Before World War II. families sold unwanted items from their homes and called that a rummage sale. Instead of making money for themselves, the funds usually went to churches and charities. After WWII families prospered and began buying excess furnishings. The change to consumerism and accumulation led to yard sales. During the 1970s, folks switched to sustainability and decluttering. The term for home furnishings sales became garage sales — the location of the sale. Massive exposure and popularity led to Estate Sales. People on the move began offering most of their possessions from inside their homes. This way, they sell what they want to sell for acceptable prices and keep the rest.
 
Today, Estate Sale Companies dominate the marketplace. They don’t make their rules well known. Some companies specialize in Estate Sales for heirs selling everything. Other estate sale companies scan homes for sale online. Looking for business, they check out home sellers’ furnishings and neighborhoods. They select appealing prospects and call them to sell their services.  Estate Sale companies and movers called me to sell me their services.
 
I checked out an estate sale across the street from my home. These friendly folks marked the prices of stuff on counters and tables. They posted Not for Sale signs on the bookcases and cupboards. Some furniture also had Not for Sale signs. This was an actual estate sale where my elderly neighbor and his wife had died. This team was too busy to help me on short notice. My home had sold and closed. Out of kindness, they sent their appraiser to give me pricing ideas for my special pieces. This company paid attention to what the heirs wanted to save. They didn’t expect to sell everything.
 
There is a difference in estate sales companies. Another company caused me a huge financial loss and emotional upheaval.
 
Recovering from Long Covid and then eye shingles, I suffered pain and lack of energy. I couldn’t work for over a year. We lost our live event business and income, and my home sold at a bargain price. My partner killed himself. Confused, I suffered the first week of grief
 
I needed help selling extra stuff. I accepted a 35% commission Estate Sales company. (Many quoted more, up to 60%.) My family and I placed Not for Sale on a few furnishings. We packed the kitchen and left things we needed to use in the cupboards. We put items for sale on the counters.
 
The sales team came and asked me to leave my home and I left earlier than planned. They didn’t inform me of their policies before we agreed upon their services. I was clueless about their type of estate sale. They expected the owners to leave so their team could stage the sale.
 
The next day, my daughter told me the sales team put my kitchen supplies from the cupboard on their sales tables. They informed her I could not have furniture, paintings, and mirrors left in place Not for Sale. (My desks, gifts from my late husband, and my mother’s paintings mean so much to me!) And, they were underpricing everything! I stood my ground on my stuff but not the pricing. I was at such a disadvantage and helpless. Two days later, I moved 700 miles away.
 
The Estate Sale company quit, leaving me without a way to sell anything. They took their tables and left the door unlocked. A disaster occurred with my home ransacked. Belongings were strewn across the front yard and furniture sat left out in the rain in the backyard. My real estate agents accused me of leaving trash in the front yard under their sign. I didn’t live with trash so how could I leave trash? I didn’t receive so many things in the move. I wasn’t there. I’m missing furniture, exercise equipment, clothing, potted plants, and precious keepsakes. Avoid a disaster selling your things with a reputable Estate Sales Company.
 
Or do it yourself following: How to Do a MOVING Sale Right coming up next.