Estate Sales 101: How to Honour Memories and Maximize Value

Step 1: Set the tone (and the timeline)

• Name a coordinator (one decision-maker or a small committee).

• Pick your pace: One weekend blitz or four gentler sessions.

• Define the goal: Clear the home, honour key memories, and fund the next step (care, renovations, charitable giving).

Step 2: Triage first, price later

Create four zones: Keep • Offer to Family • Sell • Donate/Recycle.
Do not price during sorting. Decision fatigue kills momentum—pricing comes next.

Step 3: Identify value (and avoid costly mistakes)

• Get a pro opinion on antiques, jewelry, art, tools, coins, and mid-century furniture.

• Look for sleepers: Vintage audio gear, solid wood dressers, Pyrex/Fiestaware sets, quality rugs, farm and shop tools.

• Don’t toss manuals/parts. Bundles increase sale value.

Step 4: Photograph and inventory

A simple spreadsheet with item, condition, and photo link keeps peace in the family and makes pricing/sales smoother.

Step 5: Choose your sale method

• On-site Estate Sale: Great foot traffic, emotional for some families.

• Online Auction: Wider reach, time-boxed bidding, pickup day efficiency.

• Consignment: For higher-value pieces (art, jewelry).

• Targeted Buyers: Tools to tradespeople, collectibles to niche groups, furniture to stagers/students.

Step 6: Price to move, not to linger

Use the 30-50-70 Rule:

• New or like-new: ~70% of retail

• Good condition: ~50%

• Needs love: ~30%
  Create “lot” bundles: dishes, linens, workshop bins—buyers love a deal.

Step 7: Logistics that protect you

• Clear payment rules (e-transfer/cash).

• Designated pickup times with labels and a helper.

• Protect walkways and common areas.

• Secure keepsakes in a separate room.

Step 8: What to do with what’s left

• Scheduled donation pickup (pre-book to avoid post-sale fatigue).

• Metal recycling for broken tools/appliances.

• Local charities that actually want linens, books, or furniture (check first).

Step 9: Care for the heart

Share a story for 3–5 special items—write a card, record a voice note, or tuck a photo inside a keepsake. The story is the real inheritance.

Need a gentle, full-service estate plan?
Call 705-957-4177 or visit downsizinginbayofquinte.com.
Stress-free downsizing starts here, with me and my team.

Estate transitions are emotional, logistical, and—without a plan—expensive. Here’s a compassionate, step-by-step approach we use with families across Bay of Quinte.