City Cast Salt Lake logo

The Ultimate Guide to Yard Sale Like a Pro

Posted on July 15, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Ivana Martinez

Ivana Martinez

Clothes hanging on a rack and items on a table for sale at a yard sale.

Yard sale like a boss. (Johner Images/Getty Images)

It’s my favorite time of the year, when the heat takes off, pools are open, and yard sale season is in full swing. You know what they say — one’s trash is another’s treasure. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

The Checklist

⏰ Get up early. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a sale that has already been picked through. Getting up early also helps you beat the heat.

🚙 Clear out your car. You don’t want to be stressing about whether your new cool dresser will fit in your car because you forgot to take skis out of the back seat. Another tip, carpool and use a friend's truck in case you do need the extra room to bring goodies home.

💻 Make a plan. Sometimes, it’s fun to drive around until you see some yard signs. But it’s nice to have an idea where you’re going. People typically start putting out signs a few days in advance. Alternatively, I love a good estate sale — check out KSL, FB Marketplace and estatesales.net for places that will be a little out of the valley, but definitely worth it.

💵 Cash is king. It’s good to have on hand for those knick knacks that are a buck or 75 cents. Hit the ATM beforehand. It might even help you decide just how much you’d like to spend.

🤝 Bargain. It’s never off the table. People want to get rid of their stuff, and it never hurts to ask. Be kind when asking if someone would accept a lower offer. The worst they can say is no.

♻️ Bring reusable totes. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Most yard sales don’t have bags.

Share article

Hey Salt Lake

Stay connected to City Cast Salt Lake and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

See All
Salt Lake Life HacksMarch 23

Where To Register Your Kids for Summer Camp

If you’re a parent, summer is probably already creeping onto your calendar. The time to register your kid in summer camp is now. Here are...

Kids playing tug of war.
Salt Lake Life HacksMarch 17

Who’s Hiring in Salt Lake?

Looking for a new gig? We’ve rounded up a handful of local job openings.

snowboarder mid air.
Salt Lake Life HacksMarch 16

How To Get Ready for Spring in Salt Lake

Friday marks the first day of spring — though, did we even get a winter? Either way, the new season comes with its own to-do list. Here’s...

Pear tree flower.
Salt Lake Life HacksFebruary 23

Who’s Hiring in Salt Lake?

Looking for a new job? We’ve rounded up a handful of career opportunities in Salt Lake that will have you flying in the sky or face to fa...

Close-up of a digital audio mixing console
Salt Lake Life HacksDecember 29, 2025

How To Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste

Your house is filled with rumpled wrapping paper and your Christmas tree is dropping pine needles all over your rug. Now what? Here are s...

Christmas tree next to a garbage overflowing with wrapping paper.
Salt Lake Life HacksDecember 22, 2025

No Snow? No Problem. Get in the Winter Spirit With These Seasonal Activities

Despite unseasonably warm temperatures, it’s still winter in Salt Lake. Here are a few activities you can do to embrace that winter feeli...

Kids waiting outside an ice skating rink.
Salt Lake Life HacksDecember 15, 2025

Your Last-Minute Gift Guide

Still scrambling for a holiday gift? Don’t panic! It’s not too late to grab something special from a local shop in Salt Lake. Here’s your...

Person tying bow on a gift.
Salt Lake Life HacksNovember 17, 2025

Local Hacks for Holiday Hosting

Holiday hosting made easy! Get local Salt Lake tips for liquor runs, pre-made meals, disposable supplies, and budget-friendly décor.

A table set with various assortments of Thanksgiving foods.

The latest in Salt Lake

Salt Lake's BestMay 29

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant Patios in Salt Lake

Salt Lake County just released its annual list of dog-friendly restaurant and bar patios. While there are far too many to note here — we’...

Woman at a table holding a glass of wine with a salad and fries on the table in front of her and a dog tied next to her sitting on the patio.
Salt Lake, ExplainedMay 28

Name That Ice Cream

Spring in Salt Lake means blooming trees, warmer days, and that unmistakable smell. Test your knowledge on the city’s most notorious tree.

Ice cream cone with toppings.
Salt Lake's BestMay 20

The Best Small Grocery Stores Around Salt Lake

Salt Lake City’s first-ever food co-op, Wasatch Food Co-op, officially opens today. What a perfect excuse to round up some of the best sm...

Wasatch Food Co-op sign on building.
Local CivicsMay 11

The Mayor’s $499 Million Budget Proposal

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall unveiled her proposed fiscal year 2027 budget this week, outlining a $498.9 million General Fund spe...

Pie graph of the 2027 Salt lake City budget proposal.
Every Park SLCMay 8

The Best Dog Parks in Salt Lake

With Mother’s Day weekend here, consider this your sign to take your favorite fur baby to one of the best dog parks around Salt Lake.

Dog standing next to melons next to a tree in a park with people around.
Every Park SLCMay 7

Salt Lake Chatter: Parks Edition

City Cast Salt Lake readers shared what they notice, love, and wish parks across the valley did better. So we paired their comments with...

Green doors that say restroom closed in white spray paint.
Every Park SLCMay 6

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Salt Lake Parks?

Hint: All the answers can be found in past City Cast Salt Lake articles.

Cricket pitch at a park overlooking Salt Lake Valley.
Every Park SLCMay 4

How To Use the City Cast Parks Map

What started as a New Year’s resolution has turned into a practical tool all Salt Lakers can use: a free, interactive map of all Salt Lak...

City Cast Salt Lake parks map.