OH MY GOODNESS. Today my mom calls me to ask if I’m ready to have a yard sale NEXT WEEKEND. Yes, I will certainly partake. No, I’m not anywhere near ready for planning a yard sale. But, can’t miss out on the opportunity. Last summer we got rained out of our yard sale and didn’t get a chance to try again. Luckily I still made a decent amount. ANYWAY, we’re not here for me to ramble about my yard sale journeys the last year… we’re here to talk about planning a yard sale in a week!

Naturally, instead of planning… first, I must blog about it.

A Little Note on My Process

For me, blogging always comes first. I have to get everything straight in my head before I even think about taking action. So, here we are—my yard sale planning process, straight from the brainstorm to the game plan! It might seem a bit backwards, but in reality, blogging is the first step for me in organizing my thoughts, plotting my plan, and getting everything to fall into place before I dive into the action. Organize, think, plot, plan, and then action! That’s the secret sauce.

So let’s set a plan. Here’s what we’ll need:

Yard Sale Essentials:

• Tables (card tables, folding tables, or even boards over boxes work)
• Clothing racks or ropes/poles for hanging clothes
• Hangers (LOTS if you have as many sizes as I do)
• Bins or baskets to organize small items
• Stickers or tags for pricing (plus Sharpies)
• Cash box or fanny pack for change
• Small bills and coins for change
• Signage (price signs, directional signs for the street)
• Bags for customers to carry items (plastic grocery bags work great)
• Sunscreen, snacks, water
• Phone with Venmo/Cash App (if you’re accepting digital payments)
• Tarp or canopy (weather backup)

Clothing Organization (a must for me):

I’ve been every size from XS to XL in the last 10 years, so here’s how I plan to organize it all:

• Sort clothes by size and type (Tops – M, Bottoms – L, etc.)
• Hang as much as possible for visibility
• Folded clothes? Stack neatly by size/type on labeled tables
• Consider a “fill a bag for $5” deal for smaller items like baby clothes or basics
• Make your best pieces easy to spot—don’t bury the good stuff

How to Merchandise So People Actually Buy Stuff:

1. Group Like Items Together
   Mini shop sections! Toys with toys, books with books, clothes by size.
2. Elevate Items Off the Ground
   Use tables or bins flipped upside down—anything waist-level is easier to shop.
3. Keep it Easy to Browse
   Don’t overstuff! Spread things out, let items breathe.
4. Use Signs to Draw Attention
   Label everything clearly. A little effort goes a long way: “Kitchen Stuff – All $2” or “Kids Books – 3 for $5.”
5. Display High-Value Items Separately
   Brand-name clothes, electronics, vintage? Showcase up front with clean signage.
6. Curb Appeal Matters
   A rug under a table, a flower pot, or a playing playlist adds a warm vibe.
7. Restage Often
   As stuff sells, tidy up. Refill tables and make it look fresh again.
8. Bundle Deals at the End
   “Half Off Everything!” or “Fill a Bag for $5” during the last couple hours clears out space.

Bonus Touches:

• Have a freebie box out front
• Accept Venmo or PayPal if you’re cool with digital payment
• Create a cozy feel with music and a friendly hello

Lemonade Stand Addition 🍋

If you’ve got a little helper (or just want to add charm), a simple lemonade stand is a great way to draw people in.

You’ll need:

• A small table
• Pitcher or cooler of lemonade
• Disposable cups
• A cash jar or digital pay sign
• A cute handmade sign: “Ice Cold Lemonade – $1”

Optional: Add a snack or cookie for extra fun. Let your kid decorate the sign—it’s irresistible to shoppers.

Prep for the Weather ☀️🌧️💨

Sunny Weather:

• Use canopies, umbrellas, or rig up sheets for shade
• Set up a cooling area with a mister, fan, or cold bottled water for $1

Rainy Weather:

• Keep tarps or a canopy ready
• Use plastic bins, not cardboard
• Group sensitive stuff to move quickly if needed

Windy Weather:

• Tape signs down
• Weigh items with rocks or clips
• Use bins with lids when possible

A Quick Note from Last Year’s Mistake…

While I should have listened to the weather last year… we did check it. We knew it was going to rain. What we didn’t know was that it would be an absolute downpour that basically drowned our whole setup. So—take it from someone who tried to “risk it”—check the forecast and actually plan accordingly.
It’s not worth the panic tarp-dance.

Add a “Thank You” for Shopping!

At checkout, a small “Thank You” note or sign goes a long way. You could even include a tiny freebie, like a single flower or a small piece of candy. It leaves customers with a positive feeling and can encourage repeat buyers or future word-of-mouth.

The Power of a Little Bargaining

If you’re feeling comfortable with it, give your buyers a little room for negotiation, especially if you’re nearing the end of the day. If someone seems interested but hesitates, try offering a “better deal” to close the sale. It’s fun and can help move items!

Your Yard Sale Playlist 🎶

Create a playlist that matches the vibe of your yard sale. Throw on some upbeat tunes that’ll get everyone feeling like they’re having a fun time shopping. You could even consider making it a family affair—ask your kid to curate a playlist (just be ready for some quirky song choices!).

Make Sure to Take Photos!

If you’re selling things you might want to resell later or have sentimental value, make sure to snap some photos before they go. You never know when you’ll miss that quirky vase or that amazing vintage jacket you sold last year!

Set a Time to Donate Leftovers

Have a plan for any leftover items. Donating to a local charity or secondhand store is a great way to keep the good vibes going. You could even mention this in your post-sale wrap-up: “Anything left will go to [local charity]!”

Good Luck!

Planning and following through with having a yard is tough work. Long days, but almost always worth it. CHEERS to planning a yard sale! You’re on your way to turning your junk into cash!