Practical planning.
One page at a time.

Before estate sale setup

Confirm these details with the sale team before setup begins. Ask before discarding or donating sale contents.

• Confirm working electricity and water, and discuss heating or cooling needs.
• Arrange keys, gates, alarm instructions, parking, and the best contact during sale hours.
• Share HOA or building rules, visitor restrictions, and permitted sale hours.
• Identify keepsakes and unresolved family decisions; agree on a collection date.
• Confirm move-out, listing, closing, and property handoff deadlines.
• Point out attic, garage, shed, and stored contents; discuss difficult access and any additional fees.
• Record agreed pricing restrictions and who can approve changes.
• Agree on the plan for unsold belongings and final property handoff.

Family decisions & first steps

Agree on who decides, what stays, and what needs more time.

• Name the person coordinating decisions and confirm who can authorize the sale.
• List family keepsakes and belongings that need a decision.
• Record the person receiving each retained item and a collection date.
• Set disputed items aside until the family has agreed.
• Gather property deadlines, contacts, and access instructions.

Room-by-room downsizing

Work through one room at a time, with the next home in mind.

• Measure the rooms and storage in your next home.
• List the furniture and everyday belongings you plan to take.
• Separate family gifts from belongings you may sell.
• Include closets, garage, attic, and outdoor storage in the review.
• Ask for a walkthrough before discarding or reorganizing the remaining household.

Moving & property handoff timeline

Start with your real deadline and work backward with the people involved.

• Record move, listing, closing, and property handoff dates.
• Ask the sale company which dates are practical before committing.
• Arrange collection of belongings the family is keeping.
• Confirm access, utilities, and any property restrictions.
• Agree on an unsold-item plan and who completes the final handoff.

Before the walkthrough

A clear picture of the household is more useful than a perfectly organized home.

• Identify belongings that are staying with the family.
• Note access restrictions and the deadline you are working toward.
• Gather questions about costs, preparation, insurance, and reporting.
• Ask before discarding, deep cleaning, or donating items.
• Bring the 17 Questions checklist to compare companies.

Download the 17 Questions checklist (PDF)

Unsold items & final handoff

Make these choices before sale week so there is a clear next step.

• Confirm how unsold items will be identified and handled.
• Agree on what the family will collect and by when.
• Confirm donation acceptance, transport, or cleanout arrangements before relying on them.
• Check which work and charges are included in your agreement.
• Confirm report, settlement, keys, and the agreed property condition.

Shopping visit & pickup

Use the current sale listing and attending policies for the rules that apply to your visit.

• Check the sale address, dates, hours, and any sale-specific instructions.
• Read the current entry, payment, and pickup policies.
• Measure the space, doorway, and vehicle for larger purchases.
• Confirm the pickup deadline and the help or equipment you need.
• Keep your receipt and arrange transport before the pickup window closes.

Check current attending and pickup policies

Professional client handoff

Help a client explain the situation without having to start from scratch.

• Confirm the client’s permission to share their contact details.
• Identify the household location, decision-maker, and preferred contact method.
• Summarize the move or property deadline and any access constraints.
• Note retained belongings and unresolved family decisions.
• Agree on who needs updates and introduce the client to the sale team.