Have a garage sale this weekend! Trust us; it's easier than you think.
By Serena Norr
Maybe you’re in the process of moving and need to get rid of some junk or you’ve been living in your home for awhile and notice that you surrounded by stuff you never use. You know exactly what we mean: old knickknacks, clothes with tags on them and your old blender from the 1970s. Clearing up the junk in your life is one way to declutter your home; not to mention it will make you feel better. But before you drop off your stuff to your local Salvation Army or pass your items along to a friend, consider squeezing one last dollar (or two) out of them by having a garage sale. As the summer is winding down (sad, but true), garage sales are a great way to get rid of your unwanted baggage aka junk and make a small profit in the process. Here’s how to get organized and throw one this weekend.
1. What to Sell. Before you create the buzz about your garage sale, you will need to know exactly what you are selling. Going from room-to-room, make a list and collect the items you no longer need or want (most likely you know what these are). You can also make a list of items that you are thinking of selling but aren’t 100 percent sure of. If possible, pack the ‘to be sold’ items together in boxes or garbage bags for the big day.
2. Signage. If you have a sale, you will need to tell people about it. Word-of-mouth may work in small communities, but to really get the word out you will need signs. Enlist a crafty friend to help you create colorful posters stating the date, time and your address as well as alternative date should it rain (after all, Mother Nature can be a fickle one.) Don’t leave any of these details out – or people will not know where to go. Your sign should also list (briefly) what you will be selling such as books, antiques, baby clothes, etc. You don’t want to make the list too long, but if you have a rare or valuable item such as a 1950s Mickey Mouse doll or a slightly used Mac laptop definitely list them. Hot items like that are sure to draw in an excited crowd.
3. Post. You should post your sign one week before your sale. Any earlier and people will likely forget about it, not to mention your sign may be torn down. Post your signs everywhere in your neighborhood and think outside of the box. Ask your local coffee house, library, theater, grocery store or community garden if you can post your sign there. You may also want to place an ad in your local newspaper to get the word out.
4. Internet. The internet is yet another useful way to get the word out about your sale. Post the information from your sign on a local list serve or on Craiglist. Be careful about posting your address and phone number on Craigslist, though, but rather, write your email address so that interested parties can contact you directly.
5. Get Organized. Now that your neighbors are counting down the days to your sale; it’s time to solidify your list. If there are items that you are questioning such as sentimental items that you want to keep but is taking up space, then consider storage. Do one more assessment of your home and really try to get rid of your old stuff, consider them useful, but no longer useful to you. Two-three days before the sale, get all of the items together and start labeling. [We would advise labeling before a sale because many people are die-hard garage sale enthusiasts who will show up right when your sale begins (if not earlier).] This will also enable you to have your pricing figured out so that there is no uncertainty the day of. This is also helpful if someone is helping you with your sale – enabling you both to be on the same page and not making up prices throughout the day.
6. Check it Twice. The day before your sale, make sure everything that you want sold is packed away and that everything is labeled and ready to go. Also, make sure that you have your table ready and food for the day of your sale. Trust us, standing outside exchanging bucks will surely make you hungry.
7. Take Care of Yourself. Make sure to get enough rest the day before since you will likely be on your feet and outside for five or more hours. On the day of your sale have a hearty breakfast and begin setting up your items at least 30 minutes before the sale – like we said before, people will come early and they will be ready to shop.
8. Be Flexible. Try not to be too firm on your price (unless there is a reason) and be open to negotiating. Sometimes taking five bucks off your asking price will enable you to get rid of more stuff.
9. Enjoy Yourself! You worked hard to make this day happen, take it all in and be happy that your old items are now finding their way to a new home.
Interior View of Jim Clark's Miami Penthouse - Listed at $27 Million (Photo Credit: Luxist.com)
Views of Jim Clark's Deck (Photo Credit: Luxist.com)
By Serena Norr
Another week of the Celebrity Beat, your weekly celebrity real estate report and this is certainty a luxurious one. From Jenny Garth’s family-friendly mansion for sale to Madonna’s home renovations reportedly costing $1.7 million, and not to mention a $27 million dollar Miami palace (yes, a palace) for sale owned by Netscape founder, Jim Clark. These real estate listings never cease to amaze us, and after reading about them (and taking a peak at these jaw-dropping pictures) we’re sure you will think so, too.
- Jenny Garth’s Toluca Lake Home for Sale for $5,995,000
Jenny Garth – of “Beverly Hills 90210” fame – and her actor hubby, Peter Facinelli are selling their six-bedroom, seven bathroom Toluca Lake home for $5, 995,000. This 8,416-square-foot Colonial-style mansion was originally purchased in 2005 for $2,850,000 that has been greatly expanded and remodeled for additional rooms and modern amenities. The multi-winged mansion also includes gated and fenced surroundings, two master suites with dual walk-in closets, a breakfast area leading to an outdoor rose garden, a formal dining area, four fireplaces, hardwood floors, a media/kids space, arched doorways and a game room with a poker table, bubble gum dispenser and a pinball machine! Oh, and there is a five-car garage and a swimming pool – among many other amenities the new homeowner will love. Toluca Lake, California is also known as being family-friendly, which may help draw in a new owner.
- Madonna’s Townhouse Will Receive Renovations for $1.7 Million
We all know who Madonna is and with an impressive 20-plus career as a singer/actor/writer/ sometimes provocateur, she obviously has some money to invest in real estate. Some of that hard-earned dough — to the tune of $1.7 million — is currently being put into the renovation of her $32 million dollar New York City townhouse. According to the New York Post, Madonna is adding another floor in her soon-to-be 13,847-square-foot Upper East Side home to include a gym, two brand-new master suites, a closest solely for luggage, a playroom, a hair salon and a wine cellar in the basement. At the end of the day, Madge will have 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms in her Georgian-style mansion. Not quite the renovations necessary to beef up your home for a sale, but when you have $1.7 mil to add a home hair salon and a wine cellar, we’re pretty sure this is something she is not worrying about.
- Faith Hill and Tim McGraw Sell Beverly Hills Home for $9.55 Million
Super couple and country/movie stars, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, recently sold their Beverly Hills mansion for $9.55 million. On the market since 2008, the home was originally listed at $14.8 million, reduced to $10.8 million and finally sold for $9.55 million. The 11,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style home is situated on three acres of land and includes six bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms and impressive views of Los Angeles. There is also a home gym, massive gardens, a tree house, tennis courts, a heated pool and a boat dock. For more jaw-dropping pictures, check out the Wall Street Journal.
- The Hawaiian Estate of the Late Author Michael Crichton is on the Market
According to Zillow.com, the Hawaiian estate of the late Michael Crichton has been recently put on the market for $12 million. Crichton, author of the popular novels “Jurassic Park” and “Congo” (both of which were made into movies) and creator of the television show “E.R.” passed away in 2008, left two homes that have since been listed for sale. Built in 1926 for a local doctor, this Hanalei Bay estate is situated on 1.2 acres of land, resembling a plantation home with three parcels (one is empty). The main parcel is a 3,000-square-foot space features a calming décor with mainly white cabinetry and hardwood flooring. There are also two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-aired porch, a guest home with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths, along with a yoga studio and detached three-car garage. The property is also surrounded by lovely views of mountains and the beach, as well as a flourishing garden and lush greenery in the backyard.
- Tales from the World of Luxury Real Estate: Jim Clark’s Massive Miami Penthouse Listed for $27 Million
Jim Clark, founder of Netscape recently listed his uber luxurious home for sale at $27 million. Located in Miami, the multi-level penthouse — or perhaps palace is a better term — is an ode to Thai and Asian cultures that is listed as a “Thai home in the sky,” according to Sotheby’s Realty. The 6,209-square-foot space is filled with ancient statues and artwork, unique architecture, custom wood carvings and dangling gold chandeliers situated throughout the space. Although spirited with an Asian-focus, the home is not short on modern amenities, which includes granite countertops, a billiard room, a high-tech security system, an open-aired deck with a swimming room, bar and a hot tub. Additionally, the property — called the Setai — comes with many on-site amenities such as a valet, room service, a fitness room and spa and three pools. And to top it all off, the new homeowner will have amazing views of Miami Beach and the boardwalk.
Missed a Beat? Check out Relocation.com’s recent blog posts covering the entertaining tales of celebrity real estate:
