What NOT to Sell at a Garage Sale (And What to Do Instead!)

Hosting a garage sale is a great way to declutter and make extra cash. But did you know that some items are better left out of your sale? 🤔 Not everything is a good deal for buyers—or even safe to sell.

To help you avoid mistakes and maximize profits, here’s a list of what NOT to sell at a garage sale (and what you can do with these items instead)!

1️⃣ Cracked or Broken Items

🔴 Why? No one wants something that’s damaged or non-functional. Selling broken items can also lead to unhappy buyers or even safety issues.
✅ Better Option: If it’s repairable, fix it before selling. Otherwise, consider recycling or upcycling into something new!

2️⃣ Recalled or Unsafe Items

🔴 Why? Selling recalled products (like baby cribs, car seats, or electronics) is illegal in many places due to safety risks.
✅ Better Option: Check for recalls on CPSC.gov and dispose of unsafe items properly.

3️⃣ Old Mattresses & Bedding

🔴 Why? No one wants a mattress with stains, odors, or potential bedbugs. Many states also have laws against reselling used mattresses.
✅ Better Option: If it’s in excellent condition, try selling through a furniture consignment store. Otherwise, check for local mattress recycling programs.

4️⃣ Underwear & Personal Items

🔴 Why? Used underwear, socks, and hygiene products (razors, toothbrushes, makeup) are unsanitary and generally unappealing to buyers.
✅ Better Option: Donate unused, sealed items to shelters. Toss anything that’s been opened or worn.

5️⃣ Outdated Electronics & Chargers

🔴 Why? Old TVs, VCRs, and mystery cables usually sit unsold because they are outdated or non-functional. Buyers prefer modern gadgets that work.
✅ Better Option: Recycle electronics at stores like Best Buy, or try selling newer, working devices on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

6️⃣ Homemade or Expired Food

🔴 Why? Selling homemade food without proper licenses can violate health regulations. Expired food is a definite no-go!
✅ Better Option: Donate sealed, non-expired pantry items to a food bank. If you love baking, consider getting a cottage food license to sell at farmer’s markets.

7️⃣ Personalized or Monogrammed Items

🔴 Why? Items with names or initials (like towels, jewelry, or mugs) rarely sell unless they’re generic.
✅ Better Option: Repurpose them or offer them free in a “take it or leave it” pile.

8️⃣ Large Appliances That Don’t Work

🔴 Why? Most buyers aren’t looking for broken refrigerators, washers, or stoves. They want working items, and hauling large appliances is a hassle.
✅ Better Option: List broken appliances for free to scrappers or take them to an appliance recycling center.

9️⃣ VHS Tapes, Old Magazines & Outdated Books

🔴 Why? Unless it’s a rare collectible, most people won’t buy outdated media like old textbooks, VHS tapes, or 90s magazines.
✅ Better Option: Donate books to libraries, schools, or thrift stores. Sell rare collectibles online for better value.

🔟 Knockoff or Fake Designer Items

🔴 Why? Selling fake branded items (bags, shoes, accessories) is illegal in many places and could get you banned from online selling platforms.
✅ Better Option: Be honest about authenticity. If it’s a trendy but non-branded item, it may still sell!

💡 Bonus: What TO Sell for Maximum Profit!

Instead of wasting space with hard-to-sell items, focus on best-sellers like:

✅ Gently used furniture & home décor 🏡
✅ Kids’ toys & baby gear (non-recalled items) 🧸
✅ Name-brand clothing & shoes 👗👟
✅ Small kitchen appliances 🍳
✅ Power tools & outdoor gear 🔧

👉 Want to make sure your garage sale gets noticed?
📢 List your sale today on GarageSaleTime.com to attract more buyers!