Professional Perspective
Spring Cleaning & Personal Property: Insights from an Estate Sale Expert
As part of trust and estate administration, families are often surprised by the volume and complexity of personal property left behind. We interviewed Cory Dazey, the owner of White Raven Estate Sales, to share what most often creates challenges, and where thoughtful planning can make the biggest difference.
What are some of the biggest challenges when liquidating personal property from an estate?
- Full stop.
They are hard to get rid of and often cost more to dispose of than they’re worth. They don’t sell for much. You will often see them in listing photos when realtors are advertising homes because they are so difficult to move.
- Papers —especially financial records.
People tend to hang on to tax returns and bank statements forever. Tax returns should generally be kept for seven years. Bank statements, once reviewed for the year, can usually be shredded or stored digitally.
Original estate planning documents, property deeds, and titles should be stored in a fireproof safe or with a professional fiduciary. Personal papers—cards, letters, children’s crafts, awards, diplomas, photographs—should be distributed to family or thoughtfully destroyed.
- Food
Pantries and shelves should be cleaned out annually. Expired canned goods, dry goods, and spices should be discarded. Even if a spice is still used occasionally, years in the back of a cabinet means it’s no longer serving its purpose. Unexpired food can be sold at an estate sale or donated to a local food pantry.
- Cleaning Products/Toiletries
Unused items can often be sold. Estate sale shoppers frequently look for everyday discounts—laundry detergent, spray cleaners, sponges, toothpaste, paper towels, napkins, even unopened toilet paper.
- “Stuff”
When every cabinet, drawer, and closet is emptied, the sheer volume of accumulated items is often astonishing. A common example: dozens of food containers, many without matching lids, that realistically will never be used again.
- The Garage
Over time, garages become storage spaces for items that might be useful “someday.” As mobility becomes more difficult, it’s easier to store things there and forget them, turning the garage into an overfilled storage unit with little room left for even a vehicle.
How should families think about “value” when it comes to personal property?
- Value is subjective
Value is an interesting concept and often depends on individual perspective. The current owner’s perspective is a general belief that things are more valuable than they are, particularly in a resale environment. The beneficiary of an estate might also believe things are more valuable than they are, but paradoxically they have no interest in taking ownership of the items themselves.
- Sentimental value ≠ resale value.
Memories do not equate to value. A hat from a family trip to Disneyland has very little resale value and is typically not of interest to your heirs. There are always exceptions. A hat you managed to have Elvis Presley sign is a very different story and may have substantial value.
- Lifestyle changes matter.
Keep in mind that giant oak entertainment centers or grandfather clocks or dishes that are not dishwasher safe are rarely of interest these days and will harm the resale value.
What about equipment like tractors, rotary tillers and lawnmowers?
These items depreciate over time, but if they are maintained, operational, and properly stored, they can still command a good price. Rusted or non‑running equipment left exposed is often worth little more than scrap—and the cost to remove it may exceed its value.
Why consider a professional estate sale company?
- Experience identifying value.
A recent estate sale held a vast collection of antiques and collectibles with significant value in and of themselves. However, the family also had a collection of old video games. An inexperienced individual may toss or donate the games. However, the games and their boxes were highly valuable and enthusiastically purchased by local and out of the area collectors, nearly exceeding the total value of the contents of the home.
- Effective marketing.
An established professional will have an extensive following with far-flung distribution via email and social media platforms. Referred to as a ‘cover shot’, extremely unique collections such as antique slot machines or antique toys are promoted and bring collectors from all over the pacific northwest or beyond. This level of advertising cannot begin to compare with a sign in the front yard, a notice at your church or a local listing on Facebook marketplace.
- Cost vs. outcome.
A professional liquidator could charge anywhere from 30% to 50% of the gross proceeds of the sale in exchange for advertising, staging, organizing, pricing, donating what doesn’t sell, hauling garbage to the dump and leaving the home swept clean. Alternatively, a family member can put on a traditional garage sale and do all the work as described but won’t typically net what a professional does due to their experience and expertise.
Any final thoughts?
- This isn’t about removing everything you own for the sake of your heirs. It’s important to surround yourself, with intention, with things you love.
- Labeling meaningful items can help, but it’s equally important to understand your heirs may not want everything.
- The experience and efficiency of a seasoned estate sale professional can make an enormous difference during an already emotional time.
OPB Trust Services Perspective
Our Trust Services team frequently coordinates with families and professionals during trust and estate administration. Thoughtful planning—reducing volume, organizing documents, and clearly communicating wishes—can help make these transitions far easier for everyone involved.
