17 Things That Sell Well at Yard Sales (and will make you money!) (2024)

Do you think you need a ton of stuff for a successful yard sale? WRONG. Check out these 17 items that will make you money without wasting too much space in your driveway!

There's something for everyone on this list, from clothes to kitchen appliances. So throw a sale and start stocking up on some extra cash!

You want to get rid of your stuff and make a quick buck off it, right? We have covered yard sales mistakes to avoid, and now we want to ensure that the items we sell will be a big hit.

The truth is that there are many items people love to buy at a yard sale or garage sale.

These are the items people look for when they hit local yard sales during the weekends.

People want these items, and they want them at a bargain price, and as you recalled from the previous post, to sell, you have to price to sell.

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What's the ideal percentage off you should sell these items?

Good question.

People are looking to buy 50 to 90 percent of the original price. If they can't find it at a low cost, they will leave your yard sale, and you will be stuck with the unwanted item and no cash.

So, what are these things that sell well at yard sales?

Let's start with the 2024 top yard sale items below and the reason behind them.

Why Are Yard Sales Popular In 2024?

Yard sales are on the rise in popularity, even in 2024. Many people turn to these sales to save money during tough economic times. The inflationary pressures have been affecting many retailers. This makes it more difficult for consumers to stretch their dollars as far as they once did.

The delay in imported goods has also led to supply chain disruptions and higher prices for certain items. Because of these challenges, yard sales have become more popular as people seek ways to stretch their budgets.

And while safety and sanitary concerns may be a factor for some, many bargain hunters find great deals on everything from shoes to handbags to antiques.

Ultimately, yard sales seem to be a win-win for both buyers and sellers, as people purge unwanted items and make some extra cash while others get great deals on items they may not have been able to afford otherwise.

Supply Chain Increases Used Sales

Chances are you've heard the term supply chain mentioned extensively over the past year. However, you might not realize that the strain on the supply chain will be good for your yard sale this season.

Not only were cargo ships unable to dock for long periods, but some cargo rotted while stuck on the ships at sea.

But you must remember it's not only foreign products becoming scarce. With more and more people contracting the virus, US factories have not produced as many products because workers are out sick.

And if companies are waiting for materials to come from other countries, it could be a while. All of this has led to a growing problem of having basic items on the shelves.

People turn to thrift stores, yard sales, and other secondhand markets to find everyday items. So, if you have items you're no longer using, put them in your yard sale.

Consumer electronics and toys are the hardest hit categories. This means you have a much better chance of selling these items at your yard sale.

Of course, the age of your electronics will matter. For example, people aren't interested in a laptop that is more of a paperweight than a fast machine.

Toys, however, will sell whether they're 1 or 10 years old. People need ways to keep their kids entertained. So get up in the attic and bring down those old toys your kids no longer play with. Now will be the time to get those toys sold.

Now that we know, these items below will continue to be top-selling items in 2024.

17 Things That Sell Well at Yard Sales (and will make you money!) (1)

17 Hot Summer Yard Sale Items for 2024

As mentioned above, electronics and toys will be the top items this year. People are looking for things to help keep themselves and their families entertained at home.

They are also looking for items they would usually purchase in-store but will buy used to save money. Here are just a few items that will be hot this summer.

Summer Clothing

People will need summer clothes for their children. Go through your kids' clothing and sell anything they've outgrown. You can also go through any clothing you may have outgrown during quarantine and all that snacking.

Boys' clothing seems to be selling best during yard sales, so keep that in mind.

Board Games and Puzzles

Board games and puzzles are huge right now. People need ways to keep their families entertained at home. The pandemic brought the joy of board games and puzzles, and it shows when you host a yard sale.

Gaming Systems and Video Games

Again, we discuss the reason why this will be hot on our list. Gaming systems, video games, and controllers that used to sell for a few bucks are selling much higher.

An example is Wii Sports, which used to sell for $10 and is now selling for $25 to $30. Again, people want to stay entertained. Go through your old stuff that your kids no longer play with and sell it.

Books

Books are always a great escape. While you never make much money selling books at a yard sale, you can lot up similar titles and sell 5 paperbacks for $3 or a box of books for $5. It's a great way to clear up your own bookshelves and make some money in the process.

We recommend selling books for less than $1 if you want to get rid of them and if these books are available at any dollar store.

Sports Equipment

Last but not least, sell your old sports equipment. While summer may be different, kids and families can still use sports equipment in their own yards. You'll also be able to price things a bit higher than you usually would because the demand will be so high.

Equipment and Tools

Items such as:

  • Woodworking tools
  • Yard tools
  • Trimmers
  • Lawnmowers
  • blowers

These items will sell quickly if they are in excellent condition and priced to sell. If they are broken but fixable, you can sell them as well.

Kids’ Outdoor Toys

Kids' outdoor toys are one of my favorite things to buy when I'm at a yard sale or local garage sale.

You see, swing sets, kids' tables, and other outdoor kids' toys are pretty expensive.

Make sure that if you are selling these items, you take a beautiful picture of them to advertise and price them to sell because your potential buyers are coming to check them out.

One important thing to remember is that these toys will sell well during the spring as the weather is starting to warm up.

Outdoor Furniture

People are looking for outdoor furniture to pretty up their backyards and decks as the weather warms up.

Items such as lawn chairs, picnic tables and such will sell well during a yard or garage sale.

Make sure that if you have a set, place them together and pretty up the items for a fast sale.

Wood Furniture

Older wood furniture is refurbished gold for some people. If you have old wood furniture sitting around and want to get rid of it, I suggest you sell it at your next yard sale.

Refurbishing furniture is trendy, and it is one of the top items people look for at yard sales.

Another critical thing to remember is that you can even sell these items online since they have become trendy.

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry that is repairable is okay to sell at a garage sale because customers enjoy it.

This item is also valuable for use in crafts as well, and since you are selling them at a very affordable price, people love to buy them.

Remember that jewelry will not make you a good profit when you sell it at your yard sale, so keep that in mind.

Kids’ Clothing

Kid's clothing is another top item people love to shop for, and I'm going to add that boys' clothes, not infants,are a top one.

Selling your used kids' clothing in your yard sale will sell fast if it is priced to sell.

I will add that when you donate clothes, they get put up on sale, which means that sometimes these clothes are not even affordable to those who need them.

You will make more money if you sell them yourself than you will make the write-off you will get for your taxes. Think about it.

Name Brand Clothing

Many people love name-brand clothing; if they find it at a great price at your yard sale, you will sell it.

You want to make sure you display this item well, as it will give people a better view of your item.

Name-brand kids' clothing will sell pretty fast, too, if priced correctly.

Like-New Items

If you have an item that looks like-new, chances are it will sell well at your next yard sale.

Remember, people are looking for a bargain and seeing like-new items. It's like they are getting something new at a low price.

People will buy like-new items; keep that in mind.

Home Décor Items

Home décor items are another top item that will sell at your next garage sale.

People go yard sale hunting for these items, so if you need to get rid of some home décor, selling them at your next yard sale is the fastest way to get rid of them and make a quick buck.

Place the items together and display them as a set to sell them.

17 Things That Sell Well at Yard Sales (and will make you money!) (2)

Before we continue, our Yard Sale Guides are 30-page digital products that will help you and guide you through planning your next yard sale. This is a handy tool and affordable at $3.99. Use it repeatedly every time you host a yard or garage sale.

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Cold Drinks and Snacks

While hosting your yard sale, sell sodas and bottles of water for a buck. Have your cute kids sell them for you!

Snacks such as cookies and crackers will also sell well during your yard sale!

Retro Toys

Retro toys are hot items, seriously!

They even have conventions all about retro toys.

If you have older wooden toys, train sets, Barbies in the package, or anything 80's or earlier, sell them!

And if you think you have a goldmine, then you better not sell it at your garage sale. I will recommend doing more research and selling them another way.

Now, if you don't, then sell them at your next yard sale. They will sell well.

Antiques

Antiques continue to be a top item, and people love to shop at yard sales.

If your antiques need some fixing up, your next garage sale will be the place to sell them.

You will not be able to sell a broken antique at a higher price, and if you have no desire to do anything and it is taking up space, then sell it!

Conclusion

As you can see, people are looking for these things to sell at yard sales.

Now that you have an idea, it is time to plan your yard sale.

Selling your stuff at a yard sale can be cathartic. It can also help you gather some extra money for savings, trips, and more. Plus, your home will be a lot cleaner when you get rid of stuff that is just collecting dust and taking up space.

Your turn: What are other things that sell well at yard sales?

17 Things That Sell Well at Yard Sales (and will make you money!) (2024)

FAQs

What sells best at yard sale? ›

Baby & kids clothing, toys, and gadgets sell super well as well as kitchen stuff (dishes, cookware, etc). Adult clothing can sell, but it's generally not as popular as kids clothing. If you don't have many of the best selling items, a garage sale might not be worth your time.

How can I make a lot of money at a yard sale? ›

7 Tips for a Profitable Garage Sale
  1. Offer Plenty to Sell. A sparse garage sale doesn't have much curb appeal. ...
  2. Spruce Things Up. ...
  3. Make it Easy to Shop. ...
  4. Don't Price Too High … or Too Low. ...
  5. Remember that Time is Money. ...
  6. Draw Customers with Freebies. ...
  7. Offer Profitable Extras.

What not to sell at a garage sale? ›

Creepy, Tacky, Inappropriate | Things You Should Never Sell at a...
  • Used Underwear: Nope. ...
  • Medicine. ...
  • Taxidermy Animals: Since other people didn't shoot it or catch it, don't sell it.
  • Personal Hygiene Products. ...
  • Adult Movies: OK…that's just ALL I got to say about THAT.

How do I get more customers for my yard sale? ›

Here are some useful tips that will help you attract as many shoppers as possible and make a decent payday from your yard sale.
  1. Planning The Date And Time. ...
  2. Regulations. ...
  3. Sorting for a Yard Sale. ...
  4. Advertising. ...
  5. Organizing Items. ...
  6. Bulk Selling Strategy. ...
  7. $1 Items. ...
  8. Extra Pair of Hands.
Aug 22, 2023

What are the best hours for a yard sale? ›

The best time to start is early morning, generally around 7 a.m., according to garage sale culture. There really is a groundswell of people who enjoy coming to garage sales, and they often will be there as soon as you open, to get the best merchandise.

What's the best day for a garage sale? ›

The most popular days for garage sales are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fridays and Sundays may bring in a decent number of buyers, but Saturdays are the best day to host a garage sale because they will attract both casual customers and serious shoppers.

Is it better to price things at a yard sale? ›

Whether you're clearing out your attic, decluttering your closets, or simply looking to make some extra cash, pricing your items effectively is key to a successful garage sale.

Should you price items at a garage sale? ›

Although not everyone puts price tags on their garage sale merchandise, pricing your merchandise in advance will make the day of the sale less hectic for you. Additionally, it may make customers more likely to buy.

What is the average profit from a garage sale? ›

On average, a garage sale can bring in a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars, but this is just an estimate. Some garage sales may generate more income if they have valuable or sought-after items, while others might earn less if the items are less desirable.

How much cash should I have for a garage sale? ›

Many experienced sellers recommend having $100 in cash for your garage sale. Not only is this a good amount to get your sale started, but it also makes it easy to calculate your profit quickly.

What are the disadvantages of a garage sale? ›

They can be a fun way to get to know your neighbors or meet interesting people. One of the largest downsides is that people set aside things for a garage sale and then never have one. The unwanted items continue to take up space in their homes and create a mountain of clutter that can often become a fire hazard.

How do you negotiate a garage sale? ›

Ask for a discount.

Sellers are ready to part with their things, so it's perfectly acceptable to haggle on pricing, especially if you are interested in a high-dollar item or have a grouping of things. Either ask the seller if they can lower the price or feel free to make an offer.

Where is the best place to post a yard sale? ›

  • #1 – Craigslist.
  • #2 – Gsalr.com.
  • #3 – YardSales.net.
  • #4 – Yard Sale Search.
  • #5 – Garage Sale Finder.
  • #6 – GarageSales.com.
Apr 8, 2016

What is the psychology of garage sales? ›

The real point of a garage sale is the purge. The lifelong desire, so rarely realized, to clean house, free up space, and organize your life -- which allows many to rationalize putting actual garbage on tables. Public Speaking Trainer and Author of "Get to the Point!"

How to have a yard sale without tables? ›

Take 2 chairs and use a board or heavy piece of cardboard for the middle section. Ladderback chairs can also hold a curtain rod, or metal rod, for hanging clothing. Oops! Another thing you might could use is trashcans, turn them upside down, and again, use board, or heavy cardboard to do a makeshift table.

How much petty cash should be on hand at a yard sale? ›

or Paypal if you're trying to sell any larger items. Sometimes I've started with only $30 but always make sure and have the 10 $1 bills because a lot of people will buy a one or two dollar item and give you a five. I also make sure I have a few more $1's and $5's in the house in case I need them.

What is the most popular day for yard sales? ›

Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings are usually the best time to hold a successful garage sale. Consider scheduling your sale on the first weekend of the month—when people have just gotten paid and haven't spent all their fun money yet.

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