The first hour of a garage sale can be surprisingly busy. Some shoppers arrive before everything is completely set up because they know the most desirable items can disappear long before the rest of the neighborhood gets there.

Early shoppers also tend to have specific things in mind. Tools, vintage finds, electronics, furniture and other useful or potentially valuable items often get attention first, especially when they’re easy to spot and reasonably priced.

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Tools

Tools are often one of the first things experienced garage sale shoppers look for. Hand tools, drills, saws, toolboxes, and miscellaneous hardware can sell quickly when they’re in usable condition and priced well below retail.

Small furniture

Nightstands, side tables, stools, bookshelves and small dressers are popular because they’re useful and relatively easy to transport. Solid wood and older furniture can attract even more attention from shoppers looking for something to use as-is, refinish, or resell.

Vintage items

Older kitchenware, Pyrex, dishes, glassware, decor and unusual household pieces can quickly catch the attention of shoppers searching for vintage finds. These items are especially likely to get noticed when they’re displayed prominently instead of buried inside boxes.

Baby and kids’ gear

Children outgrow things quickly, which makes garage sales a popular place to find certain kids’ items for less. Clean toys, children’s furniture and other useful gear in good condition can attract attention early in the sale.

Toys and games

Toys tend to catch the attention of both children and parents, particularly when they’re clean, complete and inexpensive. Building toys, dolls, outdoor toys, recognizable brands and board games with all their pieces can move surprisingly fast.

Video games and electronics

Video games, consoles, controllers, speakers and other working electronics are items some shoppers specifically hunt for as soon as they arrive. Working condition matters, and electronics are more appealing when the necessary cords, chargers and accessories are included.

Small kitchen appliances

Coffee makers, slow cookers, blenders, mixers and other countertop appliances can be easy garage sale finds because they offer everyday usefulness without the retail price. Clean, working appliances with all their original parts are likely to get the most interest.

Name-brand clothing and shoes

Recognizable brands can stand out among tables and racks filled with ordinary clothing. Jackets, handbags, children’s clothes and good-condition shoes can sell well, but garage sale shoppers generally expect prices to be considerably lower than they would find at a consignment shop.

Outdoor and garden gear

Bikes, gardening tools, planters, lawn equipment and sports gear are hard to miss, which can make them some of the first items shoppers notice. Larger outdoor items displayed near the front of a sale can even attract the attention of people driving past.

Collectibles

Coins, sports cards, jewelry and other collectibles can attract shoppers who arrive already knowing what they’re hoping to find. Garage sale shoppers have specifically reported searching for old coins, sports cards, gold jewelry and similar items, making this one category worth researching before setting a price.