Not everything at a yard sale gets the same attention. Some boxes can sit untouched from the time you put them out until you start packing up, while other items seem to attract buyers almost immediately.
People shop yard sales for different reasons, but a good bargain is usually the biggest draw. If something is useful, expensive to buy new, or hard to find, shoppers tend to notice it fast. The right price can make an item even harder to resist.
If you’re getting ready for a yard sale and want to clear out your home while making some extra cash, these are some of the things that tend to get picked up first.
Lawn and Garden Equipment
Once spring and summer arrive, people start looking for affordable ways to take care of their yards. Hand tools, trimmers, wheelbarrows, hoses, planters, and other garden supplies can attract plenty of attention.
Lawn equipment can be especially appealing because new versions can cost quite a bit. Give everything a good cleaning, make sure working equipment actually runs, and put similar items together so shoppers can spot them easily.
Related: 15 Best Places to Sell Used Furniture Online
Sports Equipment
Sports and fitness gear can be expensive, especially for someone who is just picking up a new hobby. That’s why yard sales can be a great place to find bicycles, golf clubs, weights, exercise equipment, camping gear, and other recreational items for less.
If you have larger equipment taking up space in your garage, a yard sale can be a good way to turn it into cash instead.
Electronics
Working electronics tend to get plenty of attention at yard sales. Gaming systems, speakers, DVD players, small televisions, headphones, and other gadgets can attract shoppers looking for a cheaper alternative to buying new.
If possible, plug electronics in and let buyers see that they work. Having the cords, remotes, chargers, or other accessories nearby can also make an item much easier to sell.
Vintage Items
Older items can bring a completely different group of shoppers to your sale. Vintage kitchenware, décor, toys, clothing, records, signs, and collectibles can catch the eye of people who enjoy finding things they don’t see in regular stores.
Don’t assume an old item is worthless just because it looks dated. Some pieces have collector interest, while others sell simply because shoppers like the nostalgia.
Furniture
Furniture can be one of the biggest attractions at a yard sale, particularly pieces made from solid wood. Dressers, tables, chairs, bookshelves, nightstands, and cabinets can be useful to buyers who are furnishing a home on a budget.
A few scratches or an outdated finish don’t always hurt the sale. Many shoppers are happy to sand and paint an older piece if the construction is good and the price is right.
Related: Bedroom furniture thrift stores can no longer accept
Children’s Clothing
Kids seem to outgrow clothes almost overnight, so parents often look for ways to keep clothing costs down. Clean, gently used children’s clothes can move quickly, especially if they’re sorted by size.
Instead of putting everything into one large box, group clothing into neat piles or hang similar sizes together. Shoppers can see what they are getting without having to dig through a messy pile.
Tools
Good tools can be surprisingly expensive, which makes secondhand options appealing to homeowners and DIY fans. Hand tools, drills, saws, levels, wrenches, screwdrivers, and workshop equipment can attract buyers throughout the day.
If you have several related tools, consider keeping them together. Someone looking for one item may spot the others and decide to buy a few pieces at once.
Toys
Clean, complete toys in good condition tend to be popular with families. Parents often prefer paying a few dollars for a toy their child may lose interest in within a few months rather than paying full retail price.
Popular brands, building sets, action figures, dolls, and older collectible toys can attract even more attention. Check boxes and bins for missing pieces before putting them out.
Related: 14 Vintage Toys That Are Now Valuable Collectibles
Books
Books remain a favorite yard sale find because they’re inexpensive and easy to browse. Novels, children’s books, cookbooks, gardening books, and popular series can all attract readers.
Keep books clean and display the titles where shoppers can see them. A box labeled with a low price can also encourage people to stop and browse.
Small Kitchen Appliances
Coffee makers, blenders, mixers, toaster ovens, slow cookers, and air fryers are useful household items that can cost a lot more at a store.
Clean them before the sale and test anything that runs on electricity. Including the original accessories, instruction manual, or extra attachments can make an appliance more appealing.
Jewelry
Jewelry is easy to overlook if it’s mixed together in a box, so presentation matters. Put necklaces, bracelets, watches, earrings, and other accessories somewhere shoppers can see them clearly.
Costume jewelry can be especially popular with people looking for inexpensive accessories. Older or unusual pieces may also attract collectors who know what they’re looking for.
Baby Gear
Parents know how quickly baby items add up. Strollers, high chairs, activity centers, baby gates, changing tables, and toys can be attractive to families trying to spend less.
Clean condition matters a lot in this category. For safety-related products, shoppers may also want to know the age, model, and condition of the item before buying.
Dishes and Glassware
A complete set of dishes can catch the eye of someone setting up a home, while vintage plates, serving pieces, and colorful glassware can appeal to collectors and decorators.
Don’t overlook individual pieces, either. A single unusual serving dish or vintage glass may be exactly what another shopper has been trying to find.
Seasonal Decorations
Holiday decorations tend to get more attention as the season approaches. Christmas ornaments, Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving pieces, Easter décor, and other seasonal items can sell quickly when shoppers know they’ll have a use for them soon.
Keep decorations together by holiday and avoid stuffing everything into one large box. A little organization makes it much easier for someone to see what you have.
A yard sale doesn’t have to be packed with expensive items to do well. Everyday things that people already need can be some of the easiest sellers. If the items are clean, in decent condition, clearly priced, and easy to browse, shoppers have a much better reason to stop and take a closer look.
