Talk about the auction to your friends, neighbors, and relatives. Tell them the date and starting time. A large crowd is to everyone's benefit.

Recruit several neighbors, friends, or relatives to assist you and the auction staff during the early morning hours on auction day. They can help carry objects and set up displays. There is no such thing as too much help. Ask them to be there early to work.

Communicate any needs and concerns to the auctioneers as they come up. They may be able to offer you some suggestions to put you at ease. Also, knowing about your preparations helps them ensure that your auction is a great success.

Polish and clean your better furniture pieces as well as your major appliances. An article that looks good sells good-and for higher prices.

Collect an assortment of smaller (11"x16"x2") empty cardboard boxes (beer/pop flats) to pack and move the numerous smaller articles in. (Ask your grocer to save boxes for you.) You can't have too many!

Record the history, background. that you know of, of any objects. For example, "This dresser was given to my great-grandmother at her wedding in 1867." History sells older items at higher prices. Attach your "story" to the item for everyone to read.

Operate all your gasoline-powered equipment (lawn mowers, snowblowers, weed cutters) to make certain they will start and run. Make sure they have enough gas and the oil is ok, however, do not spray the machinery with a water hose because a wet engine will not start, especially when the entire buying crowd is waiting and watching.

Attach all owner's manuals, instruction books, and bills of sale to their respective equipment. Buyers will generally pay more if they get an owner's manual for an item.

Obtain the motor vehicle titles of registration if you are selling any licensed or titled motor vehicle (cars, trucks, motorcycles). Be sure that any liens shown on the title are paid and cleared prior to the day of the auction. To legally sell them, you must have a clear and valid title to all vehicles. Give the titles to the auctioneer's clerk before the auction starts. If you cannot locate the titles, call the auctioneers NOW-they may be able to assist you in obtaining a duplicate from the state.

Safeguard any small, expensive, or easily lost (or shop-lifted) articles (jewelry, watches). Keep them safe until the auctioneer takes them from you and places them under glass in a locked, sales, display case.

Locate a 110-volt electric outlet for the cashier and lunch wagon to use. They have their own drop cords and adaptors, but you must supply the outlet and electricity.

Wipe off your major appliances (washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, television sets). Clean them well-both inside and out. If the appliances look well cared for, they will sell more easily and for a higher price. A bad smell or dirty appearance may cause you to lose several hundred dollars on one item.

Decide early what you want to sell, keep, or give away. Once the auctioneers have listed an item to be sold, it must be offered for sale on the day of the auction. Decide NOW which articles you want to sell.

Clean any items that need it. Concentrate on glassware, dishes, and your better, higher-priced objects. A little sparkle goes a long way. Check dishes for cracks and chips and mark them accordingly.

Count all items that are in sets or duplicates, such as dishes and towels. Tag them by number and description, for example, "Set of 4 dinner plates, 6 bowls, 6 cups." Describe valuable items on a sheet of paper and attach this to the item (example: "Handmade, leaded stained glass window, circa 1920"). Add measurements, especially for bedding, draperies, etc.

Group towel ensembles, sheets, pillowcases, and so on, and display them in clear plastic bags ("baggies"). Tape or tie sets together. Tag them with sizes, condition, etc., for example, "3 face towels, 2 bath towels."

Tell the truth about any object that does not work properly or is stained, soiled, or torn. It may not sell for as much since it is not in perfect shape, but buyers will be happier and will respect you for telling them. In addition, you will avoid possible disputes after the auction.

Box similar articles together (especially smaller and/or less interesting items). The auctioneers may select some of the more valuable items out of the boxes, or they may sell the entire boxful. Use small boxes. "Pop flats" are ideal.

Test all electrical appliances and mechanical devices to determine whether they work. Tag each one with the results of your tests. These will sell regardless of condition, but it is best if everyone knows the working condition before they bid.

Search again for items that you may have overlooked earlier. If you find something of a substantial nature to add, call the auctioneers so that they can include it in the advertising. Remember to look in all your seldom-used storage areas and shelves.

Survey your property (outdoor areas) and remove everything from the yard that is not for sale. Determine whether there are holes that buyers may stumble in or obstacles they may trip on. Fill in all holes and remove all hard-to-see wires, fences, and so on. Take down your clothesline rope to avoid neck injuries. You may be liable for any injuries to buyers; therefore, take the time NOW to eliminate such dangers.

Contact your homeowner's insurance agent. Advise the agent that you are having a public auction sale on your premises and give them the date. Ask them to increase your policy's personal liability coverage limits for the day of the auction only to no less than $500,000+ for bodily injury liability. This may cost you $5 to $10 for the extra coverage, but it could save you thousands if an accident should occur. Ask the agent to issue you a "binder of coverage" for this increased amount immediately.