Runway Garage Sale
Host a garage sale indoors to avoid rainy days and early winter nights.
It's easy to accumulate a lot of things you no longer need and then store them in your garage. Every summer I host a garage sale, to let go of the old and release myself from clutter. This year, time has gotten away from me and being well into October, I'm now dealing with short days and nasty weather. Not the perfect recipe for a successful garage sale! So, I've had to be a bit more creative. My solution? An indoor Runway Garage Sale!
Regardless of the weather or the early winter nights, invite friends and family to join you inside. Display the items that are up for grabs as you and your friends walk the runway, Vanna White style. I really enjoy giving dusty, old items a second chance. The items just needed their moment to shine! Remember... your trash is another's treasure. Here is how to throw a runway garage sale of your own.
The Invitation
Create a flyer by using runway images downloaded from your computer or cut-out from fashion magazines and adhere them to a piece of 8.5 x 11 construction paper. Embellish with various colored card stock or just keep it simple by photocopying the piece to make tons of flyers without a lot of effort! Include the date, time and location of your runway show and mail it to family and friends. Encourage your friends to invite their friends -- the more, the merrier.
The Runway
To designate the runway, use chairs and couches from your home and face them towards the center of the room. Try to find enough chairs to designate a runway large enough for people to walk down holding the items -- approximately 3’ x 10’. For items that aren't substantial enough to walk down the runway, place them on a central table for guests to peruse.
The Announcer
Every runway show needs an announcer. Find someone with BIG personality who would want to announce the show, or do it yourself. The trick is to share unique ways that items can be used. When I sold a table that needed a little love, I suggested that it could be sanded and spray painted for a fresh look. It's all in the way it's sold. Suddenly, an old blazer is transformed into a must-have for fall and the lampshade shamelessly tossed aside is in a bidding war! If items that can't be worn, such as a lamp base or a box of toys in a clear bin, have someone carry them down the runway. Encourage your models to have fun with it ... adding personality will make every piece seem a little more exciting.
Raise the Paddle
In order to sell your pieces, you'll need to have a process in place that allows guests to claim a piece as theirs. I've taken inspiration from auctions and created bidding paddles. You can easily create paddles out of construction paper, a large popsicle stick and glue, and even add a little ribbon for a festive appeal. Add a variety of words spelled-out on each paddle such as MINE, SOLD, TAKEN, or I WANT THAT. Having paddles will not only help you identify who is buying which item, but it makes it fun for your guests who can try to out bid one another.
What You'll Need:
Construction paper
Glue stick
Large popsicle stick
Directions:
Cut two 6” diameter rounds out of a brightly colored paper (any color construction paper will do), take a large popsicle stick and glue it between the two construction paper circles, making your paddle. With a different colored construction paper cut-out the words MINE. For the additional paddles, repeat the same directions, cutting out different words.
Giving Back
Consider giving back by donating a portion of your proceeds to an organization such as Goodwill or to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Both accept donations online.
Have fun with your Runway Garage Sale and make it an annual neighborhood event ... your neighbors will look forward to the fun!
About Kelley Moore
Kelley Moore combines years of experience as a social worker with a passion for design and entertaining. She has appeared on "The Today Show" and shared her tips and ideas with Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks and Rachael Ray on their television programs. She also regularly appears on Seattle's NBC affiliate. Her book, Cube Chic, has inspired thousands to look at their office space in a new way.
Unlike other experts who focus on trends and formulaic designs and solutions, Kelley inspires and empowers people to use design and entertaining as tools to build stronger relationships and share who they are through the environment they create. You can read more on her Web site, kelleylmoore.com.