How to Host a Successful Garage Sale (and What to Do With Leftovers)

Spring is here in Colorado, which means garage sale season is in full swing. Whether you're in Boulder, Broomfield, or Louisville, now is the perfect time to declutter your home, earn a little extra money, and make space for a fresh start. But how do you plan a garage sale that actually works—and what should you do with everything that doesn’t sell?

This guide walks you through how to organize a successful garage sale and what to do with the items that don’t make it off the driveway.

Step 1: Start by Decluttering

Begin by going room by room (i.e. garage, basement, closets, attic) and pull out anything you no longer use. Sort items into three categories: sell, donate, or discard. If something is broken or too worn out to sell or donate, it’s time to get rid of it.

For large, bulky, or unusable items, Colorado Junk Runners offers affordable junk removal services in Lafayette, Erie, Louisville, and surrounding areas. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters.

Step 2: Organize and Price Your Items

Once you’ve selected the items to sell, organize them into categories such as tools, toys, kitchenware, and outdoor gear. Display everything clearly on tables or blankets so it's easy to browse.

Price your items with simple, easy-to-read tags. Round numbers work best, and bundle pricing can encourage buyers to purchase more. Offering deals like "3 for $5" can help clear things out quickly. Make sure you have plenty of change or a mobile payment option available.

If you're participating in a neighborhood-wide sale in areas like Arvada or Broomfield, you’re likely to see higher foot traffic.

Step 3: Advertise Your Garage Sale

Promotion is key to drawing a crowd. Start spreading the word at least three to five days before the sale.

Post your garage sale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist. Be sure to include your city in the post title, for example, "Garage Sale - Longmont, Saturday 8AM", and upload photos of items you think will draw attention. In addition to online promotion, place signs with arrows near busy intersections to help direct traffic to your location.

Step 4: What to Do With Leftovers

Even with a successful sale, you’ll likely have items left over. The good news is you have a few great options.

If the items are in usable condition, consider donating them to organizations like https://www.habitat.org/restores, Goodwill, or ARC Thrift Stores. These organizations operate throughout Boulder, Longmont, and surrounding areas, and some offer pickup services.

For anything broken, outdated, or unsellable, Colorado Junk Runners can step in to haul it away quickly and responsibly. We proudly serve Lafayette, Erie, Longmont, Arvada, Berthoud, and nearby cities. We recycle and donate whatever we can, helping to keep unnecessary waste out of landfills.

Why Choose Colorado Junk Runners

We’re a locally owned and operated junk removal company serving Northern Colorado with reliable, eco-friendly service. Whether you have a few items left over from your sale or a larger cleanout project, we’re here to help.

Our team offers:

• Same-day and next-day availability
  
• Transparent pricing
  
• Donation and recycling whenever possible
  
• Friendly, professional service

Let us take the stress out of cleaning up after your sale so you can enjoy your newly reclaimed space.

Final Thoughts

A well-planned garage sale can help you clear out unwanted items, earn some extra cash, and take the first step toward a cleaner, more organized home. With the support of Colorado Junk Runners, getting rid of the leftover items is simple and stress-free.

If you're ready to book a pickup or want to learn more about our junk removal services, visit www.cojunkrunners.com.