Every weekend, you see the signs for thrift sales, and according to the author of "Garage Sale America," Americans rake in more than $3 billion a year out of their garages.

In this "On the Money," we look at how you can get more cash from your sale.

Garage sale, thrift sale, rummage sale or yard sale, no matter what you call it, they are everywhere this time of year.

"We get together annually," says Diane Hoelker.

Kendra Westphal says, "as long as I can remember since I was a little girl my mom has always done thrift sales and got the family together."

Kendra Westphal says she gets ready for her thrift sale all year long. "I always have a box open at my house, I find stuff the kids grow out of or don't use anymore. I usually price it right away so when it's time to set up a thrift sale I open up boxes."

For her, it's not so much a money making venture, "for me it's just cleaning house."

But she does hope to walk away with $100 or $200.

"Seed money for my thrift sale habits," she laughs.

So what are some of the ways you can maximize the money?

I asked Bruce Littlefield, author of "Garage Sale America," for some advice.

He says the more stuff you are willing to part with, the more you'll make.
Garage sales can pull in anywhere from $250 to $1,500.
And he says if you want to sell your stuff for top dollar, set it up like a store and have fun.

Diane Hoelker and her sisters have honed their selling skills, setting up their goods in groups.

"This year we put table cloths on all of our tables, this year we had many comments on how nice everything looked, it's worth the effort."

Our organizers say put your big stuff out front to draw in customers.

"The best thing to do is to be organized and have price tags," Kendra adds.

Kendra and Diane both say price things to sell. "Because I thrift sale, I know what I would pay for it second-hand," says Kendra.

Diane adds, "look at it like, do I want to bring that back into my house?
What would I think is a bargain?"

Thrift sale organizers say location is a big thing. Diane and her sisters only had to put five signs out, because they positioned themselves near other thrift sales the same morning. They say if a friend or family member has a better spot, try to have it there.

To see a list of do's and don'ts from the book, click here.