One man's trash is another man's treasure, and this is never more evident than at a car boot sale.

With the Easter holidays on the horizon, now is the time to maybe get the kids involved - they will be far more receptive to the idea of clearing out their bedrooms if there's the promise of a profit to be made!  If their rooms are floor to ceiling toys and books that have lost their appeal let the children sort them, clean them and price them up.  Perversely, as soon as you suggest they get rid of things, you are likely to find that they claim absolutely not to be able to live without the one-armed Barbie doll, but the promise of trading it for cold hard cash can generally change their minds!  DVD's and computer games they have grown out of are great sellers.

And while they're concentrating on their rooms, time for you to have a root through the garage, the shed, the kitchen... your wardrobe!  Gadgets and gizmos you thought you just HAD to have in your life that were quickly consigned to a dark cupboard may be just what is missing in someone else’s life!  Those dresses you paid a fortune for (even though you bought them in the sale and they were bargains and will definitely fit one day) will probably fit someone else now - before they can be classed as vintage. Put it down to experience and use the money made to buy this season's latest creation... in your size.

You can then take your wares to either (or both if you're quick!) of the car boot sales taking place in the Croydon area this weekend.

If the weather looks like it's going to turn, St Mark's Church Hall, Church Road, Purley is hosting an Indoor Car Boot Sale from 10am to 12noon on the 31st March. Tables need to be booked in advance and are £15 for sellers. Parking in the area is free and if you just want to browse and not sell, entrance for buyers is just 50p.

Alternatively at Edenham High School, Orchard Way, Shirley you can choose from an Indoor or an Outdoor pitch.  Entrance for sellers is from 8am and the sale starts at 9am.  Pitches can be pre-booked from £7 or paid on the day for £10 with a £3 additional charge for trailers.

For contact and booking details for both sales see thebestof Croydon's Events page.

So get sorting, be ruthless and not only can you line your pockets, but you get the added benefit of a clear and tidy home (just don't get carried away and replace your tat with someone else’s tat!)