The Pros and Cons of a Yard Sale
Every spring, my neighborhood hosts a big yard sale—and I’ve learned to love this annual tradition. I don’t have to do any advertising (thank you, neighborhood committee!) and there’s always a steady stream of shoppers cruising the streets.
If you’ve been considering one, here’s my honest take on the ups and downs:
THE PROS
✨ Major motivation to declutter
It’s the perfect excuse to finally go through the attic, kids' closets, overstuffed drawers, and all the random “I’ll deal with this later” piles. I use it as a deadline to get things out that we haven’t used, worn, or needed in over a year.
💵 Cash for your clutter
It adds up! I usually price things low—$1, $5, $10—but it’s amazing how those small sales add up fast. It’s also fun to see people excited about your old stuff finding a new life elsewhere.
Tip: If you’re wondering how to price things, just ask ChatGPT for help! Share where you live and what you're selling, and you’ll get suggestions in no time.
🛋 A reason to rethink a room
This year’s sale pushed me to finally transform our chaotic playroom/guest room/junk room into a proper guest space. (We had a trundle daybed with twin mattresses, but watching grandparents roll off the floor was the final straw!)
I’ll be sharing how that turned out soon—stay tuned!
🧒 The kids get in on the action
My kids love setting up their own table with fidgets, toys, hats, hair accessories, and whatever else they decide to sell. They make a surprising amount of money—and I think it’s because other kids get so excited to find fidgets at a bargain.
Honestly, their table often makes more sales than mine! (I’m convinced it’s because they’re just so cute and sweet.)
THE CONS
😬 The house becomes a mess
The week leading up to the sale, things get chaotic. With everything piled up for sorting, the house never looks its best. And the prep can be overwhelming.
🌧 Weather anxiety
The weather is always on my mind! If it rains, the sale gets pushed to the next weekend. That means another week with a messy house, which can be a real headache.
📦 Leftovers
There’s always stuff that doesn’t sell. I keep a donation box nearby and load it up immediately after the sale so it doesn’t creep back into my house.
😴 It’s exhausting
Between sorting, pricing, setting up, and chatting with shoppers, I’m wiped by the end of the day. It’s satisfying, but not restful—plan to order takeout and put your feet up when it’s over!
BONUS TIPS
🆓 Set up a "Free Table"
It’s the perfect spot for items that aren’t in great condition but might be someone else’s treasure. It draws people in and helps you clear more stuff.
📱 Have a Venmo code available
Venmo can really help boost sales—especially if folks are running low on cash.
🪙 Don’t underestimate the power of little stuff
Selling a bunch of small things—like kitchen tools, books, and toys—adds up. Those $1 and $2 sales filled our cash box quickly.
🤝 Hold firm on prices (nicely!)
If someone lowballs you, try:
“If it doesn’t sell today, I’m planning to list it on Facebook Marketplace.”
It usually gets them closer to your asking price without sounding pushy.
All in all, I’m a fan of yard sales—not just for clearing out, but for refreshing our home a bit each year.
Have you ever hosted one? Did you love it or swear it off forever?
