From clutter to cash: how to host a garage sale that sells itself
Your ultimate how-to guide to garage sales in Australia, packed with expert tips on pricing, signage, second-hand selling, and sustainable ways to turn pre-loved treasures into cash while supporting your community and the circular economy.
Getting started: how to host a garage sale
If your cupboards are bursting, your garage looks like a second-hand shop, and you’d love some extra cash, it might be time to host a garage sale. A successful garage sale in Australia is all about planning, pricing, and a dash of personality. With the right setup, you can declutter your home, meet your neighbours, and walk away with money to put towards your savings goals while giving pre-loved items a new lease on life.
Why have a garage sale?
Hosting a garage sale is a simple way to clear space, ease stress, and make money at the same time.
According to the 2025 PayPal Circular Economy Report, the average Australian household is sitting on $1,349 worth of unused and unwanted items that could easily be turned into cash. In fact, 89% of Aussies admit they have things at home they could sell, and 95% say clutter causes them stress.
It’s a win-win for your home, your wallet and your sanity. Less clutter, less chaos and more cash in your pocket – honestly, hosting a garage sale just makes sense.
How do you plan a garage sale?
Planning is key to a smooth, successful day. Start by choosing a weekend morning that doesn’t clash with local events or school holidays. Most bargain hunters hit the road early, so plan for an 8am start and expect early birds from 7:30.
Check your local council website for any rules around signage, parking, or noise. Some councils require you to take down garage sale signs within 24 hours.
And don’t forget the weather. A sunny forecast is your best friend, but if it looks questionable, set up under cover or in your carport so the rain doesn’t ruin your sale or the vibe.
What should you sell at a garage sale?
When it comes to what sells, the more variety the better. Furniture, homewares, clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets, tools, and even half-used craft supplies can find new homes if priced right.
If your own items don’t fill a table, ask friends or family to contribute. A joint sale brings more variety and more buyers.
Display matters too. Use hangers for clothes, tables for homewares, and baskets for smaller items. A little “merchandising” goes a long way to make your garage sale feel like a treasure trove instead of a junk yard.
What payment methods are safe for a garage sale in Australia?
Cash, PayPal and PayID are the safest options for most garage sales.
- Cash is quickest and scam free for face-to-face sales, so keep plenty of small notes and coins
- PayPal (Goods & Services) adds protection for both buyer and seller when a digital payment is needed
- PayID or direct bank transfer is fine too, but only hand over the item once the money has actually cleared in your account.
What payment methods should you avoid when holding a garage sale?
Avoid cheques, gift cards, and don’t accept PayPal Friends & Family because it does not offer the same purchase protection as PayPal Goods & Services.
How much change should I have for a garage sale?
You’ll usually need around $100 in small notes and coins, mostly $1, $2, and $5 denominations. Keep it handy in a secure pouch or apron and avoid leaving a cash box unattended.
Price items with simple, round numbers to make it easier on yourself and your buyers (it’s much easier to calculate mid-sale!) If you’ve got stacks of similar items, bundle them, like one book for $2 or three for $5.
Once you’ve tallied your takings, why not use our Savings Calculator to see how far your garage sale earnings could go?
What’s the best way to advertise a garage sale in Australia?
Free online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Events and Gumtree will have much more chance of reaching your intended audience than just a sign on the street. To spread the word even further, register a November garage sale with Garage Sale Trail. They’ll even send you free promotional tools to help you market your event, including posters, flyers, social graphics, directional signs and fun goodies to make your setup shine.
When I held a garage sale before moving overseas, I ran it over two days and found that having a public Facebook Event, a Gumtree ad and a sign on the main road directing people to our street really made the sale a success.
What to include on your garage sale event listing:
- The date, start and finish times
- Your suburb and address
- A short list of what you’re selling
- A few bright, well-lit photos.
Pro tip: design a flyer in Canva and drop it in your neighbours’ letterboxes. It’s free, easy and will drum up even more business.
How to promote your garage sale offline
Online platforms not for you? Offline still works too. Print garage sale signs from Officeworks or make your own using an old cardboard box, bold text and arrows big enough to read from a passing car. Stick them up at nearby intersections and remember to take them down afterwards.
8 expert tips to make your garage sale a success in Australia
Want to know how to make your garage sale a hit? These eight tried-and-tested tips will help you attract more buyers, boost your profits and create a fun experience shoppers won’t forget.
- Create a welcoming vibe
Play upbeat tunes, add colourful banners and chat with visitors. When people feel good, they may stick around longer and buy more. - Price clearly and fairly
Price items to sell! A good deal will be snapped up fast! Use large, easy-to-read tags and round numbers. Transparency saves haggling and speeds up sales. - Bundle for better deals
Offer bundle discounts like “fill a bag for $10” or “three books for $5” to move more items quickly. - Start early
Keen bargain hunters are out before 8am, so have your tables ready to go. Take a few photos of the setup the day before and post to your online event. A little prep may get buyers lining up before opening time. - Keep change and payment options handy
Carry plenty of coins and small notes, and consider digital payments through PayID or PayPal for cashless buyers. - Promote everywhere
Advertise your sale on Facebook Marketplace, local community pages and Gumtree or if it’s November, register with the Garage Sale Trail. Post reminders leading up to the event too for maximum turnout. - Display like a pro
Group similar items together and keep everything tidy. Hang clothes on hangers, and sort by colour or size so shoppers can find their next favourite outfit fast. A well-organised display invites people to browse longer. Add a full-length mirror if you’re selling clothes and, if you’ve got a pop-up ensuite tent, use it as a change room. - Get help to host your garage sale
Make it a big event! Rope in your friends and family, they might have treasures to sell too. The more hands on deck, the easier (and more fun) it’ll be. With good company, you can chat to shoppers, manage payments smoothly and turn the day into a proper community get-together.
If selling is your thing, take it up a notch with our How to sell on eBay guide, packed with tips to turn clutter into cash and keep that momentum going.
What should I do with leftovers after a garage sale?
Don’t drag your clutter back inside. Donate unsold items to your local charity shop, community centre or women’s shelter. Some charities even offer pick-up for bulky furniture.
You can also list leftover items for free on Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group. Someone will love what you no longer need.
What should I do with my garage sale profits?
So, you’ve decluttered, made cash and your garage looks amazing. What next?
Put your profits to work. Set up a budget with our free Personal Budget Template and start planning your savings goals. Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for Christmas or building an emergency fund, we have lots of free money tools and resources to help you get ahead with your finances.
MyBudget can help you budget for the life you want
For over 25 years, MyBudget has helped 130,000+ Australians create tailored budget plans to live their life free from money worries.
If you would like assistance getting your finances in order, MyBudget can help by:
- Paying your bills on time
- Getting out of debt faster
- Creating a tailored savings plan for the future
- Building a 12-month plan that gives you full visibility and peace of mind.
There’s no obligation to get started. Enquire online or call us on 1300 300 922.
FAQs
What are the best days to host a garage sale?
Weekends are ideal, with Saturday mornings attracting the biggest crowds of bargain hunters. If you join the Garage Sale Trail in November 2025, you’ll also benefit from national event promotion and local community traffic.
How should I price items at my garage sale?
Price fairly and aim for volume over profit. Keep prices simple and round for easy transactions, and offer bundle deals for books, clothes or smaller items to encourage multiple purchases.
What should I do with unsold items after my garage sale?
Donate what’s left to local charities, community centres or list them online in your local Buy Nothing group. Giving pre-loved items a second life helps reduce landfill and supports a sustainable future.
How can I make my garage sale stand out from others?
Get creative! Add music, banners, or themed decorations. Use colourful signage and share your event across local Facebook groups, Gumtree and community pages to attract more shoppers.
How can MyBudget help me manage the money I earn from my sale?
We’ll help you put your profits to work by setting up a personalised budget plan and savings strategy so you can reach your financial goals faster.
Why choose MyBudget to help with my finances?
For over 25 years, MyBudget has helped over 130,000 Australians reduce debt, build savings and live life free from money worries. Our expert team creates easy, practical plans that fit your lifestyle and goals.
