The Garage Sale Trail began in 2010 as a way to combat illegal dumping.

It soon became a great way to find a unique bargain while promoting reuse and reduction of waste to landfill.

Users add the details of their sale to an online map, with more than 7,200 listed around Australia this Saturday.

Dozens of sales have been registered in Maitland, including one at East Maitland Preschool.

The garage sale doubles as a milestone celebration. The early education centre will hold a fete in recognition of a combined 100 years between their two centres.

The George Street centre will notch up 60 years while this year also marks the 40^th anniversary of the Brunswick Street facility.

With celebrations already set down for October 22, preschool director Jodie Cox said they decided to jump on the Garage Sale Trail.

“We thought it was a great way to promote our event,” she said.

The also concept ties in with the preschool’s recycling program.

“It promotes sustainability, which we’re trying to instill,” Ms Cox said.

Items have been donated by the 170 families as well as staff members across the two centres.

These include books, DVDs, homewares, handmade goods, paintings and of course, lots of toys.

The fete will also involve face painting, a sausage sizzle, cakes and pasta painting.

All sales will go towards the not-for-profit organisation.

“It would be lovely to raise some funds for the preschool,” Ms Cox said.

“It all helps in keeping fees affordable.”

Largs resident Michelle Knox has also registered a garage sale for this weekend.

Ms Knox has held roughly two annual sales for the past 15 years, but this is her first involvement in the Garage Sale Trail.

She said being at Largs, people are often not willing to travel to her sales, but she believes the trail gives people a reason to get out and about.

Ms Knox said the best part about garage sales for her is seeing her children’s faces, as they get to keep the money from the sale of their own items.

Visit garagesaletrail.com.au to see what’s on near you.