A garage sale can be a great way to clear out things you no longer use while making a little extra money. But if you’ve ever held one, you probably know that some items barely make it onto the driveway before someone asks how much they cost.

Other things can sit there all day without getting much attention.

Regular garage sale shoppers tend to know what they’re looking for. They want useful stuff, recognizable brands, and good prices. If something is easy to spot and priced fairly, there’s a good chance it won’t stick around for long.

If you’re planning your own sale, it helps to know which items tend to get the most attention. These are some of the things shoppers often look for first.

garage sale outdoor — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Name Brand Adult Clothing

Clothing can be hit or miss at a garage sale, but recognizable brands tend to get more attention.

Nike, Levi’s, Ralph Lauren, and other familiar names can attract shoppers who want good clothes without paying full retail prices. Clean items in good condition are much easier to sell, especially if the size is clearly marked.

Keeping similar sizes together and hanging nicer pieces can also make them easier for shoppers to look through.

Tools

Tools are one of those garage sale items that can disappear quickly, especially if they’re in good shape and priced reasonably.

Hand tools, drills, saws, wrenches, and other basic equipment appeal to homeowners, DIYers, mechanics, and anyone who would rather buy a used tool for a few dollars than a new one for much more.

If you have a collection of tools you’re ready to part with, putting them somewhere easy to see can bring people over before they’ve even looked at the rest of the sale.

Books

Books are easy to overlook when you’re cleaning out a house, but they can be a big draw for garage sale shoppers.

People often enjoy digging through boxes of books to find a favorite author, an old edition, a cookbook, or something they’ve been looking for. At 50 cents or a dollar each, it’s also an inexpensive way to leave with a stack of reading material.

Older books, popular series, children’s books, and cookbooks can get plenty of attention when they’re clean and in good condition.

Kitchen Appliances

Small kitchen appliances are another category that can bring people over, especially when they’re clean and working.

Coffee makers, blenders, mixers, toaster ovens, and air fryers can be expensive to replace new, so shoppers often look for used ones at a fraction of the price.

Before putting an appliance out for sale, give it a good cleaning and make sure it works. If possible, having an outlet nearby so buyers can test it can also make them more comfortable buying it.

Home Decor Items

Home decor is a common garage sale find, and some pieces can sell surprisingly quickly.

Picture frames, mirrors, vases, lamps, wall art, baskets, and other decorative items are easy for shoppers to look through. People may be looking for something to fill an empty wall, update a room, or add a little personality to their home without spending much money.

Items that are in good condition and priced at just a few dollars can be especially tempting.

Sports Equipment

Sports equipment can be expensive when bought new, which is one reason garage sales can be a great place to find it.

Bicycles, golf clubs, baseball gear, tennis rackets, weights, camping equipment, and exercise gear can all attract buyers. Parents also tend to look for used sports equipment because kids can outgrow it so quickly.

If you have larger equipment like bikes or weights, put it somewhere shoppers can see from the street. It may bring people over before they even get a chance to look at the smaller items.

Electronics

Working electronics can get plenty of attention at a garage sale.

Video game systems, speakers, televisions, DVD players, headphones, and other gadgets are often worth checking out when they’re priced well. Older electronics can also attract buyers who want a particular model or simply don’t want to spend much on a newer one.

Just be upfront about the condition. If something works, say so. If it doesn’t, mark it clearly rather than leaving shoppers guessing.

Jewelry

Jewelry is small, easy to display, and can draw people in almost immediately.

Costume jewelry, watches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and accessories can all sell well when the prices are low enough. Some shoppers enjoy sorting through pieces to find something unusual, while others are simply looking for inexpensive accessories.

Keep jewelry together in one easy-to-see spot rather than scattering it across the sale. A simple display can make people stop and take a closer look.

Dishes/Glassware

Dishes and glassware can be surprisingly popular, especially older patterns, serving pieces, and complete sets.

Shoppers may be looking for replacements for dishes they already own, pieces for a vacation home, or something they remember from their childhood. Vintage glassware can also attract collectors who know what they’re looking for.

If you have matching pieces, keep them together. A complete set is often more appealing than the same items spread across several boxes.

Furniture

Furniture is one of the bigger garage sale sellers, especially if the price is right.

Tables, chairs, dressers, bookshelves, nightstands, and small cabinets can attract people who need something for their home but don’t want to pay furniture store prices.

Solid pieces can also appeal to people who enjoy giving old furniture a new look. A little paint, new hardware, or some basic repairs can turn a dated piece into something that works in a completely different space.

If you have furniture you’re ready to sell, make sure it’s easy to see and give shoppers enough room to look it over. And if you’re looking for ideas on where to shop for affordable pieces, check out furniture for cheap online.