HOW TO HOLD A MOVING SALE

Now is the perfect time to ditch that excess baggage. By getting rid of unnecessary possessions, you’ll reduce the weight of your shipment (save money) and get some extra traveling money for your effort.

So, start to sort through can’t-live-without-em items that have been sitting in the closet, untouched for years, and get ready to make some dough. Remember: Your trash is someone else’s treasure.

Organizing The Sale

* Make a list of all sale items. Put a price tag on or near each item. You may not always get what you’re asking so be ready to negotiate. What you don’t sell you can donate to a local charity. Get a receipt and you can deduct it on your Federal tax return.

* Gather some shopping bags and cartons to make it easy for customers to carry their new treasures home.

* Display all “like” things together, ie. games, dishes, etc. so they’re easy to find

* Make sure everyone knows what is for sale and what isn’t (sounds obvious, but you would be surprised)

* Make a cashier’s desk, complete with cash box, change, calculator, scissors, tape, string, markers, etc.

* Assign everyone a responsibility for the day. If you’re moving solo, invite some friends over to help. Buy them a pizza with the profits.

* Saturdays are the best days for garage sales, but be sure to avoid holiday weekends. Make sure to set a rain date.

* The earlier the sale, the better. Bargain shoppers like to rise with the sun.

* Where should you hold the garage sale? Garage is the obvious answer. But, depending on the time of year, the basement may be a better idea. Be sure to check with local authorities about restrictions before announcing your sale. Also, be sure there is enough space for parking and people.

Finally, publicize and promote. Contact your local paper about putting together a classified ad announcing the garage sale. Tell all your friends and neighbors. And, place directional signs in high-traffic areas on the day of the sale.

One month to go

• Notify friends, family and companies of change of address
• Accountant, bank-transfer accounts, clubs, gas, electricity, insurance, telecommunications, subscriptions, Council, obtain Doctor & school records, vet, dentist, etc
• Organise goods for disposal/garage sale
• Book Moves & organise insurance
• Start file on move
• Check house, attics, under house, garden, sheds etc for goods to be taken
• Make travel arrangements, or if driving ensure car in top condition
• Postal redirection
• Contact electoral office

Two weeks to go

• Finalise Moves’ pickup date, complete paperwork
• Request packing cartons if required and start packing, label each carton with room and content
• Arrange method of payment with Moves
• Arrange for pet shipment
• Confirm travel plans
• Collect loaned goods, return borrowed items
• Collect dry cleaning
• Organise disconnection of services to house
• Organise connection of services to new home
• Ensure loose items on boats or trailers are packed away securely

One week to go

• Dispose of old medicines and flammable items
• Pack cases
• Arrange for curtains, rods, shelves TV antenna to be dismantled
• Arrange babysitter for moving day
• Arrange cleaner for new home, and move out day in your current home, closets shelves and floors
• Transporting car to new location, finalise arrangements
• If possible obtain street directory to new home location
• Cancel any deliveries
• Drain gas /petrol from various containers
• Remove batteries from devices

Pre move day

• Empty and defrost fridge, dispose of food
• Leave out utensils and food for meals next day
• Finish packing, ensure valuables are with you and travel documents
• If Moves are packing your goods they will be there
• Leave forwarding details for landlord/new tenant
• Notify police/neighbours should house be vacant for longer term

Moving day

• Be present to instruct Moves
• Collect house keys and store in safe place
• Check constantly that all has been packed
• Check and sign inventory
• Turn off lights, taps and lock house

New home

• Confirm delivery details, contact numbers with Moves
• Do walkthrough inspection of new home, especially if renting
• Be present when unloading and placement of furniture to happen
• Check for damage or missing items
• Check electricity and other services are connected
• Ensure hot water and power are on