Fall Yard Sales: Hosting A Fall Clean-Out Event In Your Community

fall yard sales

Fall yard sales are a great way to clean out the home. They not only allow people to do a bit of cleaning before the winter but they also provide residents with a source of extra income! Here’s how to organize one in the community you live in.

 

Are Fall Yard Sales a Good Idea?

While most people think of spring as the perfect season for decluttering, cleaning out your home is just as good in the fall. The weather is much cooler, and residents don’t have to stand out in the heat all day. Plus, lots of people are on the hunt for autumn or winter-appropriate clothing and supplies as they prepare for the season. This makes it the perfect time to host fall yard sales with lots of outgrown or unwanted seasonal clothes!

Additionally, there’s a lot more foot traffic during the fall. People are more likely to go out and visit the sale compared to the summer when it’s hot and humid. In contrast, autumn weather is perfect for walking kids to school, walking the dog, or taking a light jog. There are more passersby who will stop and take a look at what you have to offer.

Plus, there’s less competition during the fall, and people are more likely to shop for winter items and seasonal decor. It’s the perfect opportunity for residents and potential customers!

 

How to Host Fall Yard Sales

Want to host fall yard sales but don’t know where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about organizing neighborhood garage sales.

 

1. Review the Governing Documents

Homeowners associations have strict rules about what events homeowners can and cannot host. That’s why we recommend reviewing the governing documents before you start planning the yard sale. The governing documents may specify what’s allowed in the HOA — and whether or not you need permission.

In addition, remember to review local ordinances and rules before hosting the sale. Some cities have permit requirements and rules regarding yard sales. For example, the city of Watsonville requires garage sale permits. The HOA may also need you to get a business tax registration certificate if you host over 5 sales events in a calendar year. It may also be required if the sale lasts more than 2 days or if the goods were purchased with the intent of reselling to earn a profit.

 

2. Pick a Date and Time

yard sale date

The date and time are the most important part of hosting fall yard sales. After all, people won’t come to the garage sale if it’s set at a time when everyone’s away at work or school. They’re also less likely to come if there are other local events, holidays, or if there’s poor weather. Choose a date and time when people are more likely to go out. Make sure there are no conflicting events in your local community. Moreover, it may be best to choose a weekend near payday. Ideally, the garage sale should be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

3. Choose a Location

Location is just as important as the date and time. Make sure to set up the yard sale somewhere with decent traffic. For many communities, it’s enough to host the yard sale in front of people’s homes and driveways. However, the neighborhood can also ask residents to set up their booths in a common area like the community park or clubhouse. The second option is preferable if individual homeowners don’t have a lot of items to sell and want to team up with their neighbors.

Regardless, make sure to clearly communicate where the location will be. Both the homeowners and participants should know where to head to find the sale.

 

4. Plan Ahead

Yard sales may be simple, but they also need careful planning. The homeowners association and residents need to prepare a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done. These include preparing small bills and coins, pricing items individually, creating price signages, preparing plastic bags for customers to carry, and buying a lockable bag or money box.

 

5. Advertise

Fall yard sales are neat but they aren’t always easy to advertise. Make sure to utilize all of the community’s communication channels so people are made aware of the sale. Use the HOA newsletter, website, and social media accounts to spread the word.

It might also be helpful to create flyers, advertise in the local newspaper, and post signs in public spaces like school bulletin boards and nearby signposts. Encourage the homeowners to advertise the event by posting on their own social media accounts. They can also spread the word to friends and family.

 

6. Use Clear Signs

Yard sales rely a lot on proper signage. Consider placing balloons and large signs around the booths. It may also help to post directional signs on sidewalks and community entrances. This way, outsiders who walk in know where to go to find the sale.

 

7. Price Items Fairly

fairly priced items during yard sale

People go to garage sales not just because the items are unique but also because they’re often relatively affordable. Make sure to price the items fairly. If possible, make them inexpensive to encourage people to buy.

Remember: the price of an item does not have anything to do with its sentimental value. You have to price them based on how much a potential buyer would pay for them. It may also help to bundle certain items together. People will be enticed to buy the item because they think they’re getting a better deal.

 

8. Organize the Items

There are a variety of items you can sell in a yard sale. Make sure to bring order out of the chaos and organize each item based on category. You can bundle items based on item type like footwear, clothing, jewelry, or electronics.

 

9. Donate Unsold Items

Fall yard sales provide a bit of extra income to the homeowners. Nonetheless, they are not a guarantee that the homeowners will be able to sell all items for sale. What do you do with the leftover stock?

Consider donating the unsold items to a local charity. This way, homeowners don’t need to put clutter back into their homes and garages. Donating the items gives them a second chance at life. They can find a second home and an owner who might make more use of them.

 

Spring Cleaning in the Fall

Fall yard sales provide people with an opportunity to do some spring cleaning in the autumn season. Plus, they can even earn extra income on the side! It’s beneficial for everyone involved: the community residents and potential customers who want to find good deals.

 

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