A PRACTICAL PLACE TO BEGIN
Your estate
preparation checklist.
Use this one step at a time. You do not need to finish every task before asking for help.
1. Protect what matters
- Set aside personal identification, financial papers, keys and other private records.
- Secure medications, sensitive belongings and items requiring special handling.
- Identify family keepsakes and belongings that are not available for sale.
- Confirm who is authorized to make decisions about the contents.
2. Take a first look
- Note which rooms, storage areas and collections need attention.
- Take a few broad room photos if you can do so comfortably.
- Identify access, stairs, parking or community restrictions.
- Avoid discarding, donating, cleaning or repairing items just to prepare for the consultation.
3. Gather the practical details
- Write down the property city and your preferred contact information.
- Note move, closing, lease or property handover deadlines.
- Decide who can provide access if you are out of town.
- List the questions and concerns you want to discuss.
4. Review the proposed plan
- Compare sale format, included work and responsibilities.
- Confirm fees, minimums and potential additional expenses.
- Ask about preparation, advertising, sale dates and buyer collection.
- Agree on unsold items, clearing and any final property requirements.
- Clarify reporting, deductions and the seller payment timeframe in writing.
Your notes
Select Estate Sales · selectestatesales.com/contact/
This checklist covers preparation for discussing household contents. It is not a substitute for advice from your legal, tax or financial professional.
YOUR NEXT STEP
You can start before you feel ready.
A short overview is enough to begin discussing your options.