LIFE & TRENDS


price the item slightly lower — you’re trading convenience for profit.


GENERAL RULES Price items clearly with stickers or tags. No one wants to ask about every object. Offer bundle deals: $1 per book,


or six for $5. It clears space faster. Keep a few higher-ticket items


near the entrance to draw attention but avoid overpricing them. People want to feel like they’ve discovered something special. Presentation matters. Group like


Great American Garage Sale


What to keep, what to sell, and how to profit. :: BY BECCA BLOND


A


s summer winds down and cooler weather rolls in, September marks prime garage sale season


across much of the country. It’s the time of year when households clear out clutter, retirees downsize, and bargain hunters scan front yards for unexpected finds. However, while garage sales


may seem simple, a successful one requires more than just placing old furniture on the lawn with a handwritten price tag. Whether you’re organizing a sale


yourself or helping a parent sort through decades of accumulation, knowing what to keep, what to sell, and how to price it can turn a Saturday morning chore into something surprisingly profitable.


WHAT’S WORTH SELLING Not everything old is valuable — but you might be surprised by what


72 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | SEPTEMBER 2025


buyers are hunting for. Currently, there’s strong demand


for mid-century furniture, vintage Tupperware, tools, toys from the 1980s and 1990s, and anything Americana. Red Wing crocks, oil cans, cast-


iron pans, and even rusty old signage can attract collectors or decorators seeking that rustic charm. Vinyl records are experiencing a


resurgence, particularly in classic rock and early country genres. Cameras, typewriters, and vintage kitchenware can also sell well, particularly if they are still functional or can be repurposed as décor.


PRICE IT RIGHT A garage sale isn’t an antiques shop, and pricing should reflect that. Buyers are expecting deals, not retail markups. If you’re unsure, check what


similar items are selling for on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Then


items together (books with books, tools with tools) and keep tables organized. Ensure everything is clean; dusty dishes or wrinkled linens won’t attract potential buyers. Have a table for small bills


and change and consider offering mobile payment options like Venmo or Zelle, especially for bigger items. Post clear signage in your


neighborhood at least 24 hours in advance and advertise your sale on local Facebook groups or community boards. Mention specific highlights, such as a vintage toy collection or tools, to attract enthusiasts.


WHAT COLLECTORS ARE BUYING While not everything from the attic is valuable, certain items have maintained their value or even increased in desirability. Vintage Pyrex, especially rare


patterns like “Gooseberry” or “Butterprint,” can sell for $30 to $100 or more per piece. Early-edition Barbie dolls, Hot


Wheels from the Red Line era, and 1980s G.I. Joe figures remain popular among toy collectors, particularly when they’re in decent condition or still in their original packaging. American-made hand tools are


another sleeper hit. Brands like old Craftsman, Snap-on, and Stanley are sought after by buyers who value pre- outsourced quality.


ILLUSTRATION/IRALU©ISTOCK


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