How would you like to make a thousand bucks or maybe even more and unload a bunch of your old stuff?

In this stretching your dollar segment we have expert tips from the New York Times and bankrate.com on getting the maximum amount of money out of your next garage sale.

You've got a few months before garage sale season starts, but one mistake is waiting for those gorgeous sunny weekends! You'll actually get more of a crowd if it's overcast.

Get your neighbors involved, basically supersizing the sale. People first shop sales that look like they have the most items.

Go for broke on the advertising: list as much as you possibly can, especially odd or unique items. One expert says you want your ad three to five times longer than the other ones on the page.

When it comes to signs-- bigger and bolder is better. Balloons even work! And put signs everywhere. Just pick 'em up when you're done.

Think like a retailer. Most people don't take the time, but you'll get a great return on your effort if you clean up your stuff, display it neatly, wash-- even iron-- clothes and price everything. The experts say items without a sticker always take longer to sell.

And on the safety side, keep your house locked. Send people who need a restroom to the nearest gas station.

We have additional information here: http://www.bankrate.com/nltrack/news/cheap/20021016a.asp?ec_id=brmint_ns_frugal_20080930

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE3DF1231F93AA15755C0A961958260