Garage Sale Prep Checklist

Print this or keep it open on your phone. It's the short version of our full prep guide — four phases, nothing skipped.

2+ weeks out

• Pick your date(s) and apply for your city permit
• Walk every room and flag items to sell
• Start collecting boxes, bags, and a folding table or two

The week before

• Clean and test anything electronic or battery-powered
• Price everything (see the pricing guide) — sticker or use a few labeled bins/tables by price
• Photograph anything you want to feature on your online listing
• Claim your listing once it's imported from your permit, and add a description
• Round up a cash box, small bills, and coins for change

The night before

• Set up tables and racks in the garage/driveway
• Group like items together (clothing by size, tools together, etc.)
• Prep your signs (property-only, per permit rules)
• Charge your phone for photos, payment apps, and listing updates

Sale-day morning

• Put out signs and open on time
• Set up shade and water if it's warm — see our South Texas heat guide
• Mark your listing "Open" if you're using custom schedule updates
• Keep the cash box on you, not on an unattended table