Jumble Sale

A jumble sale is a tried-and-tested community fundraiser that has been raising money for good causes for decades. The formula is simple: collect donated goods, price them cheaply, sell them to bargain hunters, and give the proceeds to charity.

The key to a successful jumble sale is volume — the more goods you collect, the more you sell. Start collecting donations at least two weeks before the event and use social media to call for donations from your network.

• A venue — church hall, community centre, or school hall
• Donated goods (clothing, books, toys, homewares, bric-a-brac)
• Trestle tables and display rails for clothing
• Price stickers and pricing labels
• Cash box and change for the day
• Volunteers to set up, sell, and clear down
• A Kayana Aid page for online donations from those who can't attend

1. 01

   Book your venue and announce the date

   Secure a venue with good local footfall. Community halls near markets or town centres attract the best crowds. Announce the date at least 2 weeks ahead.

2. 02

   Collect donations

   Put out calls for donated goods on social media, in local Facebook groups, and by word of mouth. Offer to collect from donors who can't drop off easily. Quality over quantity — decline goods that are damaged or unsellable.

3. 03

   Sort and price your goods

   Price items generously cheaply — jumble sale buyers expect bargains. Clothing £1–£3, books 50p–£1, toys £1–£5, homewares £1–£4. A "fill a bag for £5" deal moves large volumes of smaller items quickly.

4. 04

   Run the sale

   Open 30 minutes early for keen buyers. Have enough volunteers to manage the tables, take money, and assist shoppers. Reserve a section for your best items and price them a little higher.

5. 05

   Clear down and donate leftovers

   At the end, donate unsold goods to a local charity shop rather than binning them. Post your total raised on social media and on your Kayana Aid page.

• A "bag of books for £1" section always attracts buyers and moves high volumes of donated stock quickly.
• Clothing on rails at eye level sells far better than clothing piled on a table.
• A raffle alongside the jumble sale adds a second income stream — ask local businesses for donated prizes.
• Advertising in local Facebook groups and community noticeboards consistently generates the best footfall.