Key takeaways
- Secure documents, valuables, and family keepsakes before anyone else enters the home.
- Get professional appraisals for jewelry, art, and anything potentially valuable.
- Estate sale companies typically take a commission, often in the 25–50% range.
- Plan for the leftovers: buyout, donation pickup, or cleanout service.
First steps
- Confirm who has legal authority to sell (executor, trustee, or heirs). Talk to an attorney if unsure.
- Secure wills, financial records, titles, photos, and keepsakes.
- Let family choose sentimental items and document what they take.
- Look for hidden valuables in drawers, pockets, books, and freezers.
Identify the valuable items
Set aside jewelry, coins, art, watches, silver, firearms (which have legal transfer rules), and collectibles for research or appraisal. A quick photo-based price check helps triage hundreds of everyday items so you know where to spend time and money on experts.
Hire a company or do it yourself?
- Estate sale companies handle pricing, staging, advertising, staffing, and security. Get two or three bids and check references and contract terms (commission, minimums, cleanout).
- DIY saves the commission but takes significant time and works best for smaller households.
- Auction houses are a strong option for high-value collections.
After the sale
Arrange a buyout from a dealer, donation pickup, or cleanout service for what remains. Keep records of sales and donations for the estate's accounting and taxes.
Frequently asked questions
How much do estate sale companies charge?
Most work on commission, commonly between 25% and 50% of sales depending on the size and value of the estate, sometimes with minimums or cleanout fees.
Prices and tips in this guide are general guidance for U.S. sellers based on typical resale markets. They are not a certified appraisal or a guarantee of what an item will sell for. For insurance, legal, tax, or high-value items, consult a qualified appraiser.