We hired an estate sale company who helped us with the cleanout and organization as well as the sale.

We had good results with them, but when you contract with them, be very sure of the costs up front.  We were told that the set up and sale of our items would cost us 35% of the sale.  When all was done, they charged us an hourly rate for all their workers for the set up and sale as well as the 35%.

We complained and they refunded us the labor charges because it wasn't clear in the contract.

Like anything else, buyer beware, but this company stepped up and did the right thing by us. 

Without their help, we probably wouldn't have met our deadline to get the house on the market.

Best Regards!

crafter32034 wrote:

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I was just reading MaryBees workkamping post (congratulations and best fortune on your gig, MB) and the question of estate sales came up. We're at the "getting rid of stuff" stage of our plan for full timing and I wonder if anyone has ideas/experience/advice on this process. I checked out a local company with a BBB recommendation who offers to sort, clean and sell our stuff, then take the rest to Goodwill or some such place, for 25% of the proceeds. I like the idea but Mary Kay is dubious. We would appreciate your thoughts.

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 Thanks Rick!  We are so excited to get started with our new job!

We considered hiring an Auctioneer, infact I actually called one several months back.

I think the costs are high IMHO and I am not willing to give up 25-35% of my sale proceeds for stuff that is going to sell much lower than what I purchased it to begin with!  I decided against an auction because I want to be able to control what prices my stuff sells for.

What we have done at this point is:

1) called the family over and sold them TONS of stuff that they carried out
and got out of our way.  Many family heirlooms that were given to other family members and not sold went out of the house this way...we really cleared out alot of stuff.  Funny, when people find out you are selling stuff, they seem to come out of the wood work.  We have had a steady stream of "friends" and family and "friends of family" come thru our home and garage buying our stuff and taking it with them!  So far have sold about $5000 that way alone.

2) What is left we are boxing up and taking to the garage and putting it our for the Estate sale we will be having toward the end of the month.  The easiest thing I think to do is pick and start with one room and clear it out. 
From each room you go thru, simply sort items into boxes labeled "to go in camper" "for garage sale" "for family" "to give/donate" "to throw away".

It is a daunting process for sure, we have a 3,600 sq. foot home and 2 very large out building stuffed full, but at least I am keeping 35% of my money in my pocket and that was important to me.

I live in a very small town so I am not even sure if anyone would even offer an Estate service in my area.

Good Luck, it will be worth it in the end!