Now that spring cleaning is over and long, warm days are ahead, you may be considering getting rid of everything you decluttered. Yard sales are popular this time of year and a perfect way to part with stuff and get paid. But when’s the best time to host a yard sale?

What to consider before setting up a sale

Before you drag your belongings to the curb, consider the following:

1. Do you need a permit to sell where you are? Check your local rules and regulations.
2. Are your items in decent shape? While trash can be treasure, think about whether you would pay for the item again.
3. How much stuff are you selling? If you have one large item or a bunch of little things, you may be better off selling online or donating.

If you have enough items that you think will sell well and warrant planning and setting up a sale, then it’s time to break out the calendar.

What’s the best time of year for a yard sale?

If you’re not in a hurry to get rid of your stuff, or you’re gradually adding to your decluttering piles, then planning ahead for a sale can give you a deadline to work with.

Aim for transitional seasons when temperatures are mild, like spring or fall. Extreme weather not only makes it uncomfortable for you and your buyers, but you may also be dealing with more inclement weather delays.

Running a sale in late spring or early summer also gives you an opportunity to quickly get rid of all the spring-cleaned clutter.

Save the date and time

Most yard sales happen on the weekends. Saturday mornings are the most popular. Depending on how many items you have and if other neighbors are involved, you may also want to consider holding a multi-day sale. This gives shoppers a larger window and gives you more chances to sell your stuff.

If you’ve ever hosted or been to a yard sale, you may have noticed more people arriving early. They want to be the ones to scope out what’s available and get first picks. If you open between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., you may start to notice foot traffic dwindling mid-afternoon as the temperature starts to rise.

Whether you’re running a one-day or weekend sale, think about dropping the price closer to closing time. Some shoppers may even expect this and come back later in the day.

Skip these dates and times

Out of the 52 weekends in a year, there are a few you want to avoid having a yard sale. Holiday weekends are usually a time when people are traveling or have other plans. Your local area may also be hosting parades and other events you don’t want to compete with. There are plenty of other dates to choose from. Check your local events calendar to make sure there are no festivals that could draw customers away. Or, if you happen to be in the same neighborhood, it could be way to draw customers to you.

A successful garage sale depends on planning, preparation, and selling items people want to buy. If items are leftover, don’t bring them back inside. Instead, call JDog Junk Removal & Hauling to come pick it up.