Yard sale season is here! Whether you call it a garage sale, estate sale, or tag sale, there’s no better time than spring and summer to declutter your home and turn unused items into extra cash. But let’s face it, hosting a yard sale can feel overwhelming without the right strategy, supplies, and support. As a Professional Organizer with nearly two decades of experience helping homeowners and estate clients, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). That’s exactly why I created the Ultimate Yard Sale Planner, a complete printable toolkit to help you plan, organize, and execute a successful sale with ease.  Get the Yard Sale Planner here  

Is a Yard Sale Right for You?

Before diving in, ask yourself what you hope to achieve with your yard sale. In most cases, the two primary goals are:  

  1. Decluttering your home 
  2. Making some extra money 

If your main goal is to remove clutter and free up space, a yard sale can be a great solution. But it’s important to be realistic.  Yarrd sales require planning, time, and effort. Unless you have a house full of items or big-ticket pieces to sell, your profits may be modest. If you only have a few high-value items, consider alternatives like Facebook Marketplace, consignment stores, or donation. But if you’re ready to clear it all out and make a weekend of it read on!  

Step 1: Declutter With Purpose

Every successful yard sale starts with strategic decluttering. Walk through your home and identify what you no longer use, want, or need. The Yard Sale Planner includes:  

  • A helpful decluttering checklist 
  • Printable sorting labels for trash, donate, sell, keep, or recycle 
  • Donation tracker sheets for tax season 

The goal here is to clear space quickly and efficiently. Once you’ve sorted your items, remove trash and drop donations off ASAP to avoid backsliding.  

Declutter Checklist - Lifes Lists Yard Sale Planner

Step 2: Plan Your Sale Like a Pro

Planning ahead is the secret to yard sale success. The Yard Sale Planner includes:  

  • A pre-sale checklist 
  • A timeline of tasks by week and day 
  • Templates to delegate tasks and stay organized 

Pick a date when foot traffic is likely (weekends are best), and make sure you have help on hand to move items and manage the day. Don’t forget to gather supplies like tables, hangers, boxes, and a cash box.  

Yard Sale Checklist

Step 3: Advertise to Attract Buyers

Promotion is key! Without visibility, even the best items won’t sell. Inside the planner, you’ll find:  

  • Printable yard sale signs in multiple styles and directions 
  • Customizable location and category labels (like “Kitchen,” “Toys,” or “Home Decor”) 
  • Social media promotion tips 

Place signs at major intersections and near your home a few days in advance, and post in local Facebook groups or neighborhood forums to generate buzz.

  

Yard Sale Tips - Lifes Lists Yard Sale Planner

Step 4: Set Up for Success

Make your sale easy to browse and buy from. You’ll want:  

  • Tables and display surfaces 
  • Clear pricing labels 
  • Category signage to group like items together 
  • A checkout station with change and bags 

The Yard Sale Planner provides all these templates and more, so you’re never scrambling last minute.  

Yard Sale Pricing Labels - Lifes Lists Yard Sale Planner

Step 5: Maximize the Sale Day

The big day is here! A few pro tips:  

  • Use the parking signs included to manage traffic and avoid confusion 
  • Keep snacks and drinks on hand—it’s a long day! 
  • Greet customers with a smile and be willing to negotiate (within reason) 

With proper setup and a friendly attitude, your sale will run smoothly.  

Step 6: Wrap Up and Declutter What’s Left

Once the sale ends:  

  • Immediately box up donations and deliver them 
  • Place large items at the curb with a “Free” sign 
  • Count your earnings and celebrate your clutter-free home! 

You’ve just cleared space, simplified your home, and made a little extra cash—well done!  

Ready to Start? Grab the Yard Sale Planner Now

The Ultimate Yard Sale Planner has everything you need to plan a profitable, stress-free yard sale: 

Final Thoughts

A yard sale is more than just a way to make money—it’s a fresh start. By decluttering, organizing, and creating a game plan, you can take back your space and make room for what matters most. 

Happy selling! 

Kristin

Kristin Vander Wiede is a Professional Organizer and owner of Livable Solutions Professional Organizing and Life’s Lists printable organizing labels, systems and activities