The key to any successful garage sale ( 家庭旧物出售 ) is to get the word out. The best means of advertising your sale is to place an ad in the local newspaper. If you have a city and neighborhood paper, make sure you advertise in both. The ad should be large enough that it stands out. It should also include information on where the sale is located with directions, the "hot" items you're selling and the time the sale will start and end. An ad should be placed at least two days before the sale and run until the day of your event. That way people can plan their route ( 路线 ) to the sale in advance. Signs are another great way to inform your community. Post them in places where people gather, such as stores and community centers. Some businesses have a central bulletin board ( 布告栏 ), which is the best place to advertise. Other places to post are at the local college or university campus. This is especially helpful if your sale is happening in August or early September when students have returned to school and are looking for cheap finds. Post signs around your neighborhood. You should also place both ads and direction signs, especially if you're located on a side street without a major presence. Signs will attract and direct people. Just make sure you print in bold letters and use large direction signs so people can read the information from the front seat of their car.