by Lisa Crockett

Are your closets and basement full of treasures you no longer have use for?  Then roll up your sleeves, grab some sunscreen and a water bottle and get ready for this year’s community garage sale.

The sale is set for May 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. both days.  The Master Association will advertise in local papers, as well as making the community website available for posting address and the types of “merchandise” being sold (visit www.cpnhoa.org to register). 

Here are a few tips for success:

Have things priced temptingly.  Remember that people will be looking for bargains.  Pre-printed pricing stickers are available at local grocery stores and office supply stores.

Have plenty of coins and one-dollar bills on hand to make change.  Keep money in a fanny pack and wear it, rather than a cash box, which will be more prone to theft.

Consider putting children’s clothing in sets – top, bottom, socks and even shoes, if available.  Put the sets in zipper-top bags so people can see what is inside while keeping everything together.

Children’s items – clothing, gear and gently-used toys – always sell well.  Large household goods do not tend to go as fast.  It can not hurt to put out everything you want to sell, but put kids stuff out front and center, as it is a big draw for customers.

String a clothesline between two ladders and hang clothing on it for easy display.  Place other items on ping-pong or card tables, or blankets spread on the driveway.  Be sure shoppers have plenty of room to walk around.

There will be many visitors to our new city, so it is a good idea to keep doors and windows locked.  Keep vehicles locked, and do not store valuables in the car where people can see them.  If not selling from the garage at the sale, keep it closed.

When thesale is over, there will likely be some things left.  Either put them in the basement for next year’s sale, or donate them to a local charity.  Here are  few in the area:

Goodwill Donation Center:  Highlands Ranch Village Center (S. University Blvd. & Wildcat Reserve Pkwy.) Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. visit www.goodwilldenver.org.

ARC/Cerebral Palsy: To schedule a pick up, call 303-238-5263 or visit www.cpco.org

Task Force of Douglas County: Task Force Thrift Store accepts donations Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 416 Jerry Street in Castle Rock; call 303-688-6129.

Disabled American Veterans:  To schedule a pickup, call 303-288-8387.

Most charities cannot accept furniture in need of major repair, building materials, mattresses, used automobile parts, newspapers and magazines, flammable and toxic materials, live plants or animals, fire arms or pianos.  Contact any chosen charity with additional questions.