Having a successful garage sale is a great way to convert unwanted items to cash. It does involve planning and preparation because you are going into business, at least temporarily. You'll need to pick the right time and promote it to get a good response. Allow several weeks to go through the merchandise, arrange and price it, and to plan the promotion. Selecting the right date is important so it won't conflict with holidays or special events that compete for attendance.
Weekends are generally more successful than weekdays.
The superstores like Wal-Mart have learned that a large selection of merchandise will attract more people. Some successful homeowners have learned that they can combine their merchandise to get a better customer response. Practical household goods such as appliances, dishes, furniture, and tools are good sellers. Clothing typically doesn't have a high resale value, with the possible exceptions of children's clothing in good condition. Try to display your goods in an attractive manner as if you were merchandising them in a store.