Don’t Toss That! Seven Essential Things to Know Before Hosting an Estate Sale

Life is full of transitions. Whether you are downsizing for a move, settling the estate of a loved one, or simply clearing space for a new chapter, the process of liquidating a home can feel overwhelming.

At Blue Moon Estate Sales – Orlando East, we believe this transition shouldn’t be a burden. Led by Sara (a former journalist) and Ben (a specialist in coins and precious metals), our team brings a unique blend of heart and data to every sale.

To help you get started, we’ve updated our list of the most common questions we are asked:

1. When is the right time to call a professional?

The golden rule: Call us before you throw or donate anything. It’s tempting to “clean up” before we arrive, but many items that look like clutter to you—old postcards, vintage kitchenware, or even half-used cleaning supplies—can be highly attractive to our shoppers. We recommend reaching out at least four to six weeks before you need the home cleared.

2. How do you determine the price of my items?

We price items at fair-market value. Because we have just two days to sell an entire house, we price things to move. We find the “sweet spot”—the highest price a motivated shopper will realistically pay in a weekend. This ensures you aren’t left with a house full of unsold goods while maximizing your total return.

3. Do I need to be home during the sale?

To ensure the best results, we require that homeowners and family members are not present during staging, pricing, or the sale itself. This allows us to transform your home into a professional retail environment. It also protects families from the emotional experience of seeing shoppers handle items that hold a lifetime of memories.

4. How do you protect my home and my privacy?

We treat your home with the utmost respect, using clear signage, controlled entry points, and professional staff. If we find personal items during setup—like family photos, legal documents, or old checkbooks—we set them aside for you to review.

5. What happens to the items that don’t sell?

While our goal is total liquidation, most sales have some items left over. We can refer you to a local charity that will pick up donations of most unsold items at no cost to you, providing a tax receipt for your records.

6. How much does an estate sale cost?

There is no out-of-pocket cost to our clients. We work strictly based on commission, meaning we only get paid when you get paid. The specific commission rate is determined after a free, in-home consultation. During this visit, we tour the home to ensure there are enough items to attract our shoppers and determine the manpower required to make your sale a success.

7. Do you do buyouts or consignment?

We do not offer buyouts. However, if you have a collection that is portable and has high market demand, we may be able to consign it into another home sale that has extra room. Please note that we generally do not consign furniture; consignment items must be portable.

Ready to take the first step? Every home has a story, and we are here to help you tell the final chapter with dignity. Call Sara at (407) 448-3093 to schedule your free consultation.