A practical order of jobs for move-outs, estate sales and downsizing: sort first, secure valuables, fix hazards, then patch and touch up.
Sort and decide what stays before anything else. Then secure personal papers and valuables, fix hazards in the house, and only then patch, paint and clean. Estate sale companies handle pricing and setup, so skip staging. Repairs come last so nobody undoes them while moving furniture.
What order should the jobs go in?
1. Decide what stays and goes. An estate sale professional writing for the National Association of Realtors says to treasure-hunt the whole house first, including attics and crawl spaces, so you do not find something you want after the crew clears them. Mention storage units and items at a relative's garage so the company can add them.
2. Secure personal items. The same article says to gather anything with personally identifiable information, such as Social Security cards, military papers, medical bills, passports, licenses, pay stubs and prescription drugs, and remove it from the house.
3. Fix hazards. The article says that if the owner points out hazards such as a loose stair or a low doorway, it helps keep team members and shoppers safe, and that it is even better to fix them before the sale.
4. Move oversized pieces and clear out. The article suggests moving large items such as entertainment centers, large desks, sleeper sofas, exercise equipment and pianos to the first floor, where they sell better because they are easy to remove. It also says to leave the house to the professionals while they run the sale.
5. Patch, paint and touch up after the house is empty, when it is ready for the next owner or tenant.
That article was published in 2021 and written by an estate sale company co-founder, so treat it as one expert's practical advice. Confirm timing and expectations with the company you hire.
What do estate sale companies expect from the house?
According to the same source, the company handles pricing and setup in a short window, and they do not expect staging. They do expect you to decide what you are keeping, move out before setup, and tell them about anything with a story or a purchase record. Providing paperwork for designer items, rugs, jewelry or art helps establish value.
A handyman does not value or sell contents. We help with the house.
Which repairs help most before an estate sale?
Think safety and access first:
- Loose or broken stair rails and wobbly steps
- Sticking doors and locks that do not latch, so rooms can be secured
- Burned-out bulbs and broken fixtures in basements, hallways and attics where shoppers walk
- Loose floor transitions and curled thresholds
- Basement or garage shelving that is pulling off the wall
Cosmetic work can wait. The estate sale crew is selling contents, not the finish on the walls.
What about a move-out or downsizing sale of the house?
If the house is going on the market, the list changes. Our guide on what to fix before selling a North Shore house covers the repairs buyers and inspectors notice. Illinois sellers of one to four unit homes also have disclosure duties covered there.
For a rental move-out, see small repairs landlords handle between tenants.
What does a handyman do on a downsizing list?
- Remove wall-mounted TVs, shelves, mirrors and curtain rods, then patch the holes
- Take down and haul away built-in shelving the buyer does not want, if the home is yours to alter
- Disassemble beds, tables and sheds that will not fit through doors
- Re-hang or remove doors, repair closet tracks, replace hardware
- Fix what a move-in cleaning crew will otherwise leave: stuck windows, torn screens, loose cabinet pulls
Furniture removal and hauling is a separate service; ask us what we handle on your visit. If anything involves plumbing, electrical or roofing, a licensed independent contractor does that part. See handyman vs. licensed contractor in Illinois.
How should you send us the list?
Walk the house with your phone. Photograph each room, plus the basement, attic and garage. Write the target date for the sale, closing, or move. Note which items you are keeping so we do not disturb them. A punch list works well here.
FAQ
Should I deep clean before the estate sale?
Ask your estate sale company. Many handle setup themselves, so confirm what they expect before you spend time cleaning.
Do I need to repair everything before the sale?
No. Fix hazards first. Cosmetic repairs can wait or wait for the buyer.
Can you do the work while the sale is on?
Better before or after. The sale company needs clear access and a safe floor.
Do I have to be there?
That depends on the job. We can arrange access and photo updates. Ask when you call.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
