There’s no better way of getting rid of all that extra stuff piling dirt in your garage than to sell it in a yard sale. The best part is that you can make dozens of extra dollars with a yard sale. Having a yard sale sounds like child’s play, but it’s much harder than you think.
From planning out your sale prices to arranging the logistics, running a yard sale can be a nightmare if you’re not well-prepped. After all that, there’s always the risk that no one shows up to the sale. In that case, all your hard work would be in vain. To avoid that, here are some tips that will make your yard sale a grand success.
- How to spread the word about your yard sale
- 1. Promote your yard sale on social media
- 2. Post yard sale signs around your neighborhood
- 3. Put an ad on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace (or both!)
- 4. Sign up on yard sale sites
- 5. Create an event page
- 6. Use hashtags strategically
- 7. Send invites through messaging apps
- 8. Offer exclusive early access
- 9. Announce your sale in community newsletters
- 10. Create an email invite
- Wrap up your sale the smart way
- FAQs
How to spread the word about your yard sale
1. Promote your yard sale on social media
Social media is the place we live and the air we breathe. Any information there spreads like wildfire, making it an excellent place for others to know about your upcoming yard sale. But first, you need to narrow down your options. Focus on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) as they’re simple to use and great for local visibility.
Start by creating a Facebook event. Add your sale details: date, time, and location, and upload a few photos of your best items. Share it on your timeline and in local yard sales or community groups. That’s where serious bargain hunters hang out.
Use Instagram to post eye-catching photos or short videos of your items. Stories work great for this. You can publish them directly using PosterMyWall’s social media marketing tool. Pick a ready-made template, drop in your item photos, and you’ll have scroll-stopping content that is all set to be published!
Use PosterMyWall Resize tool to instantly adapt your design for different platforms: a Facebook post, Instagram Story, or Twitter image. It saves time and keeps your posts looking consistent everywhere.
Finally, plan your posts with the Content Planner so you don’t have to post everything last minute. Schedule reminders and teaser posts a few days before your sale to keep people excited.
Keep your tone friendly, include all the basics (date, time, location, contact info), and stay consistent. The more active you are online, the more visitors will show up in your yard.
2. Post yard sale signs around your neighborhood
It may seem old-fashioned, but yard sale signs are still a great way to tell people about your yard sale. Buy poster board or yard sign blanks from any home improvement store and write your yard sale details in big, bold letters. You can even get creative with it to make your yard sale signs stand out!
Every yard sale host knows that most people who would show up would be from the neighborhood simply because it’s near them. You can’t expect someone who lives four hours away to come, can you? That’s why promoting the event in your neighborhood is the best shot you have.
Post your garage sale flyers around the neighborhood a few days before the yard sale. Make sure to place them in high-traffic areas like marts, parks, office elevators, and churches so people will see them. You can also ask your friends and family to help out.
3. Put an ad on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace (or both!)
These days, most people start their yard sale searches online – so why not put yours there too? Posting an ad on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace is free, so it’s a great way to get the yard sale word out. Just be sure to include all the details and plenty of photos!
You can also get creative with your yard sale ads. For example, if you have a lot of clothes to sell, you could make a graphic that says “Clothes Galore!” and post it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The more catchy and interesting your yard sale ad is, the more likely people will click on it. I suggest using one of these creative yard sale flyer templates, which will surely capture a sizable audience!
4. Sign up on yard sale sites
Apart from social media and online classified sites like Craigslist, did you know there are so many sites and mobile apps dedicated to yard sales? All you need to do is sign up on them and list your yard sale. This way, people who are interested in yard sales – which, let’s be honest, is most people – can find your yard sale with just a few clicks.
The great thing about using these sites and apps is that they have millions of users, so your yard sale is sure to get some attention. And the best part? Most of these sites and apps are free to use! Try out yardsales.net, Garage Sales Tracker, and Yard Sale Search, to name a few.
5. Create an event page
An event page gives your yard sale a professional touch and helps people remember when and where it’s happening. It keeps all the key details in one place: the date, time, address, and a quick peek at what you’ll be selling.
You can easily create a yard sale event page on PosterMyWall Events. Add photos of your best items, write a short description about what makes your sale special, and include directions so visitors can find you without hassle. You can even allow RSVPs to get an idea of how many people might show up.
Once your event page is ready, share the link across all your social media accounts and via email. People are more likely to attend when they can see all the information clearly in one spot, and you’ll spend less time answering repetitive questions.
6. Use hashtags strategically
Hashtags help people discover your yard sale posts, especially those searching for local events or weekend deals. They’re simple but powerful. When you add a hashtag like #yardsale or #garagesale, your post becomes part of a larger online conversation that anyone can find.
Mix general and location-based hashtags to reach both broad and nearby audiences. For example, use #YardSale, #GarageSale, #ThriftFinds, along with city-specific ones like #YardSaleChicago or #WeekendDealsLA. This helps locals who are browsing for nearby sales stumble upon yours.
7. Send invites through messaging apps
Messaging apps are a fast, personal way to spread the word about your yard sale. Platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram let you reach friends, family, and neighbors directly, no algorithms in the way. A quick message with your event link and a few item photos can do more than a dozen social media posts.
You can create a short, friendly invite message like, “Hey! I’m hosting a yard sale this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., lots of home decor, books, and clothes up for grabs. Here’s the event link!”
Add your PosterMyWall event page link so people can check details easily!
8. Offer exclusive early access
Everyone loves getting a head start, especially at a yard sale. Offering early access makes people feel special and gives them a reason to show up first. You can let a select group, like those who RSVP on your event page or follow your social media, shop 30 minutes before the official start time.
It’s a simple way to reward engagement while creating buzz. Post a short update like, “RSVP now for early access; best deals go fast!” This boosts attendance and also encourages people to interact with your event online.
9. Announce your sale in community newsletters
Community newsletters are one of the most reliable ways to reach nearby residents who are actually likely to visit your yard sale. Many neighborhoods, schools, and homeowner associations send out weekly or monthly updates featuring local events. Submitting a short announcement about your sale, with details like date, time, and address, can instantly get your message in front of hundreds of locals who might not have seen your social media posts.
To make your announcement stand out, include a catchy title and a few words about what makes your sale special, like “Furniture, books, and vintage finds at bargain prices.”
10. Create an email invite
You can use the PosterMyWall email marketing platform to design and send your invite in minutes. Choose a pre-built sale email template, add your event details, and include a few photos of the items you’ll be selling. It’s a simple way to give your message a clean, professional look without needing any design skills.
If you’re unsure what to write, the PosterMyWall AI Writer can help you craft your email text and even suggest catchy subject lines that get people to open your message. Sending out an email invite helps you reach friends, neighbors, and past contacts directly, giving your sale the personal touch that gets people to show up.
Wrap up your sale the smart way
A successful yard sale is about clearing out space and making a little extra cash while connecting with your community. Keep things simple, stay organized, and focus on spreading the word effectively.
Most importantly, enjoy the process. Yard sales are meant to be fun, social, and rewarding. With the right promotion and a friendly attitude, you’ll not only declutter your home but also turn what you don’t need into someone else’s new favorite find.
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I start promoting my yard sale?
It’s best to start promoting at least a week before your sale. This gives people enough time to plan their visit and spread the word to friends and neighbors.
2. What details should I include in my yard sale promotion?
Always include the date, time, and exact address. Add a few photos of the best items you’ll be selling and mention if there are special deals or themed sections like “kids’ toys” or “vintage finds.”
3. How can I make my yard sale signs more noticeable?
Use bright colors, large bold text, and simple arrows pointing toward your location. Avoid cluttered designs; clarity attracts more attention.
4. Should I price my items before the sale?
Yes. Pricing your items in advance saves time and prevents confusion. Use stickers or tags, and keep prices fair to encourage quick sales.
5. What’s the best day and time to host a yard sale?
Saturday mornings usually draw the biggest crowds. Try to start early, around 8–9 a.m., when people are most eager to find good deals.
