What you need for a well-organised garage sale

A garage sale needs more than tables and items to sell. You also need a clear way to label prices, handle cash, keep small goods organised and help visitors find their way around. Plan for weather, poor lighting and last-minute change requests before sale day. This checklist covers the practical supplies for displaying items, serving simple refreshments and keeping the sale running smoothly.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Storage cratesqty 12
Clothes hangersqty 40

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Calculatorsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettle
Thermos flasksqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2

Tableware

Mugsqty 30
Glassesqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30

Decorations

Price tagsqty 150
Markersqty 10
Rolls of tapeqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Price listsqty 12

Catering

Cash box
Cash box
Change boxesqty 2
Serving traysqty 2
Ice packsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom
Dustpan and brush
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand broomqty 2

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Iced tea - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 4 bottles
- Spa Rood - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Stroopwafels - 3 packs
- Mini croissants - 30 pieces
- Currant buns - 20 pieces
- Butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 500 grams
- Hummus - 2 tubs
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Bananas - 2 kilograms
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 box

Tips

Allow one table for each main category of goods, plus at least one extra table for checkout, refreshments or overflow. Add clothes racks and hangers if you are selling more than a few garments.
Prepare price tags, markers, tape and printed price lists at least one day ahead. Keep spare tags and two markers at the checkout so missing or changed prices do not slow down the sale.
Bring a cash box and separate change boxes, then arrange enough small notes and coins before opening. A calculator at the checkout helps when buyers combine several low-priced items.
For coffee and tea, provide one mug and one glass per expected guest at a time, with extra cups available for replacements. Fill thermos flasks before the sale starts so the coffee maker and kettle are not needed constantly.
If the sale is outdoors, set up the party tent before placing goods on the tables and check extension cords and power strips for the lighting. Keep flashlights ready and use coolers with ice packs for drinks, especially if the weather is warm.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a garage sale?: Start with tables, storage crates, price tags, markers, tape, directional signs and price lists. Add a cash box, change boxes, a calculator, clothes racks and hangers where relevant, then prepare coffee, tea and chilled drinks.
How many tables do I need for a garage sale?: Plan on one table per main product category and one separate table for checkout or refreshments. For a typical small sale, four to six tables gives you space to display goods without piling items too high.
How much change do I need for a garage sale?: Prepare change for the first two hours before opening, including plenty of coins and small notes. Keep cash in a cash box and use a separate change box so you can restock the checkout without exposing all proceeds.
When should I prepare garage sale supplies?: Collect and check the main supplies at least two days before the sale. Attach price tags, print price lists and arrange change the day before, leaving only setup, drinks and weather checks for sale morning.

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