If your goal is to simply empty your home for an upcoming move or to make space for new furniture, price everything to sell (read: dirt-cheap prices). But if you want to make money, take care to walk that fine line. Beyond good advertising—the digital kind on social media and the old-fashioned, neon-poster-board kind you put around town—garage sale pricing is the factor that can make or break your event. Cost of living varies by region, so research first by browsing local thrift shops and other sales in your area. Then use this pricing guide as a baseline. Whether you’re emptying your appliance garage or just clearing out the mudroom, this tip sheet will help you to get it done.
Garage Sale Pricing Suggestions
Hardcover books: $1 (paperbacks, two for $1)CDs: Two for $1DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs: $1 for older films or shows, $2 for newer onesTech (smart home devices, TVs, speakers, video game systems, computer screens, etc.): $50 to $100, depending on the original price of the itemsMainstream brand-name clothing: $5 to $15T-shirts: two for $1Shoes: $5 to $10Costume jewelry: $1 (or $5 for a few items)Coffee tables: $50 to $100Dining chairs: $25 to $150 eachDishes and glasses: $5 to $30 for an eight-piece setChina: $1 to $10 a plateKitchen gadgets: $1 to $5Lamps: $5 to $30Mirrors and artwork: $1 to $10 (small); $30 to $100 (large)Sofas: $150 to $300Board games: $1 to $5IKEA furniture: 30 to 50 percent of the original price
