Every weekend, thousands of families sell their extra things right in their front yard. Whether you call it a moving sale, rummage sale, or yard sale-garage sales are a $2 billion a year business.  Rummage sales started out in the 1500’s as ship captains would sell off extra or unclaimed cargo from their most recent voyage. By the 1800’s these sales had moved to churches as a fundraising activity. By 1940’s, you could find garage sales in every neighborhood, every weekend. The internet has even jumped in on the action, with websites that help individuals advertise their garage sales.

Here is an infographic detailing the history of garage sales, and how to make the most out of yours.

[Click image for full size version]

In Praise of Garage Sales

Irma Wallace

Irma Wallace

Co-founder and Vice President of SearchRank, responsible for many of the day to day operations of the company. She is also founder of The Arizona Builders’ Zone, a construction / home improvement portal.

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