Your Estate Sale Planning Checklist

Planning an estate sale, or even thinking about having one, can feel very overwhelming. You want everything to go smoothly, but where do you even start? We do this a lot, and here are our best tips for preparation - the things you can do on your end before the estate sale company comes in.

Keep in mind, these aren't mandatory, and often, we don't get the opportunity - and maybe don't have the headspace to manage to do all of these things.

If you do have the time - perhaps you are downsizing, or have adequate notice for helping a loved one navigate a life transition to another home, having a plan can help to make you, and them, feel just a little more in control. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into your ultimate estate sale planning checklist.

Getting Started: Your Estate Planning Checklist

Before you dive into sorting through decades of belongings, it’s important to have a solid plan. Think of this as your roadmap to a successful estate sale. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Set a Timeline

   Estate sales aren’t a last-minute affair. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks before the company you hire comes in. This allows time for you to sort through personal and family items - especially paperwork. If you're like most of us, you have taxes, former paystubs, birthday cards, and who knows what else.

   
   

2. Inventory Everything

   Walk through the home room by room and find the items you DO NOT want to sell. These items need to be moved either with you, if that's possible, moved to storage if it's not, or moved to a room in which no one will go into during the sale. Don’t forget the garage, attic and basement.

   
   

3. Decide What Stays and What Goes

   It’s tempting to keep everything, but this is the time to be honest. If you’re overwhelmed, ask a trusted friend or get a recommendation from the estate sale company. Does that thing in your hand bring you joy? If not, sell it. You may tell yourself that the thing in your hand is small, and won't sell for much. While that could be true, think about 1,000 of the little things that all sell for $1. It adds up fast!

   
   

4. Choose a Date

   Often, you are dependent on the dates your estate sale company has available. More often, the homeowner picks a single date and feels really tied to it. However, be aware of holidays or major local events that might compete for attention - the Super Bowl, Father's Day, etc.

   
   

5. Prepare the Home

   Clean as much as possible. Conducting an estate sale is extremely labor intensive. The less cleaning the company has to do, the more time they can spend on pricing, staging and marketing, and you ,ay have reduced fees or they may take a reduced percentage.

   
   

6. Plan for After the Estate Sale

After every estate sale, there are going to be some items left over. What do you want done with these? Various clients have requested various things. In one case, the client wanted them neatly grouped together so that family members could come and shop from leftover items. Very frequently, the homeowner or executor requests a full house clean out. In that case, we, as the estate sale company, pack everything up neatly in boxes and donate to the chosen charity.

By following this estate planning checklist, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more successful sale.

There are usually estate sale treasures to be found in every closet and storage space!

What sells the best at estate sales?

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show - the items that tend to fly off the tables. Knowing what sells best can help you prioritize and price your treasures wisely.

• Antiques and Collectibles

Vintage furniture, old toys, and collectibles often attract serious buyers. Even small items like old postcards or coins can be valuable.

• Jewelry and Watches

Gold, silver, and designer pieces usually sell well. Don’t forget costume jewelry; some buyers love unique vintage styles.

• Artwork and Decor

Paintings, sculptures, and decorative items can add charm to any home. Original art or signed prints are especially sought after.

• Tools and Garden Equipment

Practical items like power tools, lawnmowers, and gardening gear often find quick buyers.

• Household Items and Appliances

Kitchen gadgets, small appliances, and quality cookware are popular, especially if they’re in good condition.

• Clothing and Accessories

Vintage or designer clothing can be a hit, but be selective. Clean and neatly display items for best results.

• Books and Media

There's a big caveat to this - first editions, some cookbooks, and vinyl records can attract collectors and enthusiasts.

Vintage jewelry and watches are really popular at estate sales