TIPS FOR THE SELLER

Decide whether you are going to have a single sale, or whether you will have a multi-family event. Most experts agree that multiple family garage sales work best!

Be sure that each item is tagged. Some garage sales price items to sell; others price them for profit. For small items, it's best to just send buyers away happy, so price them low.

A little extra effort to remove stains pays off. Rubbing alcohol, baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, even hair spray, can eradicate the trickiest of stains.

Antiques go over big regardless of state of repair or condition. Some additional items that are always in demand: baseball cards, lawn mowers, camping articles, guns, tools, coins and old books, especially comic books. Salt and pepper shakers, needlework, jewelry and dishes. Homemade items are very popular.

Before you begin, make sure you have tags, safety pins or a pricing gun, tape and multiple sizes of zip-lock storage bags. Books grouped together (3 for $1) sell quickly.

String up a clothesline to display any clothing.

You will need plenty of small bills, but be sure to have coins on hand too.

Best days for garage sales are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sundays are usually a waste of time.

TIPS FOR THE BUYER

First, if you are looking for furniture, or equipment, price it on eBay first so you know the going rate.

If you are looking for children's items such as a car seat or stroller, check out Consumer Product Safety Commission site. The CPSC says many items that have been recalled are still sitting in people's attics, garages and basements.

When buying toys, make sure all or enough parts are there.

When buying secondhand clothing, quality brands do matter. Well-designed, well-constructed clothing made with durable fabrics can stand up longer. Be sure to look for stains and rips.

At a mega-family or organization garage sale, there's no room for haggling, but at an individual garage sale, by all means, haggle.