A garage sale and a yard sale are the same thing: a homeowner selling a few unwanted items for a day or two, set up in the garage, driveway or yard. An estate sale is different. It sells most or all of a household’s contents, usually after a death, a move to assisted living or a downsize, and it’s often run by a professional company that takes 30 to 50 percent of the sales, and shoppers walk through the house itself.
Garage sale vs. yard sale vs. estate sale at a glance
| Garage or yard sale | Estate sale | |
|---|---|---|
| What’s sold | A few unwanted items | Most or all of a home’s contents |
| Why | Decluttering, spring cleaning, extra cash | Death, downsizing, move to care, divorce |
| Where | Garage, driveway or lawn | Inside the house |
| Who runs it | The homeowner | Often an estate sale company |
| Cost to the seller | Signs and ads | Usually 30 to 50% commission |
| How long | 1 to 2 days | Usually 2 to 3 days |
| Prices | Low, open to haggling | Higher at first, discounted on later days |
Is there a difference between a garage sale and a yard sale?
Not really. The names mostly depend on where the sale is set up and what people call it in your area. “Garage sale” is common in many parts of the U.S., “yard sale” in others, and you’ll also hear “tag sale,” “rummage sale” and “carport sale.” A moving sale is a bigger garage sale held before a move, when you’re trying to sell as much as possible. Here are our moving sale tips.
What is an estate sale?
An estate sale is a sale of nearly everything in a home: furniture, dishes, tools, art, jewelry, clothing and collectibles. Shoppers come inside and buy items room by room. Families usually hold one when a parent has died or moved into assisted living, or when someone is downsizing and doesn’t want to move a lifetime of belongings.
Many families hire an estate sale company. According to Consumers’ Checkbook, these companies typically keep 30 to 50 percent of the proceeds, often with minimums, and a home generally needs about $3,000 or more in furnishings and goods to be worth a professional sale. Sales usually run two or three days, with prices cut on the last day. Learn more in our guide to what an estate sale is and how it works.
Which kind of sale should you have?
- Have a garage or yard sale if you’re clearing out a closet, a garage or a few rooms and are willing to run it yourself. Start with our garage sale checklist.
- Consider an estate sale if you’re emptying an entire house, the items include antiques or valuable collections, or you don’t have the time or energy to price and sell everything yourself.
- Do it yourself in between if you’re emptying a house but the contents aren’t worth paying a commission. A big, well-advertised moving sale over two days often works.
Shopping tips for each
- Garage and yard sales: go early for the best items and late for the best deals. Polite haggling is expected; here’s how to negotiate at a garage sale.
- Estate sales: the first morning has the best selection but full prices. Many companies discount 25 to 50 percent on the second day and more on the last day.
Related guides: finding garage sales near you and whether a garage sale is worth it.
FAQ
Is an estate sale more expensive than a garage sale?
Usually, yes, at least on the first day. Estate sale companies price items closer to resale value, while garage sale sellers mostly want things gone.
Can you negotiate at an estate sale?
Sometimes, especially on the last day or for big items. Expect less haggling than at a garage sale.
Can you have an estate sale if nobody died?
Yes. Many estate sales are for people who are downsizing or moving into a smaller home or care facility.
Are garage sales and yard sales taxable?
Usually not, if you’re selling your own things for less than you paid. Here’s how taxes on garage sale money work.