What do we do with everything in the house?

Get a plan, and then work in order. Your parent chooses what goes to the new home, family chooses what they want to keep, and the rest goes to an estate sale, consignment, donation, or clean-out. Start before the move-in date.

After decades in one house, this is usually the longest part of getting it ready to sell. Working in order keeps things from leaving the house before the right person has seen them.

1. What goes to the new home

Get the floor plan and room measurements from the community, along with any rules on furniture. Measure the pieces your parent wants to bring. Your parent decides what goes. Move those items first, so the new home is set up and familiar on day one.

2. What family keeps

Have each family member list what they want. Where two people want the same thing, take turns choosing. Photos, letters, and keepsakes can be scanned or divided. Items for family out of state can be packed and shipped.

3. Papers and valuables before anything leaves

Go through drawers, closets, and boxes before any vendor arrives. Look for:

• Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and deeds
• Insurance policies, tax returns, and account statements
• Car titles, keys, and safe deposit box information
• Cash, jewelry, and anything else of value

Keep the papers together and give them to whoever handles your parent's finances. Shred only once you're sure nothing is still needed.

4. Everything else

• Estate sale company: worth it when there's enough of value to sell. They price, stage, and run the sale, and are paid a percentage of what sells. Many also arrange the clean-out afterward. Ask what the percentage is and what happens to unsold items.
• Auction or consignment: for specific pieces of value, such as art, jewelry, or quality furniture.
• Donation: many charities will pick up. Keep the receipts for your parent's tax return.
• Clean-out: a removal company takes what's left, so the house is empty and ready to clean.

How long it takes

In my experience, plan on several weeks from the move to an empty house. The size of the house and the number of family members involved can stretch it. Estate sale companies are often booked weeks out, so call them before the move-in date.

While the house is empty

• Call the insurance company. Many homeowners policies limit coverage once a house has been vacant for a set period, often 60 days. Ask what your parent's policy says.
• Keep the utilities on. Buyers and inspectors will expect heat, water, and power.
• Have someone check the house every week, and after storms.

If you're out of town

I connect you with trusted local vendors for the estate sale, clean-out, and repairs. You make the decisions and hire them directly. I help you manage the process and keep everyone informed.

Once the house is clear, the next decision is what to fix. Should I renovate before selling my parent's house? covers that, and a Home Audit shows which repairs are worth doing.

For more on the whole process, see how I approach helping a parent move and sell.

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