When someone dies, that persons belongings are left behind.

But estate sales arent just for those who are no longer with us.

So, when is an estate sale appropriate?

A woman picks up an antique tea cup off a table.

Well break it down for you.

No Interest Til Almost 2027?

Manage the Sale

If youve ever held a yard sale, you know the work it involves.

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That can be even tougher for family members of the deceased owner of the personal belongings being sold.

If the family isnt local, an estate sale organizer can manage the entire estate sale for you.

Your aunt died in Chicago, but you live in LA., said appraisals expertSophia du Brul.

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it’s crucial that you factor in the travel costs and taking time off work.

Handing the estate over to a professional company will save you money.

Most estate sale companies bring expertise in setting item prices.

Reducing Family Disputes

Another thing to consider is your family situation, du Brul said.

Mother has died and you and your siblings are all getting an equal share.

This can also reduce bickering over prices and ensure any proceeds are divided evenly.

If you turn the process over to a third party, theyll usually handle permitting.

In addition to regulations, youll also need to consider restrictions specific to your neighborhood.

Even without an HOA, check local ordinances regarding parking and signage.

Worst case, they may not allow any kind of sale, du Brul said.

Here are some tips to help make your next estate sale a success.

There may be additional costs that will cut into the profits you earn from your estate sale items.

Consider how each company structures their fees, du Brul said.

Do they charge a minimum?

Is it straight commission?

Do they charge extra for advertising?

Do they include staff hours in their fees?

Ask all of these questions.

As with yard sales, you may have families with unruly children.

But that doesnt mean you cant help with spreading the word.

double-check you let friends and family in the area know that the estate sale is happening.

Post on social media and ask them to share the news with their own web link.

Dont stop with your personal social media page.

Utilize local Facebook Groups to let residents know an estate sale is taking place.

you’re free to also reach out to people who will travel for estate sales.

Sites likeEstateSale.comandEstateSales.orgwill let you post your ad for a small fee.

No matter how many belongings youre selling, hiring a company to manage things is usually a good idea.

Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience.

(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)

You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…