What garage sales teach us about community

June Wood knows that the best thing you'll find at a garage sale isn't a bargain. It's the connections you'll make on every corner.

Wood is a musician. For the last two years, they have busked at Ottawa's biggest annual street sale, the Great Glebe Garage Sale. As thousands of people visited hundreds of homes throughout the Glebe, Wood observed something worth noting: "The people that seemed to be having the best time were those going around with other people."

Wood is onto something. Forget about the frugal finds. It's community that makes yard sales special. Whether you're treasure hunting, hosting a small sale, or organizing a neighbourhood-wide event, here's what locals have learned.

Come early—but plan ahead

Eric Stinson has observed epic yard sales from his Glebe home. He reminds everyone that the cardinal rule is simple: early birds get the worms—and the parking spaces. "Come early, perhaps park in the city parking lot, the streets are hard to navigate," he advises.

For sellers, setting up always takes more time than expected. Give yourself breathing room by pricing items the night before. Bob Brault, another Glebe resident with years of experience, knows that a good community yard sale has just about anything: bicycles, sporting goods, kids' clothing, dishes, numerous household items. To avoid being overwhelmed, make a plan and stick to it.

Don't be afraid to ask around if you're after a certain item. Charitable organizations often set up shop at community yard sales, and their volunteers are primed to help. Peter Johansen has volunteered for years at Abbotsford House (which serves seniors) at several Great Glebe Garage Sales. He shares: "If you're looking for specific items, from used books to elegant crystal vases, ask volunteers. Staff at the reception desk will know where to direct you."

Flex your muscles—and your haggling

Finding hidden treasures is one thing; getting them back to your car is another. Backpacks, carrier bags, wagons, and collapsible carts make the mission easier. Bungee cords, duct tape, and rope come in handy if odd-shaped items are on your list.

If you're a seller, use your yard sale as an excuse to clean out that giant "bag of bags" in your mudroom and all those odd-sized pieces of leftover bubble wrap from Christmas. Happy customers and a clean closet, all at once.

Cash remains king

There's no denying that cash is king at sales. Johansen shares: "Bring lots of change and small bills. Charities don't keep a ton of change, and exact payment means a lot."

Cash also makes it easier to haggle—a time-honoured tradition that goes into overdrive in the final hour. However, when visiting a charity sale, keep their mission in mind before haggling over that last dollar.

If you're selling, keep your pricing simple and use round prices. You'll move inventory faster, and customers won't need to count out exact change.