Submitted by Tiffany Engler, owner of Your Life Organized, LLC

If one of your goals is to get organized, cut the clutter and do some serious downsizing, you might want to consider having a yard sale. Planning a yard sale is like planning a wedding. It takes a lot of work in the days leading up to the event, but once the day comes, it is fun and rewarding. Unlike weddings, yard sales put money in your wallet.

The key to a successful yard sale is organization. Here are 15 tips to follow before opening your yard to the public.

Great signage. The best way to get people to your sale is with signs and arrows. They take time to prepare, place and pick up, but it is time well spent. If you do no other advertising, create good signage. You won't be disappointed.

Safety first. Post a “No public restrooms” sign, lock your doors and windows and pull all shades and curtains. Know where the nearest public restroom is so you can give directions.

Create departments. Group like items together similar to how retail stores layout their spaces. Some of your departments might include collectibles, tools, infants, furniture, sporting goods, decor, linens, kitchen, electronics, books, toys and framed photos. 

Save space. Make sure you give your shoppers enough space to shop. Create wide aisles, easy enter and exit walkways.

Tables. Shoppers like things at eye level. Make sure most of your items are up and off the ground. Your shoppers will appreciate not having to bend up and down. Make tables with saw horses and wood or borrow tables from friends or church. The only exception to this rule is children’s toys. Place them at their eye and hand level.

Tarp it. If you do have to put some items on the ground, be sure to put a tarp down first. This is more pleasing to the eye. If you don't have a tarp, consider plastic painting sheets, blankets or bed sheets. Anything is better than the ground.

Hang clothes. Adult clothes are usually a hard sell at a yard sale unless you price and display them right. Hang clothes using a clothing rack or horizontal ladder.

Curb appeal for men. Let’s face it. Women want to stop and shop, but the hard part is convincing men to pull over. Put the “men’s department” close to the curb so they can see the goodies from the street. Great eye catchers for men include tools, furniture, lawn equipment, boots, sporting goods and electronics.

“Does it work?” Avoid this question by making sure all your electrical items are plugged into outlets so shoppers can test them out.

Free box. Fill a box with items you are willing to give away, like magazines or fabric scraps. Make a sign that says “Free.” Place this box where people driving by can see it.

Not for sale. Avoid any confusion by placing “Not for sale” signs on those items shoppers can see but are not available for purchase.

Price it right. You are better off selling a lot of items at low prices than a few highly priced items. Remember, the point here is to declutter. A good rule of thumb is to price each item for about 20 percent of what you paid for it. For example, if you paid $5 for it, you could sell it for $1 or less.

Create comfort. Let shoppers shop in comfort. They will stay longer. Have easy listening music on in the background – songs people can sing along to – and if it's a hot day, have fans going and sell bottled water. Have something to do while people shop, like reading a magazine and manning the money. Greet people and be friendly, but don’t watch them shop. It makes them nervous.

Goodbye stuff. When the sale ends, box up the leftovers and donate them to a charity or schedule a donation pickup. Do not bring items back in to your home. Have a farewell ceremony, and let it go. Then sit back, relax and count your money. You deserve it.

Your Life Organized, LLC is a professional organizing company based in the greater St. Louis area. Your Life Organized specializes in basements, garages, downsizing, entire home transformations, team organizing and yard sales. Engler is a certified organizer and president of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), St. Louis Chapter. She is also a Certified FreedomFiler Consultant, a member of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and International Coach Federation. Engler is a graduate of the Coach Approach for Organizers Foundation Courses and trained to coach her clients through organizing challenges.

As of June 24, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.