It's easy to understand why so many people get addicted to weekly garage sales, there is nothing better than the thrill of rummaging through other people's cast offs or pre-loved possessions.

However there are some important matters that should be considered before you decide to embark on having your own garage or car boot sale.

Firstly, remember why you're having your garage sale in the first place. You simply shouldn't expect to get back on an item what was paid for it! For goodness sake the object of the exercise is to clear the decks, not turn prospective buyers away with exorbitant prices. It amazes me, time and time again, I see people asking store prices, when the reality is if buyers wanted to pay store prices, they would go to a store. Without a doubt they will be packing most of it away at the end of the day.

The upside to having a garage sale first and foremost is the convenience. I mean the stuff is already there at home, right? You don't have to bundle it up and drive somewhere to sit in a queue of cars at some ungodly hour, waiting to be let into a market or car boot sale.

On the other hand, a major downside to having a garage sale can be the number of people who actually attend, as opposed to the number of people who attend a market and walk past your stall. At some markets, that can literally number into the thousands, whereas at a garage sale you can expect (at best) anywhere between fifty, maybe a hundred people to stroll through your gate.

You will also need to be up with the sparrows to get all the items you're selling ready and priced. You will need to contend with the inevitable early birds who just happen to be on their way to work and saw the activity, sign or balloons.

It's likely these people are dealers who do the rounds well before the advertised time, in the hope of snapping up the bargains. They know all the tricks. And then come 2pm, the show is over and it's time to pack up what didn't sell.

Another possible disadvantage to having a garage sale is that you can never be quite sure the people attending your garage sale aren't checking out your house too! Consider how easy it would be for a potential burglar to determine just how secure (or not) your property is. A frightening thought.

So there you have it. It's not exactly rocket science; it simply boils down to individual preference. Some people prefer garage sales to the hustle and bustle of a market stall or car boot sale. Whatever the case, it's important to remember the KISS rule... Keep it simple stupid! It's always nice to make some extra cash, but remember to keep it simple and have fun on the day! Happy selling!