They're great places to get a deal and sell some things you don't want.
But now, garage sales are starting to become more regulated.
City and township leaders say, the new rules are to benefit everyone.
Genesee County's Richfield Township is the latest MidMichigan community to start requiring a permit for having a garage sale.
Richfield Township Supervisor Joe Madore says, "We're just trying to curb the never-ending garage sale or flea market-type thing."
Madore says a few people are ruining the experience for everyone else, and that's why the line has to be drawn somewhere. "Soon as April or May hits, saw horses and plywood and blue tarps come out and they stay there in people's front yards until the snow flies and it becomes a bit of an issue," Madore says.
At last year's Richfield Township Eagles Club sale, traffic on M-15 was bottle-necked and safety was an issue.
This year, drivers will be encouraged to park behind the building so that vehicles are off the main highway.
The new rules include having to get a permit to have a garage sale. It can be obtained from the township's website or at the township hall. Sales can be up to 10-days long. Once a sale has ended, the homeowner has to wait 30-days before having another sale. Even with the restriction, homeowners can still have around 5 sales a year.
There are exceptions, if a homeowner wants to sell a few items, like a bicycle, lawnmower, or other items, they don't have to get a permit for that, as long as there are 5 items or fewer.
The township has never had a garage sale policy before now.
Leaders hope it'll crack down on those abusing the system.
The permits don't cost anything.
Several other MidMichigan communities already have similar restrictions in place.
