Deep breaths friends. DEEEEEEPPP. BREATTTTHHHHS. The big guy is going to be here in just 10 days. That means toys, games, puzzles, clothes and books are going to DESCEND on our homes from all of those relatives and from that Jolly ol’ guy with the big bag of tricks.
If you are desperate to clear a little clutter before the chaos ensues, some of my sale owners are sharing their BEST tips for how to get ready for spring 2018 kids consignment sale season! The next ten days are the perfect time to make some dents in that consignment pile and set yourself up for success! And some of these tips are just plain awesome, don’t y’all think?
Many thanks to the consignment sale owners who contributed their rockstars ideas to this article today!
#1 – Find Your Hiding Spot
Find an area to start placing sale items – preferably away from small hands (and eyes 🙈). My best tip – black trash bags! – Ashley Miller from Next Size Up Sale
#2 – Become a Hanger Hoarder
Start hoarding hangers. Even the hangers from gift giving and receiving! – From Teri Julian of Teri’s Kidz Consignment Sales
#3 – Save the Boxes
Help kids open all boxes nicely. Save all boxes and instructions. (Boxes and manuals are rockstars when it’s time to resell!) – Emily Wiggins from Kidsignments in Marion, IN
#4 – Involve Your Little Elves
Get your kids involved in clearing out toys to make room for new ones that Santa will bring. My kids love the idea that they will make money by reselling their toys and outgrown clothing and it encourages them to get rid of things they may not otherwise get rid of. – Carley Pepper of Rhea Lana’s of Madison-Ridgeland, MS
#5 – Stock Up on Cheap Supplies
Use holiday coupons or free shipping to stock up on tagging supplies now! Example card stock, pins, packing tape etc Or use to buy that paper cutter, tagging gun, rolling rack, or more totes you’ve been wanting. – Melissa Mikus from Kid Mania Sale
#6 – Create “Scavenger Hunts” for Missing Pieces NOW
{ie: before more pieces come into the house!}
For those toys with a bunch of pieces: Find a picture of the toys online with all the accessories, take a screenshot. Ask your little ones to find all the pieces from that picture and reward with an appropriate amount of screen time. For a “big toy” print that screenshot and attach the picture when packaging it to sell. More $ in your pocket. If a piece is missing, place a black X through it. – Amber Bartel of Rhea Lana’s of Topeka
#7 – Ask for Extra Hangers
Most stores remove Hangers. Ask to keep them and if they have any extra you can have. { Yes, we know, we covered hangers in #2… but friends, this is mission critical and you’ll thank yourself later! } – Emily Wiggins from Kidsignments in Marion, IN
# 8 – Consider a Tagging or Storage Service
If storage is an issue, check to see if your local sale has a program where they keep the items and prep them for the sale for you. You will likely receive a lower percentage than if you prepped and entered the items yourself, but it will be worth it to have the clutter cleared and out of sight. – Carley Pepper of Rhea Lana’s of Madison-Ridgeland, MS
#9 – Stock Up on Batteries
Christmas means it’s time to stock up on batteries!!! You’ll need them for your new toys, why not throw a few extra in your (Amazon) cart! I love the Amazon batteries actually. You can put them on subscribe and save and get them cheaper than the dollar store! – Kristen Shamburger with Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples – Consignment Sale
#10 – Tackle it Bit by Bit
I always recommend getting motivated by the 10 IN 10 rule. Start with an easy goal of setting aside 10 minutes and gathering up 10 items from around the house. Go through your house, garage, and backyard to gather baby equipment, large toys, outdoor items, and things that you know your kids will be replacing with new Christmas gifts. It’s a great way to get a jump start on clearing out some of the clutter that’s taking up valuable space in your home and it will motivate you to get to work on the cold days during winter break. – Christina Wright of Little Bird Lane Children’s Consignment Event