Parting with all that unwanted stuff

While many of us become pack rats, there comes a time to say good-bye to that which we never use and obviously don’t need.

However, getting rid of the unwanted collection takes serious consideration. Does it go to the dump? Does it go to Good Will Industries? Will somebody in the family want it? Does it get separated, packed away and stored way back away from the usable stuff?

I have had this dilemma going on for some time now. But the day of reckoning presented itself as I was sitting on my deck sipping a cup of coffee. With the economy lagging, this is the perfect time to have a yard sale. Actually it could even be called an Estate Sale as I’ve inherited so much of my mother’s collectables and life-long accumulations.

I will take photos of the unique, larger items. The rest of it … well I’ve given it a lot of thought. I’ll keep the important stuff and somebody out there will appreciate the rest.

There is a lot of preparation involved in having a yard sale. I’ve invited a friend to join me as she also has to unload what just sits and collects dust and cobwebs.

The problem with a lot of yard sales is that there is a degree of junk in the mix.

I’m thinking that a nickel to quarter table, a $1 to $5 table and the upper level items priced accordingly, but negotiable, remembering the “bird in the hand” concept.

I hate going to a yard sale where the sellers are not negotiable. That’s half the fun if you are a dyed-in-the-wool yard sale shopper.

If you really want it bad enough, pay the price. You can always take your chances and leave, come back later in the day and hope somebody changed their mind on the price they placed on an item.

However, the good stuff usually goes early.

If it’s broken, throw it away.

Digging into the stash is not my idea of a fun project, but necessary to have a sale. My plan is to do it gradually, get everything out where it can be evaluated and go from there. I plan to first clean up, price and put everything in plastic tubs as it is readied for the sale. Then I can pull things out and set up the night before and early in the morning before the sale opens.

Years ago we used masking tape to mark prices on things, but today they have pre-priced sticky tabs that make the job so much easier and it looks more professional.

Signage is important but there are ordinances in some cities that prevent placing of signs in public areas.

I’m usually pretty specific on times the sale will run, but I usually expect the early-birds, sometimes a day ahead if they see me setting up.

The entertaining part of a yard sale is meeting old acquaintances from past sales. I have people tell me they love my yard sales because of the visiting part. You never know what is going to pop up in a conversation at a yard sale. Sometimes an item of interest to an outsider will initiate a conversation and it just takes off from there.

I have found that having a variety of stuff from kids’ toys, to pets’ toys to tools and outdoor and household items really draws a wide range of shoppers. Today, everybody is looking for the big bargain. It’s just good to have something for everybody.