Serving Northern Illinois Since 1992 • Insured • Experienced • Household Liquidation Specialists
Preparation Checklist
Use this checklist to help prepare your home before the estate sale setup begins:
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I have reviewed the home and identified items not included in the sale.
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Important personal belongings and documents are secured.
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Items are left in place and not packed away.
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Walkways and rooms are accessible for setup.
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Special collections or valuables have been discussed.
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Family members have removed items they wish to keep.
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Utilities and lighting are working properly for sale days.
Before the appointment, please:
1. Do NOT throw things away: Value hides in unexpected places. Old paperwork, garage shelves, costume jewelry, kitchen drawers, tools, holiday decor, and boxes can surprise you.
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2. Pretend you are shopping your own home: Remove only items family and friends are definitely keeping before the consultation. If someone wants it, take it now, not later.
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3. Do NOT box or organize items to sell : No need to gather “like items” together. Leave that to us. You are hiring us to sort, organize, research, stage, price, and liquidate.
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4. Resist donating before speaking with us: Families often donate items buyers actively seek.
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5. Tell family members early: Avoid last-minute “I wanted that!” situations after work begins.
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6. Do basic access prep only: We do not need spotless. We need access. Clear pathways if possible.
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7. Avoid pricing items yourself: Garage sale pricing and estate liquidation pricing are very different.
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8. Important: Please finalize family decisions before we start: Our decision to take a sale, preparation time, staffing, and commission are based on the contents of the home at consultation and agreement. Once setup begins, removing items affects pricing, advertising, and the success of the sale.
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9. Relax a little: Most families have never done this before. Overwhelm is normal.
What do you need to do?
I have never done this before, Where do I start?
Before you do anything give us a call.
Any time 7 days a week​​
Do not throw things away
Do not put everything in boxes "to sell"
Do sort out personal items
Do remove or tag items that are not in sale.
During the consultation we’ll discuss:
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What stays and what goes
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Timeline and expectations
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Pricing strategy
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Setup needs
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Advertising and staffing
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Cleanout options
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What happens after the sale
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Your job before the consultation: Remove what you’re keeping and leave the rest alone.
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Our job: Sort, organize, price, advertise, stage, staff, and liquidate with the least stress possible.
