Plan a Garage Sale for the Greater Good

As likely as lemonade and as constant as corn on the cob, garage sales are an American summer classic. There’s a special beauty to garage sales too. Despite the dustiness of old electronics or the frayed sleeves on used clothes, garage sales are all about something new. People who host garage sales sell their stuff to make room for something new. And shoppers are on the lookout for something new too: another great bargain.

But you can add to the beauty of garage sales by repurposing them. Whether you host a garage sale before the close of summer or go shopping yourself, you can rework America’s garage sale tradition for the good of others.

Profit Sharing
Charities in your community rely on generous people like you to fund their work. But coming up with money for a donation poses a challenge for many people. Host a garage sale and donate your profits to make extra cash for your favorite charity. Planning a garage sale for the good of others will make the perfect end to a summer of good deeds.

Yard Signs for the Yard Sale
Attracting attention to your sale will be easy when you dedicate the proceeds of your garage sale to others. When advertising your garage sale make sure thrifters know that you’re donating the profits. Your unusual fundraising idea will spark extra interest—it may even inspire others to host a garage sale of their own.

Make sure word about your sale travels fast. Put an ad in the paper and ask neighbors if you can put signs in their yards. Be sure to invite your friends and family too. Announce your garage sale on Facebook and email local pals so that they don’t miss out on the chance to shop for a cause.

What to Sell
Donating your profits will encourage shoppers to spend more at your garage sale. But it should encourage you to give more too. Since the amount and quality of items in your sale will directly impact proceeds, be generous when sorting through clothes, furniture and toys.

Your friends may not want to host a garage sale of their own but perhaps they’ll donate items for you to sell. Remember, the more items you sell, the more money you’ll donate. Contributions from other households will help tremendously.

Donating the proceeds from your garage sale is a practical solution to supporting nonprofits when money’s tight. Choose a charity, recruit your friends and start rummaging through your basement. You’re about to become a very thrifty philanthropist.