Moving Sale Basics

If you're moving, you know the biggest part of this task is to pack up your stuff. Over the years, you've probably collected a lot of stuff and you don't need all of them. One good way to lighten your load (and save you on moving costs) is to have a moving sale. You can not only get rid of old junk, but you can also make a bit of cash. So, here are some tips to get your moving sale started.

Separate

Since you've packed up all your stuff to move out anyway, you should take this opportunity to separate your items. Make pile for stuff you're bringing, throwing out and for selling. You may want to further separate your items for sale into a moving sale and for premium sale. With your premium sale items, you may be able to get more money for them by selling them to collectors, or putting them up on eBay or Craigslist.

Pricing

Put all items alike together and consider pricing them together, so you can save time from having to price things individually. And remember, price things to sell! You want to move out all your extra stuff on moving sale day. You might also want to consider giving a bulk discount if you have a bunch of the same things.

Preparing for the Sale

Try to advertise as much as you can. Call all your friends and ask them to spread the word. Also, put up ads around the neighborhood and put up ads on the Internet. On the day of the sale, put up signs in your neighborhood with big arrows so people can follow them to your home.

Make sure you have lot of change prepared, small bills and even some coins so you can easily make change when people come to your sale.

You may also want to get rid of old newspapers and magazines by turning them into wrapping paper for more fragile items.

On Moving Sale Day

Start early in the morning and bring out your stuff. If you have a front yard, you can lay out some blankets and folding tables there so you can set out your stuff. Try to groups things together - so put all kitchen items together, all clothes and shoes together, books, CDs and DVDs together, etc.

Be prepared to bargain, and also remember the idea is to move your merchandise. Even if you sell stuff at $1, that's still a dollar for something you would have thrown out anyway (and hopefully you've already sold all your valuable stuff earlier.)
If you have kids, you can involve them in the move - it may be a fun activity and who knows, maybe you'll be cultivating their entrepreneurship skills as well. Or you can help them make a little cash by running a lemonade or refreshment stand.