wrote:
My thinking is, if I get rid of a heap-o-junk....then I'll have the space to keep the frivolous stuff that I want to hang on to.....lol
--
Exactly. Out with the old, in with the new. Make some space, then you have the summer to cruise around and buy OTHER PEOPLE'S JUNK. LOL.
If you haven't worn something for a year, chances are you never will. Toss it.
I got brutal with my closet and did a major clear-out. I tried on everything that I hadn't worn for a while. If something didn't fit properly, I got rid of it.
P.C. wrote:
Are you trying to tell me you got a whack of old lunches stored somewhere?
--
You could be potentially wealthy if you find any sandwiches that look like Elvis or major religious figures.
P.C.- I wouldn't garage sale anything rare or extremely old (ie vintage Etch A Sketch) . I'd hang onto it and ebay it separately.
Yea...I'm wondering how to handle some of the stuff I would like to sell. I have a lot of antique furniture, rugs etc. I know a few things are valuable, but I don't really know how to go about finding out what their actual value IS. I don't think things like that are a good idea for a garage sale.....but I don't know.
You're right. I'd hang onto anything "doubtful". A lot of antique fairs and community fairs are starting to do the Antiques Roadshow booth where you can line up and have your stuff appraised.
You can also search ebay and find out the going rate for some of these items.
I find eBay a confusing gauge of value on some things. Vintage stuff is one thing, but antiques are a mystery in their value.
I have some stuff that I really don't WANT to get rid of, but they're sucking up some valuable real estate. The 'attic' I referred to, is actually a triangular space running the length of the house on each side.....the result of an A-frame kind of space. That's IT for storage space. We have a gi-normous attic, but I've never put anything up there because I thought it would get that 'atticy smell'. (thank gawwwd)
I would LOVE it if Antiques Roadshow came here. Don't see it happening real quick.....lol
I would advertise about a week in advance? Not sure though.
I am doing a yard sale at the end of summer. I still have all my boy's baby toys. crib, baby movies etc. Now he is becoming a big boy, that stuff will just collect dust.
Keep us posted how it goes P.C., I will be looking to you for advice (again..)
No more handsome rugrats for you, Dev?
lol! None in the planning stages anyways. I would have to say no...but I am not 100% ready to actually say that right now.
Will keep you posted Devil.
Having all your kids stuff is one thing, when they're 5 or 6, but I still have a heap o stuff from MY kids, and I can assure you they are a little OLDER than that. I have a HUGE early Canadiana cradle that takes up SO much space. I don't know why I've had such a hard time getting rid of it.....lol. IT'S GOING ! Two SETS of dinning chairs....one set antique, and another really close......you know how much space that takes up? Oy. The list is endless.
I can't even think about the old shop....UGH. It's full.....and it's going to be empty.
Books, books, book, books, books, books, books, books, books, books.....and a few more books. GAAAWWWD.....somebody HELP ME !!!!
[img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c021.gif" border=0]
Good luck with everything. Sounds like a lot..er..a TON of work.
I've been giving my stuff away over the years. It softens the blow if you know someone else is going to use it. I've started leaving boxes of kid-related junk on peoples' doorsteps when they're not home.... usually they appreciate it, cuz they can use the tot clothes, preschool puzzles, etc.
I did the grdening thing for a few years (have since given up), but I used to leave tomatoes and zucchini on doorsteps, as well...
That's so nice Lil Me. (have I got a recipe for zucchini for YOU !!!)
That IS the thing for me......I just want someone to use this stuff. Making money is a side issue for the most part. I don't really care so much about that. We will have one of the charities pick up the remaining stuff the day after. There's NO WAY anything is coming back into the house.
Keep the cradle for the grand kids? lol
My parents still have my rocking horse in the attic which hasn't seen the light of day since '89. lol!
Why is it always easier to buy than it is to sell?
lol.....that's a good question Gophie.
Although I have to admit, I have bought a lot of stuff over the years, I've also 'acquired' a lot of stuff too. With both hubby and I being 'orphans', and both of us with parents who were pack rats......a lot of stuff trickled down.
I also make all kinds of things.....each one with it's own set of tools and material.....add on to that, I have well meaning friends who say "I bet you could make something out of this....here.....oh yeah.....I have 9 of them".
At the risk of being repetitive....I'm overwhelmed.
P.C. wrote:
At the risk of being repetitive....I'm overwhelmed.
(http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/midi/traurig/a020.gif)
Awww......thanks SD.
On that note...I'm inspired to carry on.
Later. [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/traurig/e050.gif" border=0]
dont do it.
i would suggest like what lil me said. boxes of stuff with 10 bucks for the whole box. books 1 each. irregardless of what they are.. old ones are almost collectables. old kids toys are collectables now. ebay them, or craigslist. Do a search before you list for what others are selling for and make sure that you CHARGE for the shipping.. cause you have to take time to box/wrap/deliver them to the post office wherever they go.
ANY tools lemme know!
Do what Russ? Garage Sale?
Speaking of garage sales, we'll have the biggest one of all time, soon.
lol Russ.....fellow pack rat.
Don't misread this....I'm certainly not in an 'everything must go' mode. But there's enough excess to get rid of a ton, so I can keep my good junque.....lol
So far, I've got a cord of books to go.....and equally as many to keep. I don't keep many paperbacks, I usually pass them along or trade them....so most to go books are 'coffee table books' or home decor and other hobby/special interest type books. (I'm debating on the Harrowsmith mags. Complete from issue #1 with the binders.....go, stay, go stay....lol)
There may be some tools, Russ.....the old shop will be next weeks project, but I'll be sure to let you know.
You could also pawn off your stuff on your kids, which is what my parents are trying to do to me.
Husbands can sometimes be more of a hinderance than a help. You should send him away for the sale.
LOL....Really ?
Does anyone know if this is true? [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c028.gif" border=0]
I think Lil Me says you have to stick around and cook hot dogs.
Sawdust wrote:
Husbands can sometimes be more of a hinderance than a help. You should send him away for the sale.
I think somebody is trying to get off of something. ;)
P.C. wrote:
I think Lil Me says you have to stick around and cook hot dogs.
--
Yes, definately. Someone needs to cook, shake margaritas and lead the Conga line. That's you, Mr Sawdust!
*puts in the conga music in the player*
Sawdust... Theres mention of a bbq. Stay there, trust me on this.
We had a garage sale a few times.. we will be having another one.. a BIG one when I get back in July again... Believe me, its better if you dont know. I put out a bunch of stuff and wanted a certain price.. but when it came down to it, I didnt want the crap anymore. So I had my family sell it while I manned the grill. When its gone, its gone.. more room for more stuff and as long as you got SOMETHING for it.. it makes sence somehow.
PS.. Lemme know if you wnat a welder, tire change machine, or somethign similar like that.... I can help you out.
PS.. Lemme know if you wnat a welder, tire change machine, or somethign similar like that.... I can help you out.
Russ....that's very thoughtful of you, but take that back ! We're trying to get RID of stuff.....lol[/DIV]
lol Russ is trying to get rid of things, too.
So when's this garage sale?
Sorry, didn't get the chance to read this entire thread, so I just wanted to say good luck on your sale, PC! It should be loads of fun and a relief to get rid of some stuff. :))
[p align="center"][font color="#000080" face="Arial" size="4"]GARAGE SALE[/font][font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]
[/font][font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"]Copyright 1999 W. Bruce Cameron [/font][font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"][a href="http://www.wbrucecameron.com/"]http://www.wbrucecameron.com/[/a][/font][/p] [p align="center"] [/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]So that you'll never be tempted to participate in a "neighborhood garage sale," allow me to explain how they go:[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]Friday night you're up until two in the morning marking prices on all the junk you're hoping people will buy. At this point you're almost psychotically optimistic, calculating the total value of your "inventory" at slightly over twenty-two thousand dollars. In particular, you're hoping to rid yourself of a hideous lamp constructed from a stars-and-stripes motorcycle helmet like the one Peter Fonda wore in Easy Rider, and you give it a bargain price of $22. Last year's tag is still clinging to the chin strap; it reads $18.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]The garage sale is scheduled to begin at 9:00am. At 6:30 a woman awakens you by pounding on your door. "I like to get an early start," she dimples. When you open the garage door to let her in, there are seven cars in your driveway. [/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]By 11:30 all you've sold is a T-shirt for ten cents. Worse, your daughter borrowed twenty bucks so she could go shopping at the neighbors' garage sales. You mark the motorcycle helmet lamp down to $18.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]At noon you leave the operation in your son's hands and go inside to get some lunch. A stranger is in your bathroom, trying on clothes. Another wants to know if you have "any more cake."[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]When you return to the garage, you find your son ecstatic because he has sold a whole set of garden tools-shovel, axe, rake, spade--for fifty cents each. You sadly advise him that they weren't for sale in the first place. "I wondered why there were no price tags," he replies. [/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]You look around. "Where's my new bicycle?" you gasp, horrified. Your son tells you one of the neighbor kids is out taking it for a "test drive." [/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]A little later one of your neighbors shows up to see how you're doing. "Hey, this Easy Rider lamp is a hoot!" he chuckles. "How much?"[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"Since you're a friend, twenty-five bucks," you gush.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"The tag says eighteen," he points out.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"Okay, eighteen."[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"I'll give you seventy-five cents."[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"Sold!"[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]It's the high point of the day. Around one there's another rush: Word has gotten out you're selling garden tools for half a buck each. "I'll give you a dollar for your lawnmower," one shopper suggests. You ask him to leave. A woman picking through the books you're selling wants to know if you have anything by Carl Hiassen. When you tell her no, she asks if she can "look inside." You ask her to leave. When you step into the house a few minutes later, your son is showing your ties to the man who ate all your cake. "Why don't you check out some of the other sales," you suggest to both of them.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]Your neighbor calls. "My wife says I can't keep this lamp," he reports. "I'll have to bring it back."[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"All sales are final," you snap.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"Come on, Bruce," he whines. "You can keep the money."[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"If you set foot in my driveway, I'll call the police," you warn.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]You observe a young man slinking over to the collection of National Geographics you've priced at a dime apiece. He looks a little like a thief, and you wonder how fast he's going to be able to run with eighty pounds of magazines under each arm. "This is my first garage sale, and I'm a little nervous," he informs you.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"That's okay."[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"I heard on the radio about this guy who bought what looked like a worthless rock collection, and in it was a sapphire worth two million dollars," he remarks.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"Oh?" you say politely.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]"You got anything like that?"[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]At 6:00pm the sale is over. It's difficult to calculate your take for the day because at some point you apparently sold the cash box. The thought of re-stocking all your stuff back inside the house is too fatiguing, and you begin transferring it directly to the trash can. Your son bursts in, effusive over some of the great stuff he's bought. "Look Dad, only three bucks! Now we have a matched set!" he trumpets, flourishing his prize.[/font][/p] [font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"]It is, of course, the motorcycle helmet lamp.[/font][/p]
OMG....that's hilarious Lil Me. I REALLY lol'd. It sounds very Erma Bombeckish.
I'm only on day 3 of the 'clean sweep', and I took the day off.....hahahahaaaaa
I can see this gets old REAL quick. (actually I had another job to do) [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c022.gif" border=0]
not having fun P.C.?
Nuh uh, SD. [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c020.gif" border=0]
I here yeah guys, garage sales are a lot of work.
OOPS That was me....Sawdust forgot to log out....or I forgot to log in.....one or the other.[img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/a090.gif" border=0]
He's probably parading around the house with the Canucks win. lol
All I can say, is .....it's a good thing I did laundry today.
hahahaha!
Canucks finally have a goalie. 'bout time.
P.C. wrote:
[div style="font-style: italic;"]All I can say, is .....it's a good thing I did laundry today.[/div]--
huh? Otherwise Mr Sawdust would be parading around in dirty undies?
Let me tell you something about Mr Sawdust......he's not exactly soft and subtle about these things and he has a voice that reaches that of a thousand foghorns when the Nuks score.....never mind the slamming his gi-normous hands on the bar. Darn near came out of my chair ......and I think I'll have my heart checked tomorrow.
From experience (doing laundry for the three males I live with), Oxy Clean really removes the underwear stains.
Yes....I believe I'll be tossing my Woolite for dainties and trading it in for Oxy-in-a-drum.
P.C. wrote:
[div style="font-style: italic;"]Let me tell you something about Mr Sawdust......he's not exactly soft and subtle about these things and he has a voice that reaches that of a thousand foghorns when the Nuks score.....never mind the slamming his gi-normous hands on the bar. Darn near came out of my chair ......and I think I'll have my heart checked tomorrow.[/div]
lol!
I bet I have a louder booming voice. I've made people fall out of their chairs from being startled by my voice.
I bet you don't. [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c022.gif" border=0]
trust me, my grandma has jumped out of her chair because of me. Big huge voice only got two 3 volume controls mummbling, very loud, ear shattering. And I'm not really screaming on the ear shattering just using all my lung capacity apparently. lol
Mr Sawdust is know FAR and WIDE for his baritone voice.....and he has a laugh that is ultimately contagious. People know he's somewhere before they get there.
Look.....I just took a picture of him. [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/haushalt/d046.gif" border=0]
hahaha I dunno.
I'd put money on it. [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c033.gif" border=0]
okay, whatever you say ;)))))
I put $20 + a stack of paperbacks + some old t-shirts on Mr Sawdust.
hmmmmm, whatever. Not like I'm proud of the booming voice, but whatever you think. :)
[img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/frech/h030.gif" border=0].
lol, okay, you win but not really because I am louder. lol
P.C. wrote:
[img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/frech/h030.gif" border=0].
LOL! I howled at this one.
Anyways...back to the original topic!
(http://www.fortsamhoustonmwr.com/sev/images/garage-sale.gif)
woot that garage looks like its going to burst.
[FONT size=5]Hi Russ.....congratualtions 'in person' !!!![/FONT]
OK....NOW back to topic......lol
Lil Me wrote:
Anyways...back to the original topic!
(http://www.fortsamhoustonmwr.com/sev/images/garage-sale.gif)
This looks empty compared to our garages.
I don't even have a garage. Can I still call it a garage sale?
I now have HALF of the spare room stacked about 4 feet high......that's not counting the stuff I already have at my neighbours, or furniture.
where do you park the Matrix then, P.C.?
In the elements. No carport either.
Does it hail at all?
When there's hail the size of golfballs, P.C. swats them with a 7 iron before they hit the windshield.
do you get hail in the Pacific Northwest? How about Tornadoes?
On occasion. There are areas in our yard, that barely get wet during a rain, for the dense tree covering. Hubby is still driving my old truck that I got new in 96. It's never known the comfort of a nice warm garage, and still sparkles when it's washed.
The biggest nuisance is pine needles and the odd dollop of pitch.
(http://koti.phnet.fi/otaku/azucross/heil-osakap.jpg)
Heil!
That's right Lil Me.....cheaper than the driving range....and darn good practise.
that's good to know about the hail/tornado stuff. Bleh hate when those things come through here, I end up wandering the streets during them and clearing the roads. lol
Anyway so how much stuff do plan on selling off in the huge outdoor sale since you don't have a garage.
A ton.
We're joining up with our neighbours....so we're doing it at their house. They don't have a garage either, so we're crossing our fingers for some good weather.
rent a tent?
I don't know if you've had your sale yet, but if you haven't here's a very important tip. Make sure you have plenty of change on hand before you start. Believe me, you'll need it. People will give you a $20.00 bill to pay for a one-dollar purchase, no kidding. Good luck with the sale, P.C. Hope you can get rid of it all so you don't have to pack it back.
Thanks Kitten....there will be no packing back.....we have a charity lined up to come pick up the remainder. Jeebus....I have enough clothes to open a small consignment store. (all done steaming and pricing those, the books and fabric are all priced) Enough furniture and rugs to furnish a house.
Gaawwd it'll be good to be rid of this excess baggage.
Now that you mention it, there's a wonderful job opportunity for you. Rent a space somewhere and open a consignment store. Sound appealing? You wouldn't have to buy any stock for a while!
lol....no actually, it doesn't sound terribly appealing at all. I had thought about it at one time many years ago....now it just doesn't do a thing for me.
Going to get dinner started......be back later.
kitten wrote:
Make sure you have plenty of change on hand before you start. Believe me, you'll need it. People will give you a $20.00 bill to pay for a one-dollar purchase, no kidding.
Do you take debit? lol
No debit....just Master Card (jk) Yes, lots of change and lots of bags. (confession...I have a ton and a half of those blasted gift bags. I hate them....so everyone who purchases something will get it in a gift bag.
do you take american? ;)))))
Money?....yes. Express...No.
Amazing how many places around here don't take AE
what's so special about American Express anyway?
Here? Nothing.
well its a credit card right? What rewards do you get from it. The commercials never say anything about rewards they just play on image.
Like for example we have mastercard southwest airlines. Gets us free plane tickets.
I had an Airmiles AE until I got into a dispute with them and cut up my card.
I have an Air Miles card through Safeway. I may have accumulated enough points to take me to Abbotsford by now. One way only!
Not a trip I'd recommend.
Not a trip I'd want to take either!
what's wrong with Abbotsford?
I understand that it is now B.C.'s crime capital. That's a very good reason for not going.
yup it is.
well they do have an 'international airport'
Hmmm...I've always heard it reffered to as the Bible Belt. I wonder what that means. [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c024.gif" border=0]
yeah but according to the new census Christianity is like at 61% so the 'bible belt' is in question now.
Some of the biggest crooks are regular church-goers. I think it's called protective colouration.
Seriously though, there are a lot of grow-ops out there and a lot of fighting over territory and customers. Drugs have ruined so much. I won't even go to downtown Vancouver any more, particularly the Hastings St. area.
wasn't that pincton guy from Abbotsford?
Drugs are everywhere. Although legalizing pot would be the lock on the door for the drug deal to come into the house and sell harder stuff. They'll lose influence.
No, Robert Picton was from Port Coquitlam.
It's interesting how Robert Picton ended up being a topic in PC's garage sale tips. :P
lol purelife. Late night posts seem to become more eclectic the later it gets. It sure doesn't bother me.....I find it difficult sometimes to stay on topic in my own topics......hahahaha.
What? You don't see the relevance to the topic? Come to think of it, neither do I.