Estate Sale Lessons

The Two Biggest Estate Sale Lessons:

1. Get rid of unneeded STUFF now
2. Quit bringing more unnecessary STUFF into the house in the future

Right about this time last year, I stopped at a home where I’d seen a sign that announced a HUGE ESTATE SALE!

Items from the deceased were scattered from the house to the tree lawn, up the length of the driveway, and on top of tables in the garage. Some items on display had never been opened and were too outdated to ever be useful; not likely to ever be sold.

Of course, there were a few gems that could be mined for in the piles, but most of the items for sale could have/should have been eliminated a long time ago.

Why Are These Two Estate Sale Lessons Important?

It would have been a GIFT to this unfortunate daughter if she hadn’t inherited this load of goods. This grieving woman had a huge undertaking ahead, both physically and emotionally.

1. Start Eliminating Stuff NOW To Feel A Sense of FREEDOM!

If that task sounds overwhelming, ALL THE MORE REASON TO TACKLE IT!

Start at one level of the house. Decide on one room on that level, then go to one corner of that room, and work your way to the exit.

Start with non-emotional items – items with no memories attached. Go for EASY items on your first sweep.

Handle each item and consider the last time it was used. If the answer is “never” or “over 5 years ago,” it’s a good candidate for elimination.

Start Eliminating These Items First:

• Books: Pick up each book, read the title, open up to scan contents, and decide if you’re even interested in that subject anymore. This might be easier than you think.
• Extra small appliances: A backup hand mixer, toaster, or old microwave are things you probably don’t need, right?
• Board games: When is the last time you played a board game anyway? And do you have duplicates you can let go?
• Extra lamps or lampshades: They’re in abundance in garage sales, so you can pick up another one quickly in a pinch. Let them go.
• Old luggage: Do you have more than necessary for the amount of travel you do? Is it gathering dust and taking up space?
• Garden tools: If you’re paying for yard help, do you need all those shovels and rakes? Do you see yourself down on your knees using hand tools in the dirt?
• Party items (if you don’t entertain anymore): Over-sized bowls, serving trays, duplicate pitchers, silverware, old liquor)
• Old medical items: Braces from old injuries, crutches
• Sporting items: Bowling balls, golf clubs, exercise bikes and treadmills
• Leftovers from remodeling projects: Old tile, wallpaper remnants, and toilet seats

Ask your loved ones if they want to see items before you discard them. Get their feedback on what’s really important or valuable to them.

Do research to learn which items might be valuable.

Then, organize and prepare to throw away or donate items to a thrift shop or shelter soon!

2. Live With Less Clutter For Good!

Make a promise to yourself that you won’t bring more clutter back into your home. You’ll enjoy your new sense of freedom!

If you are sheltering at home right now, you have time to organize and de-clutter so you’ll feel better about the time you’ve spent at home!

Please share your thoughts in the comment box below:

Have YOU ever had to clean out a loved one’s house? What did you learn from that?

Are YOU ready to start clearing out stuff?

What other suggestions do YOU have for us?

This post was updated from June 5, 2019. For more advice on eliminating items or why you should use Mom’s good china NOW, click here.