Your garage is cluttered and the children are looking for a little spending money. Solve both problems by having a yard sale. Ask your tweens and teens to organize and work the event, and let them keep most of the earnings. Follow Family Circle's countdown.

• Gather inventoryThe children should clean their rooms and make two piles: things they haven't used in a year and things they haven't used but think they will. Go through the second pile. If you have an idea an item will be needed, keep it until next year. Otherwise, it's getting a price tag.

• Research and advertiseSpend a morning visiting other yard sales in your neighborhood to compare prices. The children can make signs on neon poster board with directions and times. Be sure it's easy to find your house from where the sign is posted. You may even want to advertise in the newspaper. List some desirable items you plan to sell.

• Price and prepareWash everything thoroughly, especially kitchenware and clothes. Objects sell for more if they look clean and neat. Buy small adhesive stickers from an office supply store and legibly write prices on them.

• Set upArrange your display in a garage, driveway or yard so drivers can spot it from the street. Organize small items on tables or in shallow boxes. Remove objects that are not for sale. Have at least $20 in small bills and plenty of coins.

• Perfect your pitchTalk to people about the goods you're selling. It's best to have two people helping out, so one person can watch everything and handle money while the other chats with potential customers.