Residents Encouraged to Share Gently Used Items as City-Wide Event Aims to Reduce Waste

Thunder Bay’s popular twice-yearly Treasure Exchange Days will take place on September 7 and 8, offering residents the chance to give away or find used items in good condition. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 6, residents can leave items at the curb, labelled “free,” for others to discover over the weekend.

This event promotes waste reduction by diverting reusable items from the landfill, including household goods, furniture, small appliances, toys, and more. It’s also a perfect opportunity for post-secondary students returning to Thunder Bay to furnish their dorms with free finds.

Participants are reminded to remove any unclaimed items from the curb by 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, as the City’s Solid Waste & Recycling Services will not collect them.

Reduce Clutter and Make Extra Cash by Hosting a Yard Sale

Thunder Bay Residents Encouraged to Declutter Their Homes and Earn Some Money with a Successful Yard Sale

As the seasons change and households start to organize their spaces, many Thunder Bay residents are finding themselves overwhelmed with clutter. Hosting a yard sale is a great way to reduce unwanted items and make some extra money. Whether you’re clearing out your basement, garage, or closets, a yard sale can help you turn unused belongings into cash while offering an eco-friendly way to recycle and reuse within the community.

Here are some tips for organizing a successful yard sale:

1. Plan and Advertise Early

Choose a weekend date and give yourself at least two weeks to prepare. Post about your sale on social media, community bulletin boards, or online classified sites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. A well-advertised sale can draw in more potential buyers.

2. Organize and Price Your Items

Sort your items into categories like clothing, furniture, electronics, and kitchenware to make it easy for buyers to browse. Clearly price each item with visible tags. Group similar items together and consider offering discounts for bulk buys (e.g., 3 items for $5). Reasonable pricing will help attract more buyers and reduce haggling.

3. Create an Eye-Catching Display

Set up tables or blankets to display your items neatly. Try to place large or visually appealing items, like furniture or sporting goods, near the front of your yard to grab attention. A well-organized sale is more inviting to passersby.

4. Be Ready to Negotiate

Expect buyers to haggle, especially for higher-priced items. Be flexible and consider offering bundle deals or discounts as the day progresses to ensure you sell more.

5. Donate Leftovers to Charity

If some items don’t sell, consider donating them to local charities or posting them online for free. This is a great way to ensure your unwanted belongings don’t end up in the landfill while helping others in need.

Yard Sales Benefit Everyone

Yard sales are not only an excellent way to declutter and make extra money, but they also foster a sense of community by allowing people to find affordable items and repurpose goods. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing that your items are getting a second life with a new owner.

Whether you’re looking to clear out space or earn a little extra, a yard sale is an easy and sustainable way to reach your goals. Get started today and turn your clutter into cash!