Who does not like a good yard sale? There are many people who will tell you they are not interested in rummaging through someone else's old junk, but those who enjoy yard sale's can tell you, one person's junk is another person's treasure. I agree, the right yard sale can be a treasure trove.

Before a yard sale, you must check the legal issues regarding these sales in your town. Are they are allowed? Are there any costs involved? What are any restrictions? Once you have cleared the local government hurdle you can start to plan what you will sell and how you will price the items.

How to get started? Your sale date is most important. You may also want to check with your neighbors, will they have a yard sale the day you want to have yours? What about the idea of joint yard sales? They are separate but held same day. For yard sale enthusiasts the idea of being able to shop at several yard sales in one neighborhood ranks high on the list. Any yard sale requires planning, clearly a joint yard sale require the same from all parties involved before moving ahead. Advertising your yard sale in the local newspaper important. Placing well thought out flyers on community bulleting boards may not make or break your yard sale but they will get the word out to your neighbors who do not live on the same street, but live in the vicinity. Of course, word of mouth is always good.

If you have a lot to sell, start gathering and planning months ahead before the sale. Make sure your items are clean, dusted and not broken. Put prices on everything. Use those annoying sticky labels so the price does not fall off items or use string tags. When possible prices should be placed on the top of items so they are seen immediately.

If you have a driveway and it is not illegal, place a couple of your larger or interesting pieces there. They will catch the attention of passerby's and may lure them into your yard. Display similar items in clusters, the way they do in department stores. If you have nice costume jewelry, tag it and lay it on a table (with tablecloth) to show it off. Have tissue paper for wrapping the jewelry, you won't have to use so many bags.

Try to keep your tables full. Have someone, perhaps an older child, fill empty spots as soon as items are sold. A reminder, it does not matter what you paid for something, the fact that it is on a yard sale table, lets everyone know you want to get rid of it. Be ready to release yourself emotionally from your items.

A box of free items for give away is a good thing. Odd salt/pepper shakers that have no mates are a find, I bought one I use for cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle this sweet on buttered toast. Pretty, but chipped cup and saucer sets are perfect for paperclips, etc. Faded or torn clean cotton tee shirts make good rags to wash cars, people won't buy these items but may gladly take them if they are free. Everybody likes a bargain and free can be the best bargain there is.

Be sure you have enough small change and singles to get you through the day.

If you have nice weather and have done your advertising by ads, word of mouth and flyers, you are ready for your sale. In addition to making extra money, you may find a new friend.