Selling your home often means getting rid of a ton of stuff that you have accumulated over the years. What better way to do this, make money, and have fun in the bargain than by holding a garage sale?

Immensely popular, garage sales offer a homeowner a way to turn unwanted items into cash, and shoppers an opportunity to get real bargains. If having a garage sale is in your future, start gathering up the following objects. These items have proven to be the most sought-after treasures at garage sales:

• BOOKS: When asked what they had bought at garage sales, 63 % of respondents said, "books", making them the single most popular item.

• CHILDREN'S CLOTHING: The better the condition, the more in demand. But, even those garments with stains may still be serviceable, and may be swept up by bargain hunters.

• CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: Those five boxes of lights that you found under the eaves ( and haven't used in 10 years) are sought-after items.

• EXERCISE EQUIPMENT: That bike, or rowing machine, that you have been using for a clothes rack, can be turned into cash.

• FURNITURE: Whatever odd piece you no longer want will probably be snapped up by someone else.

• GARDENING GEAR: Well-crafted trowels and other digging tools are virtually indestructible. Some gardener will surely be looking for them.

• HARDWARE: Don't throw away those picture hangers, hooks, and nails. Your old tools will also be a hit.

• LAMPS: Even if they need to be re-wired, table lamps are an item that garage sale advocates want.

• LUGGAGE: Old suitcases, while heavier than today's models, are also tougher. Some people prefer this strong luggage.

• PET SUPPLIES: Alas, a hamster cage or a fish bowl often lasts longer than the pets they once housed. Sell it !

• PICTURE FRAMES: Because new ones are expensive, frames are popular items, and ones that never go out of style.

• PLANTERS, and VASES: Again, these items do not go out of style, but DO go quickly at garage sales.

• RECORDS: Collectors scour garage sales looking for gems, and ordinary people come looking for their favorites.

• TOYS and GAMES: Simple toys and classic games are always in demand.

If your storage area is bursting with the things listed above, and you would rather have the cash than the chore of moving everything to a new location, consider a garage sale. To help insure a successful sale, keep the following tips in mind:

• Have small bills and change available. Don't lose a potential sale because you can't make change, or break a twenty dollar bill.
• Bring your common sense. People shop garage sales for bargains. Period. Be realistic with the pricing of your sale items.
• Bring your sense of humor. Be prepared for good-natured (or maybe NOT so good-natured) haggling. If you think you might be offended if someone makes a low ball offer on the picture frame Aunt Tillie gave you, then don’t put it out for sale.
• Remember WHY you had the sale in the first place. A garage sale is successful if you have nothing left at the end of the day to put back into the garage!

Note: "most sought after" items from Money Daily by Greg Daugherty (www.moneydaily.com) (July, `97).

Editor's Note: Content on this page reflects the opinions of Judi Wolfson and Elaine Shreiber only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.