It’s spring cleaning time and one way to get on top of the clutter is to take part in the Garage Sale Trail on Saturday October 25.
Garage Sale Trail is a bid day of simultaneous garage sales around Australia and, according to the event’s co-founder Darryl Nichols, it provides motivation – and a deadline – for people who want to declutter.
“Garage Sale Trail attracts those who are looking for some motivation to declutter and get organised in preparation for the warmer months ahead. “From the time they register for free online at www.garagesaletrail.com.au sellers have about four to six weeks to prepare for the big day of simultaneous garage sales around Australia so there’s the benefit of a deadline in sight – no procrastination allowed!”
Professional organiser Helen Butler from Clutter Rescue who assists households to create more functional, organised living spaces, said many clients also ask for advice about what to do with unwanted items because they want to avoid throwing things away.
“I’m an advocate of Garage Sale Trail because the event provides everyone an annual opportunity to get organised and declutter but also to sell excess belongings to someone else who needs or loves them, instead of throwing things out,” Butler said.
While hosts of garage sales benefit from clearing up their living spaces, buyers at garage sales can also avoid purchasing more clutter by shopping consciously. Butler says shoppers need to ask themselves: Is it beautiful, do I love it? Is it useful? Will I use it?
Now in its fourth year, Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s largest annual garage sale, expected to involve upwards of 350,000 participants on Saturday 25 October.
Top Tips to Plan for Garage Sale Trail Success on Saturday October 25
1. Register for free online now at www.garagesaletrail.com.au. Once registered, check out the seller page on Garage Sale Trail’s website where you can add your garage sale and share your garage sale profile page. Use your seller page to attract as many buyers as possible!
2. Schedule a time for everyone in your household to start the process of identifying items to be sold. Set aside boxes or storage containers for items to be sold, separating items into different categories. Colour-coded labelling helps! For example,
have a box for books, one for jewellery and personal items, one for artwork or household ornaments, one for clothing, one for kids’ toys.
3. Allocate a few hours on the first day you do the sorting to ensure quick progress. When identifying unwanted items, be sure to take a close look at anything not used in the last twelve months. (If it’s not been used in the past year, are you ever going to use it?)
4. Ask yourself these questions as you encounter each item that you might like to part with. Move from room to room and don’t forget the garage!
• How long has it been since I’ve used this/enjoyed this?
• Will I use it again?
• Is it worth the space it takes up in my house?
5. Once you have identified items to be sold, check out www.ebay.com.au to gauge the item’s market value then upload photographs to your seller page.
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