Pandemic Precautions
As the coronavirus pandemic wears on, most communities are struggling to strike a balance between keeping healthy and returning to normal life.
If you spent part of your stay-at-home order cleaning out your garage, you aren’t alone. And if you want to make some extra money getting rid of those items, you can do so safely just by following a few simple precautions.
Follow Local Guidance
Different parts of the country are experiencing the pandemic differently. Always listen to local authorities and follow guidelines from your local department of health. If you’re under a stay-at-home order or a mandatory quarantine, maybe store your items for sale later. If you’re planning to meet someone to buy or sale an item, use the usual safety protocols of meeting in a public place. In addition, follow other local guidance, such as wearing a mask and gloves or staying 6 feet away from people who don’t live in your home.
Consider using social media or other online apps and selling sites to get rid of your excess items without attracting a crowd at your home. Follow good safety guidelines like meeting buyers or sellers in a public place, bringing a friend with you to pick up or drop off items, and using common sense. It’s not likely a hot gaming console is going for $5. It’s probably a scam. buyer or a seller, keep a safe distance between your counterpart in the transaction. At this point, the CDC recommends 6 feet for a safe interaction. Wear masks and gloves, and change them out frequently. Avoid touching your face at any time.
Use a Mobile Payments Service
Don’t accept cash payments. Cash money is king, usually, but cash can also carry germs. Plus, to hand off cash, you probably have to be closer than 6 feet. Instead, use one of a variety of safe, secure cash transfer apps such as Cash App, Venmo, PayPal or more.
Clean and Disinfect Items
As a seller, wipe down your items with disinfectant before you meet a potential buyer. As a buyer, wipe it down before you bring it home. If it can’t be disinfected, leave it outside in a garage or other protected area for 14 days before bringing it inside.
If You Can, Hold A Sale at Your Home
If local conditions allow and you’re comfortable with it, make sure your items are cleaned and disinfected. Space tables well apart with plenty of room for walking and browsing. Leave ample room for people to pay for their purchases and place hand sanitizer around your sale. Take a tip from some grocery stores and make your garage sale aisles oneway for easy browsing.