Spring: the time of year for daffodils, bunnies and long walks in the park.
And garage sales.
And if you think garage sales are time-consuming, boring or old hat in the day of online classifieds and eBay, you've underestimated the continued popularity of something hundreds of households take part in across the region.
They are a great way to de-clutter, raise money for a good cause or to add to the family budget.
And for the last five years, the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam have kicked off the garage-sale season with their own city-wide sales to help residents find new homes and uses for their unused items without taking them to the dump. This is a great opportunity to get rid of outdated furniture, your dad's old golf clubs, kids' games and dog-eared books.
On April 20, Port Coquitlam will be holding its city-wide garage sale to coincide with Earth Week and on May 11, Coquitlam will hold its.
This is how it works: Residents sign up and the cities promote the garage sales - including in ads in The Tri-City News - drawing thousands of bargain hunters who can plan their day using the lists provided by the cities.
It has worked so well that the city-wide garage sales have become a spring tradition. Last year, 125 homes signed up in PoCo and on average around 300 take part in the Coquitlam city-wide event annually.
"Generally, residents very much appreciate the way we advertise their addresses in the newspaper, so shoppers know exactly where to head for the sales," according to a Coquitlam spokesperson.
"On our website, we list the items residents are selling so if shoppers want a specific item, they don't have to drive all over the city looking for it.
"We also post tips for garage sale hosts and ideas about how to recycle leftovers on our website. Quite a few residents let us know, through the survey, that they give whatever is left to charity."
Coquitlam has received great feedback as well, with residents stating in surveys they like to begin the summer with a clean-up and socializing, and having a deadline provided incentive.
HOW TO SIGN UP
In Port Coquitlam, residents should plan a garage sale at their home on April 20 from at least 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and register online by April 10 at www.portcoquitlam.ca/garagesale or by phone at 604-927-5283. Those who register by the April 10 deadline will get free advertising for their sale in two city newspaper ads prior to the event as well as on the garage sale webpage.
In Coquitlam, residents must register their garage sale between March 20 and April 20 to be included and can pick up a registration form at Coquitlam city hall or register online at coquitlam.ca/citywidegaragesale. More information will be posted online and in The Tri-City News.
GARAGE SALE TIPS
A successful garage sale requires planning and forethought. The city of Port Coquitlam offers the following tips:
Expect people to arrive before your posted start time but don't feel you need to accommodate them by opening early.
Put up balloons and signs around your neighbourhood to guide shoppers to your home.
Be prepared with change for guests who arrive with only $20 bills in hand.
Encourage neighbours on your street or in your housing complex to host garage sales at the same time.
Keep your money in a fanny pack or zippered pocket inside your coat to avoid losing it. If your profits become substantial, stash the excess in a safe place.
Price items in advance to maximize sales opportunities if many visitors arrive at once. Garage sale pricing usually starts at about one-third of the item's value when new.
Keep precious items close at hand so you can keep an eye on them.
Recruit sale helpers to provide extra security and assistance.
Have clean bags, newspapers and boxes on hand for carrying away purchases.
Tips for garage sale shoppers:
If you're an early bird, respect the host's decision to begin the sale at the posted time.
Bring small bills and change for small purchases.
Drive carefully on neighbourhood streets and watch for pedestrians - especially children and other shoppers - and animals.
Be respectful - don't trample gardens, block driveways or double park.
Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/garagesale for more information.
