Looking for a way to de-clutter the basement/attic and make money at the same time? Why not hold a garage sale? Careful planning and creativity can turn your mountain of junk into a fistful of cash.

First, while you don’t need a garage to have a garage sale, you do need an easily accessible location. Consider asking friends or relatives if you can hold the sale in their yard if your home is too far off the beaten track. You should also check with your neighborhood or town bylaws to find out if you need a permit to hold a sale and if you can post signs in the neighborhood advertising your sale.

Advertise your sale in local newspapers and on free advertising bulletin boards around your community, such as the library, grocery stores, YMCAs, and parks.
One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure, but don’t try to sell actual trash, either. Make sure appliances and gadgets actually work, wash any clothing you intend to sell and make sure other items are clean and in good condition. Here’s a list of popular sellers:

Now that you've decided when your sale will be held and just what you're going to sell, the following tips will help make your day a success:

• Put a price tag on every item using stickers or masking tape.
• Be ready to deal with customers promptly at opening time. Have everything ready and be wearing a smile.
• Be prepared to give your customers change by having change and small bills on hand.
• Save plastic shopping bags for a few weeks before your sale, so your customers have something in which to carry their purchases home.
• Be prepared to haggle with customers.

After your sale, donate your leftovers to a local charity. Or you can always save them for your next sale.