BLOG: Love Garage Sales? WeHo Does

The whole city of WeHo turned out on July 14 and 15 for a weekend of garage sales that set us out at 9 a.m. and we drove all over town.  Got some bargains, had lots of fun (ask Mito Aviles about the display I created at his sale) and met new people and neighbors and love the festival atmosphere of our little burgh on weekends like this.  Even though they take some planning - they seem so spontaneous and convivial they made the city seem new and bright again.

One of the shining things that stood out at this event was the lack of estate sale companies that set up little stores inside dead folks houses and proceed to look down their noses at the folks with the cash.  WeHo's weekend was so neighborly and so inviting that I would suggest the city do one summer (HOT!!) and one in early spring (MILDER!).  Or simply twice a year because it is fun and brings communities together for two days with no strings attached.

But...there are sales every weekend all over the place and sometimes it is frustrating to drive around looking and hoping to find any. When I discovered that the Patch has an "Event" category that includes "Garage Sales" it set me to thinking folks in the city should use this to help folks find their sales.  It's cooler than Craigslist or the newspaper - it is dedicated and easy to find, easy to post and easy to read.  I would suggest the usual info and then just a few items that are really great or clothes with good labels, books, tools etc.  This will help buyers zoom right in on your yard and find what they are hoping to discover.  So many things to include - but be selective and clear.  And you might mention this is an individuals sale - not a hired company - this allows a better cross section of neighbors to drop by.  Of course if it is a dead person's stuff you are selling and it is valuable - then hire someone.  My idea is more in the spirit of community.

I suggest it should look something like this:

Garage/Yard Sale

Address

Area (east, West etc)

Days/Hours (Do you want early birds?  Do your neighbors?)

Payment accepted

Mention some good items you think will attract people and that's it.  Don't forget to sign up your sale at City Hall (free) and by all means,  have fun.