Garage sales have long been a popular way to declutter homes and earn a little extra cash among American communities.
Statistics reveal the immense popularity of these events: an estimated 6.5 to 9 million garage sales are held annually across the U.S.,¹ with roughly 165,000 happening every single week.² These sales generate a large amount of revenue as well, contributing between 1.5 and 2 billion dollars to the national economy each year.
While the allure of a good bargain is undeniable, there are certain items that should never make their way onto your garage sale table.
1. Baby Items
Cribs, car seats, and high chairs can be subject to recalls or safety regulations. It’s best to donate or recycle these items to ensure they meet current safety standards.
2. Electronics
Old computers, phones, and tablets can contain personal data that could be recovered even after deletion. Securely wipe the data from these devices before selling or donating them.
3. Valuable Antiques or Collectibles
It’s wise to consult with an appraiser before selling potentially valuable items at a garage sale. You might be surprised by their true worth.
4. Dangerous Weapons
Sharp tools, weapons, or flammable materials should never be sold in a garage sale. These items could pose a safety risk to the buyer.
5. Undergarments & Swimwear
Selling used undergarments or swimwear is unhygienic and generally considered inappropriate. It’s best to discard or donate these items instead.
6. Mattresses & Pillows
These items can harbor dust mites, allergens, and even bed bugs. Selling used bedding could spread these potential health hazards to others.
7. Opened Cosmetics & Toiletries
Used makeup, lotions, and other personal care products can easily become contaminated with bacteria. It’s best to avoid selling these items for hygiene reasons.
8. Food Items
Selling homemade or opened food items at a garage sale can pose a food safety risk. Stick to non-perishable, sealed food items if you must sell food.
9. Recalled Items
Any product that has been recalled due to safety concerns should not be sold. It’s your responsibility to dispose of recalled items properly to prevent harm to others.
10. Offensive or Inappropriate Items
Avoid selling items that could be considered offensive or inappropriate, such as items with hate speech or nudity.
11. Broken or Damaged Items
Be honest about the condition of items you’re selling. It’s unethical to sell broken or damaged goods without disclosing their flaws.
12. Potentially Dangerous Chemicals
Items like pesticides, herbicides, or cleaning products should never be sold in a garage sale. These chemicals can be hazardous if mishandled.
The 15 items listed here should be approached with caution or avoided altogether. By making informed decisions about what to sell, you can ensure a safe and successful garage sale experience for both yourself and your buyers.
Source:
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/089124168401200402
- http://www.statisticbrain.com/garage-sale-statistics/
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.