As spring cleaning gives way to summertime garages sales, you may be thinking of hosting one of your own. After all, it's a great way to clear out the "junk" you don't use anymore and make a buck or two to spend on some new home accessories! Plus in an era of green - it's just not socially acceptable to throw things in the trash anymore.
While watching the Today Show this morning, I caught some great ideas on how to make your garage sale stand out from the others on your block. And I've added a few of my own ideas after the video.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
In addition to the great ideas in the video, here are a few more:
-Personalize it! Is art a personal hobby? Then create your own signage to use around your sale. Are you a baker? Put out some freshly baked cookies alongside that lemonade stand for shoppers who'd like a snack. When you put your personal stamp on your sale, your shoppers will remember it when it comes time for next year's sale!
-Think boutique. Let's face it, it's a garage sale - no one is expecting a wrapping station and pretty packaging. But wouldn't it be nice if they got it anyway? One of the things I love about my neighborhood boutiques is that they each have a signature packaging style. So whether it's a minimalist brown bag or an eco-friendly reusable, people who see it know where I've just been. You can accomplish the same thing by hitting up the dollar store ahead of time to find some matching bags to send your shoppers' purchases home in or just by thinking ahead and saving those boutique bags you get when you're out shopping.
-Follow the rule of "gently." When you donate a bag of clothes to a charity, they typically ask for "gently used" clothing. (Meaning, no one wants your yellow-pitted undershirts, guys.) If it's got stains or tears, it's time to repurpose it or toss it...but don't try to sell it. It will make people question what's wrong with everything else you're selling.
-Display with care. Even used clothes can look great when they're clean, ironed and displayed on a hangar. Pair with matching shoes and accessories that are also in the sale to take the guess work out of the purchase for your buyers!
Here's to a bargain-filled summer!


