sHow Did We Get from Jumble Sales or Rummage Sales to Estate Sales and Forget About Moving Sales?

A historical shift occurred before World War II when individuals held Jumble Sales to sell unwanted items to raise funds for church events, charity, and community organizations. The post-WWII era brought about a period of prosperity for families, leading to the accumulation of excess furnishings and the rise of consumerism. This trend paved the way for the emergence of yard sales, where individuals could part ways with surplus goods. Fast forward to the 1970s, and there was a noticeable shift towards sustainability and decluttering, resulting in a change from yard sales to garage sales, reflecting the location of the sale. As the concept gained massive exposure and popularity, it evolved further into estate sales, where individuals moving homes offer most of their possessions directly from inside their homes. Website directories with Estate Sales companies paying to be a member changed the Estate Sale process. Now to be a member, they cannot have anything in photos or in the home that’s not for sale. Some only tell you that after you sign an agreement. People go to estate sales to buy stuff to resell.

How to Do a MOVING Sale Right

Moving can be traumatic or fun. You don’t want to do an estate sale unless you move what you want out first. People expect everything to be for sale at an estate sale. Yard sales and garage sales sound like low prices. If you’re selling nice furniture, expect fair prices, and want to sell before you move, have a Moving Sale.

Estate sales are emotionally challenging, especially if they involve the belongings of a deceased loved one. Be prepared for a mix of emotions and consider seeking support from friends and family. If you’re unsure about handling everything, you can hire a professional estate sales company to assist. They charge 30% to 60%. Read The Ugly Truth About Estate Sales.

Determine the Purpose and Scope:
Decide why you’re holding the excess furnishings sale. Is it to downsize, settle an estate, or simply declutter? Determine the scope of the sale. Will it include the entire estate or just specific items? Are you moving out of your home into a different home? I you are NOT selling everything skip to Moving Sale below.

ESTATE SALE, Your Way

Hosting an estate sale is a significant undertaking, but it can also help you downsize or liquidate the belongings of a loved one who has passed away. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do an estate or moving sale ON YOUR TERMS – the way you want it.

Legal and Financial Considerations:
Consult with an attorney or legal advisor to understand any legal requirements, especially if it’s an estate sale following a death.
Establish a budget for the sale, including costs for advertising, permits (if necessary), and staff if you plan to hire help.
Inventory and Valuation:
Create an inventory of all items you intend to sell.
Get appraisals for valuable items to determine their market value.

Choose a Date and Time:
Pick a date and time for the sale. Typically, weekends are best.
Check for any local events or holidays that might affect attendance.
Organize and Display Items:
Clean and organize items for sale, categorizing them by type (furniture, clothing, collectibles, etc.).
Display items attractively to maximize their appeal.
Price Your Items:
Price items competitively. You can research online, consult experts, or hire a professional appraiser.
Use pricing tags or labels on each item. You don’t need to put stickers on things you’re keeping. Hang a sing at the entrance: Items without stickers are not for sale. It’s your sale! Stickers are hard to get off. One damaged my wood sideboard which I never wanted to sell.

Advertise the Sale:
Create eye-catching advertisements online and in local newspapers.
Use estate sale websites and social media platforms including NextDoor.
Put up signs around your neighborhood directing people to the sale.
Prepare for the Sale Day:
Arrange for tables, racks, and shelves to display items.
Ensure you have enough cash for making change, a cashbox, and a way to process electronic payments.
Have a plan for crowd control and security.
Provide shopping bags and boxes for buyers.
During the Sale:
Be ready to negotiate prices.
Keep an eye on security to prevent theft.
Have someone available to answer questions and assist customers.
After the Sale:
Consider what to do with unsold items, like donating or selling them online.
Settle any outstanding financial matters, like paying staff and taxes.
Clean Up:
Dispose of any items that didn’t sell.
Clean and restore the space to its original condition.
Evaluate and Reflect:
After the sale, evaluate what went well and what could be improved for future sales.
Closing Legal Matters:
If this was an estate sale, work with an attorney or executor to settle any remaining legal matters, like distributing proceeds to heirs or creditors.

Maximizing Your Moving Sale
A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

Are you gearing up for a move and looking to lighten your load while making some extra cash?

Hosting a moving sale is a fantastic way to declutter your home and pad your wallet at the same time. Follow these simple steps to ensure your moving sale is a resounding success:

1. Declutter and Sort: Start by going through every room in your home and identifying items you no longer need or want. Be ruthless in your decluttering efforts, setting aside broken or unsellable items to dispose of properly.
2. Clean and Organize: Once you’ve decluttered, give your home a thorough cleaning. A clean and organized space will attract more buyers and make it easier for them to browse your items.

3. Gather Supplies: Invest in some folding tables or set up sturdy surfaces to display your items for sale. Consider placing kitchen items for sale on countertops to showcase them effectively.
4. Price Items Strategically: Price your items competitively to ensure they sell quickly. Keep in mind that buyers are looking for bargains, so be prepared to negotiate. (Leave room for bargaining.)
5. Advertise Your Sale: Spread the word about your moving sale through social media, local classifieds, and neighborhood forums. Create eye-catching signs to direct buyers to your location.
6. Display Items Effectively: Arrange your items in an organized and visually appealing manner. Group similar items together and display them prominently to catch the eye of potential buyers.
7. Be Flexible: Be prepared to negotiate with buyers and consider offering discounts for bulk purchases or items that have been sitting unsold for a while.

By following these steps, you ensure that your moving sale is a success, allowing you to declutter your home and make extra cash in the process. Happy selling!