Beyond the business transaction that hands someone a little extra cash and delivers someone else a bargain, garage sales bring communities together, help save the environment and improve people’s wellbeing.

Or so says Andrew Valder, who founded the Garage Sale Trail with Darryl Nichols six years ago to encourage people to reuse their unwanted “stuff”, take responsibility for their waste and have a little fun along the way.

“Holding a garage sale and getting to know your neighbours means that you’re contributing to a connected community that’s healthier, happier and even more prosperous,” Mr Valder said.

This year’s Garage Sale Trail will be held on Saturday, October 22. You can register your garage sale on the trail for free at garagesaletrail.com.au. Bargain-hunters can scope out the most likely places to find a treasure.

Fairfax Media is a partner with Garage Sale Trail to promote waste education and to unite communities.