**Updated Jan 2023**
Thinking about having an estate sale unsure how to prepare the home for interviewing companies? Here are some simple tips to ensure you and the home are ready.
No Need To…
No need to donate anything – We recommend that you always begin the process by simply deciding what you and others would like to keep. While sorting, don’t worry about what should be donated or tossed; we will do that for you. If it has a chance to sell, you should keep it around because donation should happen at the end during the clean-out process.
No need to organize – It might seem helpful to organize a linen closet or kitchen before hiring an estate sale company. What you may not know is that we use strategic interior design techniques to stylize and re-organize the home to ensure the most sought after items are highlighted and the space is appealing to the public. Aside from this, your time is valuable and shouldn’t be spent doing what you are hiring a service to do for you.
No need to group like by like – Considering an estate sale company will move everything around and place it strategically throughout the home, there is no need for you to group items. Moving all the picture frames into one room, the pillows to another, and piling up the kitchen with goodies found in the basement so we don’t miss them is not necessary. During our process we assess each space in the home and sort through each area thoroughly. We then create themes and stage strategically in each room to add visual appeal and a flow to enhance the customers shopping experience. We take care of all of these steps and we are trained in doing so.
Please Do…
Do remove personal items – The most important part of the estate sale process for you is making sure personal effects and sentimental items are identified and removed from the home. This means checkbooks, tax documents, family photos, items you’ll want to take with you etc.
Do know which items are NOT for sale – Aside from removing personal and sentimental items, it is equally important to determine the items you and your family would like to keep and what will not be included in the estate sale. Tagging the items with sticky notes or blue painters tape is always a good idea and will give the company you interview a visual on what to expect for the estate sale.
Do feel free to remove rubbish – Although estate sale companies will take care of this step for you, if you are 100% certain it should be thrown away, go ahead and toss it. Use your best judgement but please hesitate from tossing away gently used household items. This means household cleaners, gently used furniture and decor, clothing, shoes (even if it looks like no one would ever wear it), etc.
Do download our checklist – Now that you know how to prepare, it is time to start looking for a company. We have a FREE checklist for you to download that will help you through the interview process.
Do hire the best company – Think you have the company in mind that suits your needs? Check out our blog post “3 Easy Ways To Guarantee You Hire The Best Estate Sale Company”. It is our goal to coach you through the estate sale process to ensure that you are as successful as possible.
Do relax – The company you hire should provide a hands off and stress free process. It’s time to take a minute away from the stress of the transition and let the professionals step in to take care of it.
