Spring is in the air and with it comes a perfect time to start fresh. One way to do that is to clear out the clutter in your home. Sometimes finding the motivation to get in spring cleaning shape is difficult. I have found the solution: plan a street sale.
A street sale is similar to a garage/yard sale except you don't have to do it alone (hence the 'street' part). I am in the middle of planning a street sale on my street and so far it's been so easy and rewarding. Who knew someone from a local newspaper lives on my street? Not me. Until she offered to provide free advertising for the sale in this paper 3 times a week for 2 weeks. I couldn't have had that if I was planning a garage sale solo. I smell success!
Planning a sale with others makes you accountable to get the job done, provides an opportunity to get to know some new neighbours, cleans out the junk in your
Here are some simple steps to get your street in gear for an awesome street sale:
1. Select a weekend that you are available for the Saturday and Sunday. As the leader it's good for you to provide support to participants on both weekend days.
2. Create a simple flyer that is worded like an invitation answering the who, what, where, and when questions as well as a way to provide you with an RSVP. Explain a few benefits of a street sale and what your plans are to make it successful for everyone.
My Flyer said the following message:
You're invited to participate in the (your street) cres. Street Sale!
Date:
Time:
Place: Your Driveway
RSVP: My email and date I'd like reply by
Street sales are a great way to increase the number of shoppers attending, and a great motivation to clean out your closets. All profits are your own.
I will take care of signage/advertising. Please RSVP so I can estimate the number of homes participating. If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to share via email.
3. Place a flyer in the door/mailbox of every home on your street two full months prior to the date. Preparing for a sale can be a big job and you want to give everyone a chance to plan accordingly.
4. As replies come in keep a list of addresses, contact names and email address to see how many homes are participating and so you can easily email everyone updates a few weeks before the event.
5. (This step is optional) One month before the event send a second flyer to every home to remind people of the upcoming event. I reworded this version to make participating even more appealing.
Last chance to be included in our (your street) cres. Street Sale!
Date:
Time:
Place: Your driveway
RSVP: your email/ phone and reply by date
Progress/Updates
* 7 families (and counting) participating so far
* A neighbour offered advertising in (local paper) for 2 weeks
* Intensive marketing plan including: social media, classified sites, street signage, and more (all done at no cost to you)
Don't miss out on the chance to have a successful garage sale and start the summer off with a clutter free home and some extra cash!
6. Gather your own stuff together and start thinking of prices etc.
7. Two weeks before the sale email everyone who's on your email list with any updates you have or anything you might need. I plan to ask for any big ticket items they may wish to have mentioned on kijiji/craigslist listings, and list in detail my advertising plan. This is optional but helps people feel a sense of community and they may offer their own suggestions or assist you with some tasks.
8. You can advertise about 1-2 weeks prior on social media sites but refrain for posting signs outside until the day before the sale. Target signs around schools before children will be picked up for the day so their parents can see them.
There are so many other things you can add to your sale to make it even better such as: encourage children to sell lemonade, freezies or cookies, put balloons out near the front entrances leading to your street, play music, or even hire a clown or face painter to entertain your shoppers. However, the frills aren't necessary for a fun, successful day. All you really need are a few neighbours, some signs, and some junk; because one person's junk is another person's treasure.
