The birds are chirping, sun is shining and the clutter is piling, so let’s talk Garage Sales!
Whether your browsing others or the host, Garage sales are an excellent eco-friendly option. To take it a step further, here are some tips for making your next Garage Sale experience easier on, you, your wallet & the environment.
For the Garage Sale Shopper:
The key to successful garage sailing is in see the potential of repurposing, here are some suggestions...
- Garden Art - Be imaginative. If your looking for something to spice the garden up, consider old furniture such as dressers, metal work or even an old kettle can be turned into an indoor/outdoor planter. Use weather proof paint when possible and avoid small pieces birds and animals may eat.
- Party Platters - Pretty dishes can be transformed to multi-tiered platters with just E600 super glue & candlesticks.
- Renewed furniture- Quality wood can be hard to find and expensive if you do but a fresh coat of paint will bring new life, save your pocket book & the planet!
- Picture Perfect - A beautiful picture frame with a not-so-nice picture can be easily swapped for another picture or even a mirror.
- Think of the potential - Handles & pulls can easily be changed, wallpaper the back of a shelf to fit decor, chalkboard paint gives new life & kids love it!
These are just a few of the many possibilities, (Pinterest is a great idea-source too) but just make sure whatever you buy that it’s something you will use, or it will just end taking up space until your own sale next spring!
For the Garage-Sale Host:
- Multi-Family sales are always a big draw. Invite your neighbors to run a sale the same day, or friends to join yours. Group sales mean you can split the cost of newspaper advertising and put up signs together reducing your work and materials needed.
- Make an eco-friendly sign by using materials you already have or can get for free such as boxes with rocks used to hold them down. If you don’t have a cardboard box just ask a grocery or liquor store. If you do use signs, don’t forget to collect them once you are done and (with all the space you now have) save them in your garage for next year!
- Get your stash looking nice & shiny to get more for your items. Clean the merchandise with an eco-friendly cleanser or household vinegar. Vinegar can be used on many household items (porcelain, glassware, brass, copper, wood & carpet) but some need dilution or a mixture so it’s best to check first. Never use vinegar on marble. Go to vinagartips.com/cleaning for a complete list. Wash all clothing in cold-water and if possible opt for detergent that is vegetable over petroleum based and phosphate free.
- Stock up on plastic bags to give to customers. Ask co-workers or friends if you need. It makes shopping easier and saves a plastic bag from the landfill.
- For any electronics missing the manuals, just check online. Many companies, Sony & Apple for example have an online version free to view/ print. Just point this out may close your sale, especially for pricier items.
Remember, one person's trash is another person's treasure.
The lamp you think is outdated maybe someone’s dream D.I.Y project but you must be realistic when your trash is well, trash! Make sure you know where to recycle or dispose of items in their proper place. Visit lethbridge.ca/living-here/my-home/Waste-Recycling for more info on waste disposal around Lethbridge.
Some items are also illegal at garage sales. Find more information at healthcanada.gc.ca/cps
In the end, re-using and re-purposing (when conscious of toxic chemicals & processes) can prevent useful, beautiful and unique items from the landfill and make wonderful, budget & planet-friendly additions to your home. So whether your a seasoned pro or a newbie, Garage Sales are a perfect option for saving more than just money & space!
Coming soon.. Pallet Gardens!
