Estate Sale Preparation Checklist
Step-by-step checklist to help families navigate estate sale preparation. Free to use — email it to yourself to save your progress.
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Documents to Gather
Gather any receipts, appraisals, or certificates of authenticity
These documents increase the value and saleability of jewelry, art, collectibles, and antiques.
People to Contact
Interview at least 2-3 estate sale companies● High priority
Compare commission rates, services included, advertising reach, and references before choosing.
Property to Identify
Walk through every room and note high-value items● High priority
Jewelry, art, silver, coins, vintage items, and collectibles may need specialist appraisal before the sale.
Check attic, basement, garage, and storage areas● High priority
Some of the most valuable items are hidden in storage. Check everywhere before the sale company arrives.
Belongings: Sort / Keep / Sell / Donate / Discard
Remove all items family wants to keep BEFORE the sale company arrives● High priority
Clearly mark or remove keep items before the estate sale company does their walkthrough and pricing.
Do not clean, repair, or throw away anything before the sale● High priority
Estate sale professionals are trained to price and sell items as-is. Cleaning can reduce value.
When to Call an Estate Sale Company
Contact estate sale companies 4-6 weeks before your target sale date● High priority
Good estate sale companies book out weeks in advance. The earlier you call, the better your options.
When to Call a Realtor
Coordinate the estate sale date with your real estate timeline
The estate sale should happen BEFORE the property is listed. Coordinate dates with both your estate sale company and realtor.
When to Consider Cleanout Services
Plan the cleanout for the day after the estate sale ends
Book a cleanout company in advance. Some estate sale companies offer cleanout services as part of their package.
When to Consider an Investor Cash Offer
Get a cash offer if the property needs major repairs after the sale
If fixing up the property for retail sale isn't practical, an as-is cash offer may net more after accounting for repair costs.
Final Steps & Notes
Get the estate sale contract reviewed before signing● High priority
Understand commission structure, what happens to unsold items, and cleanup responsibilities.
Plan for donation pickup for items that don't sell
Coordinate with local charities for pickup of remaining donate-able items after the sale.
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Estate Sale Company
Professional setup, pricing & sale management
Probate Realtor
List & sell the inherited home quickly
Cleanout Service
Full property cleanout after the sale
Cash Offer
Fast all-cash offer on the property as-is
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