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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Iowa City resident organizes first citywide garage sale
May. 17, 2021 7:30 am, Updated: Jul. 6, 2021 3:40 pm
IOWA CITY — A self-proclaimed “queen of thrifting” in Iowa City is organizing Iowa City’s first citywide garage sale, establishing an event already in place in many Iowa cities.
The inaugural citywide event on May 29 will give shoppers a large selection and sellers a large group of shoppers for success.
“I just kept saying to other people around me when I went to (other towns): ’why don’t they do this in Iowa City?’” said Megan Burns, organizer. “Someone said (I) should organize it.”
So after getting the city’s blessing, she did.
Burns plans to release a list of sale locations on May 26 on the organization’s Facebook page, Iowa City Citywide Garage Sale. Burns is asking the city of Iowa City to share information on their social media, as well. The list will be organized by neighborhoods to make shopping easier.
With two children and one on the way, Burns spent all of 2020 buying only used items to save money on the things kids need but only use for a short amount of time. Thrift shopping also is an eco-friendly habit to support the environment, she said.
With a lot of interest so far, she hopes to turn the day into an annual event.
Want to participate?
Registration is free. Those wishing to participate by holding a sale should email Burns at iowacitycitywidegaragesales@gmail.com by May 21 with the following information.
- Complete address for the sale and your local elementary school to organize the list by neighborhoods for ease of shopping.
- Start and end time of sale.
- A description of items for sale, in 20 words or less. Examples include clothing, toys, books, shoes, home decor, kitchen items, furniture and electronics.
- Be sure to include any details that may attract bargain hunters to your sale such as clothing sizes, price points and quality of items.
- Accepted payments methods. Will electronic or other non-cash payment methods, such as Venmo or PayPal, be accepted?
COVID-19 Precautions
To protect yourself and your community, Burns also asks participants to be vigilant of COVID-19 precautions:
- Wear a face mask while shopping.
- Keep 6 feet of distance between you and other shoppers.
- Bring hand sanitizer and use it often.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Set up touch-free payments on your phone, such as Venmo or PayPal, when possible.
- Do not shop if you’re sick or have tested positive or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last two weeks.
Tips for garage sale success:
Though the concept of a garage sale might seem simple, there are a few tips sellers can follow for success as they clear out some rooms to rake in some dough:
- Get the word out. Putting a detailed ad in the classifieds can help.
- Participate in a citywide garage sale, such as the one being organized in Iowa City for May 29, to increase your pool of shoppers.
- Get organized early with items and prices. Set up shop the night before, if you can, to catch the early birds.
- Price items to sell.
- Don’t forget to have change on hand for those wanting to pay with cash.
Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com
A sign points to a garage sale in Cedar Rapids in 2017. Iowa City will have its first citywide garage sale this year, on May 29. Residents who want to include their sales in the event can register by May 21. (The Gazette)
A table of Christmas items at a garage sale in Cedar Rapids in 2017. Iowa City will have its first citywide garage sale this year, on May 29. Residents who want to include their sales in the event can register by May 21. (The Gazette)
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