For those too cheap to purchase signs, Heiska pointed out that it's easy to make signs that are legible and reusable . Just take a paper grocery bag, write YARD SALE on the sides in block letters, and draw arrows pointing in the appropriate direction. Put something heavy in the bottom, staple the bag shut at the top, then place it in a visible place by the curb. One of the easiest ways to have a yard sale is to participate in one of the fund-raising sales sponsored by community organizations. Heiska said that the really determined early birds will show up the night before a sale, claim they can't make it the next day, and con their way into an early viewing.
Desperation can be a powerful motivator.
The newest phenomenon to strike this tradition is, of course, the Internet. Heiska said that access to auction sites such as eBay has raised the stakes for serious yard salers. Homeowners who want to do an especially complete job of organizing their yard sale will find that several authors have written whole books on the subject. They'll make a little money, and your shoppers will linger a bit longer. Issue personal invitations to your neighbors.