17 Things That Sell Well at Yard Sales (and Will Make You Money!)

Think you need to have a ton of stuff to have a successful yard sale? WRONG. Check out these 17 items that will make you money without taking up 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.

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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.

What’s the idea 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 2022 top yard sale items below and the reason behind them.


Supply Chain Increases Used Sales

Chances are you’ve heard the term supply chain mentioned a lot over the past few months. 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 that are 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 just 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 2022.


Yard Sales / Garage Sale During a Pandemic

Are yard sales legal during social distancing and/or quarantine?

Whether or not yard sales are allowed in your area will depend on your local restrictions. Make sure to follow local rules, or you could face a penalty that includes hefty fines.


Will people still go to yard sales while social distancing?

Yes! People will come if you live in an area where yard sales are allowed. Remember that there has been 7% increase in products and wages are not increasing. People are looking for a deal! That’s also why some things will do better this year than in previous years.


How can I host a yard sale while following social distancing suggestions?

Have your yard sales outdoors rather than in the garage, if possible. This will allow you to spread out more.

Spread your tables or clothes far apart so that people can view different areas without being too close to one another.

If you have family members helping, give each person a fanny pack with change so that people can pay without creating a big line.

Follow your state and CDC policies and facemask. When posting about your yard sale, make sure you mention keeping a social distance, and wearing a mask (if required by state guidelines).

17 Hot Summer Yard Sale Items for 2022

As we 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. 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 and video games and controllers that used to sell for a couple of 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 yard. 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 them 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 them.

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

Remember that jewelry will not make you a good profit when you sell them 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, and if they find it at a great price at your yard sale, you will sell them.

This item you want to make sure you display them well 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 they 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.

Before we continue, our Yard Sale Guide is a 30-page digital product 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.

Check out these money posts:



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 sale 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 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.

A broken antique you will not be able to sell 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, these things to sell at yard sales are what people are looking for.

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?

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  • Jaye Jaye on Sep 15, 2022

    These are great ideas and suggestions. Our HOA had a “neighborhood” garage sale. About 20 out of 36 homes participated. We divided up responsibilities for putting up signs, placing ads in newspapers and on social media. Drew lots of people and it was fun to talk with and meet people who lived close by. It seemed that everyone had something different to sell: dishes, tools, office supplies, outdoor furniture, games, puzzles, crafts, clothing, furniture, home furnishings, antiques, etc. Some people had more than others, but everyone’s stuff was looked at and lots of stuff sold. We are thinking about having another next summer.

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