9 Tips for Holding a Successful Estate Sale
After the loss of a loved one, such as a parent, determining what to do with their estate during the grieving process can become overwhelming. But don’t let the name fool you. In many cases, estate sales are also held for when a loved one is downsizing or moving into a retirement home or assisted living facility.
Before you plan a successful estate sale, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Allow the family to have a chance to go through and decide which mementos they’d like to keep that have meaning to them.
- Don’t judge a book by its cover. What may seem like junk to you can be someone else’s treasure. In an estate sale, nearly everything in the home is up for grabs.
- Do not throw away anything. Wait until after the estate sale to determine what can be donated or thrown away.
- Clean the home so it is presentable, just as you would for a home showing.
- Take a full inventory or important items to keep track of sales and have a backup plan for big-ticket items that don’t sell.
- If an item is not for sale, try and remove it from the home if you can to avoid confusion. If not, mark it clearly.
- Do throw away any food or beverages that are open, medications, personal grooming and toiletry items, and hazardous cleaning agents.
- Make sure you have help. An estate sale is like a massive garage sale, and it will attract a large number of people.
- Hiring a professional estate sale firm is a good option if you feel having experienced help would lower the burden of handling the estate on your own. If you’d like a referral to a professional estate sale planner, we’re happy to help.
At Wagstaff Law Office, we work hand-in-hand with families as they journey through the estate planning process. Our services encompass all areas of estate planning including will and trust preparation, power-of-appointment/attorney, beneficiaries and heir designation, and beyond. Please feel free to contact us for our experienced counsel. We are happy to help!