Planning your estate sale
An estate sale, a cleanout, or a sequence of both?
The right approach depends on what is in the home and what needs to happen next. A walkthrough helps us compare the contents, available time, property access, and your priorities before recommending a scope.
916 Estate Sales · 916estatesales.com© 916 Estate SalesWhen a sale may fit
A home with a range of usable furniture, household items, decor, tools, or collectibles may suit an organized sale. The quantity and condition of the contents matter, along with safe shopper access and enough time to prepare and advertise. A list of valuable-looking items alone does not establish the right plan.
When clearing the property is the priority
A very tight handoff deadline, limited saleable contents, or access restrictions may make a cleanout more practical. Discuss what you want to keep and whether any individual pieces need separate consideration before arranging removal. Specialized or hazardous materials may require another provider.
When both are needed
A sale does not guarantee an empty property. It may make sense to hold a sale, then coordinate donation and haul away for remaining belongings. Agree on responsibilities, costs, and the required condition of the home before work begins.
Compare the whole schedule
Our usual sale preparation takes about two weeks: roughly one week for setup, photos, and video, followed by about a week of advertising including social media. Some sales run three to four days. A cleanout has its own access, volume, and hauling constraints. Confirm a realistic schedule rather than assuming either option is immediate.
Compare written scopes
For an estate sale, our usual commission is 45–50% of net sales, with no upfront cost. Labor, staging, photography, and advertising are included. Haul-away after donation is the only separate estate sale service charge. If you need a cleanout without a sale, discuss the removal scope and cost at your walkthrough.
What to do first
Protect personal documents and family keepsakes, pause major disposal decisions, and contact us with your property city and deadline. You do not need to sort the entire home before asking for help.