How to sell collectibles before an estate cleanout
By the DeKlutterNow team. Last updated . General information, not an appraisal.
Short answer: Before an estate cleanout, sort first, then sell. Pull out family keepsakes and important papers, photograph anything that may be collectible, get offers on those items, donate usable goods, and only then call junk removal for the rest. Do this before items are tossed in bags or a truck.
What should I do first when clearing an estate or garage?
Slow down and set aside papers, keepsakes, and anything the family wants to keep. Once those are safe, you can sort what is left without pressure.
If the estate involves legal or tax questions, check with the person handling the estate or a professional before selling.
How do I find the collectibles in a big pile?
Look in closets, garages, attics, and storage boxes for games, Lego, cards, comics, cameras, toys, watches, jewelry, and old electronics. Photograph shelves and boxes before you move them, since a photo of the whole group is useful to a buyer.
- Check shoe boxes and small containers for jewelry and watches
- Open storage totes before donating them
- Look inside old camera bags and game cases
- Keep sets together instead of splitting them up
What is the best order to clear a house?
A simple order is keep, sell, donate, recycle, then haul. Selling comes before the truck, because anything thrown out is gone for good.
What should go to donation or junk removal instead?
Usable household goods can often be donated. True trash, broken items, and debris belong with a junk removal company. We do not haul everything, and we say so clearly.
DeKlutterNow buys collectibles with resale value. See our landfill alternative page for how it fits with junk removal.
How can DeKlutterNow help with a cleanout?
Text photos of what you found to (858) 247-2017. We tell you honestly what we can buy, and in Southern California we come to you. If it is not a fit, we say so and you have lost nothing.
Quick questions
Do you haul away everything?
No. We buy items with resale or collectible value. For trash and debris you will still need a junk removal service.
Should I wait to sell until the house is empty?
No. Sell the collectibles first, while they are still easy to find and photograph.
Want an honest look at what you have?
Text photos and we will tell you whether it is a fit. You can say no at any time.