A garage sale is terrific way to dispose of your discardable items.

Here are eight tips to make sure you have a successful garage sale:

1. Plan your garage sale for month end when potential customers will have more spending power.

2. Assemble items to be sold. Should you not have enough items, ask friends and neighbours to assist you and even participate in the event.

3. Run an ad in the local community newspaper, giving the location, date and time. Neatly typed ads can also be displayed on community display boards.

4. Be professional; prices items with tags or tape (use different colours for different owners. Have enough petty cash.

5. Group similar items together: put clothes on racks, books in boxes, miscellaneous items on card tables, etc.

6. Be prepared to bargain; after all you’re trying to get rid of everything. Reduce prices during the last two hours.

7. Make money on the side-line by selling some refreshments. And do not forget the background music.

8. Give any leftovers to your favourite charity.

There you are, make big money!