Plan a successful garage sale this spring

(NC)—One person's junk is another one's treasure. Whether a follow-up to spring-cleaning or to raise funds for a worthy cause, garage sales can benefit both buyers and sellers. Through its Shelter Foundation, Royal LePage Real Estate Services will hold a Canada-wide garage sale on May 23, 2009. Follow these helpful tips to ensure a successful sale.

The basics • Decide on a time and place. If outdoors, set a rain date or place items in a garage or sheltered area. • When considering the location, invite friends, neighbours, or a community group to join you. A larger event will attract more buyers and help create a sense of community. If you have children, have them set up a lemonade stand. • Advertise your event in local shops, churches or libraries and tape flyers to non-moving surfaces near the place of sale. Whatever means of advertising you choose - be sure to emphasize the date, time and location. • Be prepared, have a cash box with lots of change as well as extra bags, boxes and paper to wrap items.

The finer points • Take the time to price all the items. This will help identify what the item is worth and what you expected to receive. • Plan out your display. Clothes tend to sell better if they are neatly hung and items should be sorted by category - gather sports equipment together, toys in one area, etc.

Garage sale etiquette • To avoid interference to your set-up by early comers, you can choose to charge a premium to those who show up earlier than the appointed time.

Although you likely won't become a millionaire from your garage sale, you can make a sufficient amount to replace furniture or donate to charity. You will surely clear some space in your home and make someone else happy with their new find.