Garage Sale Trail
Published on 15 September 2017
Sellers keen to be part of the 2017 Garage Sale Trail can now register online.
Thousands of garage sales will be held across the country on the weekend of 21 and 22 October. Last year, more than two million items found new homes through the Garage Sale Trail initiative.
Snowy Valleys Council is one of 150 councils throwing their support behind the reuse initiative, and is encouraging households, businesses and community groups to declutter and divert items like clothing, books and furniture from landfill.
According to data released by the Australian Institute, 88% of Australians have at least one cluttered room. Clutter, it seems, is taking over our lives but it can be conquered according to Eco-Organiser and author of Stuff Off! Tanya Lewis.
“Clutter makes us feel depressed, annoyed and stressed” explains Tanya. “Despite this, most of us struggle to declutter because we are emotionally attached to the items in our homes. But with spring time now upon us and Garage Sale Trail just around the corner, there has never been a better time to act!”
Decluttering is one of the central themes of Garage Sale Trail, Australia’s biggest weekend of garage sales, which is happening on Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 October 2017.
“Decluttering is the number one reason why sellers get involved in Garage Sale Trail. Garage sales are a great way to clear out your old stuff and make some money at the same time. What’s more, passing on what you no longer want to someone who does, is a great form of sustainability” explained Garage Sale Trail Co-Founder Darryl Nichols.
Eco-Organiser Tanya Lewis agrees, “Garage Sale Trail provides a wonderful reason to get on with the task of decluttering your home. And there are lots of added benefits too – from finding a home for your pre-loved stuff, to making a little pocket money and connecting with your community. Garage Sale Trail is an idea that’s good for the planet, good for community and good for you.”
Garage Sale Trail first happened in Bondi Beach in 2010 as a grass roots idea to encourage reuse and bring local people together. Since this time it has evolved into a truly national movement made possible thanks to the support of over 150 local councils nationally. Each year the event sees over 350,000 Australians get involved.
Snowy Valleys Council residents can register now for free at www.garagesaletrail.com.au. The first 1,250 sellers registered before 15 September will receive a free goodie pack to promote their sale.
Tanya Lewis’ Five Top Tips to Decluttering Success:
- Sort collections of stuff like with like, this helps you determine how much you have and also if you have duplicates. Consider getting some boxes at the ready and label them – stuff to keep, stuff to sell and stuff to recycle
- From the duplicates choose one you favour the most to keep. Look out for damage, stains, wear and tear.
- Unless aging of the item adds extreme value, it’s time to let go and responsibly dispose of these items. We don’t want you throwing out a Ming vase!
- Start small – just one box or area of your home at a time
- Visualise your life clutter free and keep on thinking about the difference it will make to you