Senior Downsizing, Relocation and Liquidation FAQ

The cost to downsize and move can vary depending on the size of the home and the volume of belongings. As a general guideline, the price per square foot for packing, moving, and resettling a home with medium-density contents typically ranges from $4.50 to $5.50. For homes with high-density belongings, the range is usually between $7.00 and $8.00 per square foot. These estimates are based on a 1,000 square foot home but can be applied broadly. Please note, this does not include hoarding situations, which require an individual assessment before any pricing can be provided.

The cost to clear out a home can vary depending on the size of the home and the volume of belongings. As a general guideline, the price per square foot for clearing out a home with medium-density belongings is $4.50 to $5.50. For homes with high-density belongings, the range is usually between $7.00 and $9.00 per square foot. These estimates are based on a 1,000 square foot home but can be applied broadly. Please note, this does not include hoarding situations, which require an individual assessment before any pricing can be provided.

If you have ample free time and the physical ability to handle packing, a DIY move might be a good option. However, if you’re already juggling work, family, or other responsibilities, hiring a professional may be the smarter choice—for yourself or a loved one. The average family spends over a month downsizing, packing, and settling into a new home. In contrast, a professional team can typically complete the entire process in just 2 to 3 weeks. In the end, it comes down to one key question: how much is your time worth?

Some people have the support of family and friends who are available and willing to help with a downsizing and move. When deciding between a DIY approach and hiring professionals, it’s important to consider both time and cost.

DIY for a medium-density home:

• Time investment: Approximately 80 hours (valued at $50/hour)
• Supplies: Around 90 boxes plus packing materials
• Moving truck: 15’ U-Haul
• Estimated cost: $4.00–$5.00 per square foot

Professional move for a medium-density home:

• Full-service downsizing, packing, moving, and resettling
• Estimated cost: $4.50–$5.50 per square foot

Ultimately, the right choice depends on the time, energy, and support you have available—and how much you value your own time.

Every company structures its fees a little differently. Some may charge a setup fee along with a percentage of the sale proceeds, while others just take a flat percentage. That percentage usually falls between 35% and 50%. If a company charges only a percentage, they typically look for sales expected to bring in at least $10,000 in value.

When it comes to estate sales, not everything has the same appeal. Some items consistently attract buyers, while others have lost their value in today’s market.

✅ Items That Sell Well:

• Midcentury Modern furniture and décor are always in demand.
• Original antiques, especially those from the 1700s and 1800s, can perform well.
• CorningWare, vintage kitchenware, and certain cooking tools often find eager buyers.
• Depression glass and antique glassware may sell—but popularity can vary depending on color and pattern.
• Name-brand, high-end purses and clothing, along with costume and fine jewelry, are crowd-pleasers.
• Rare or solid silver coin collections are highly sought after—though stamp collections tend to be hit-or-miss.
• Professional musical instruments like electric guitars, drums, and keyboards generate interest. However, student-level instruments generally don’t.
• Crafting and art supplies, along with contemporary hand and power tools, tend to move quickly.

❌ Items That Often Don’t Sell:

• Crystal and fine china, once considered estate sale staples, are no longer in demand.
• Large rolltop desks, old wooden or metal office desks, are rarely purchased—today’s buyers prefer compact computer desks for small spaces.
• Collectibles like Precious Moments, Beanie Babies, and Hallmark ornaments have lost most of their resale appeal.
• Seasonal items, such as Christmas décor, typically don’t sell outside their season.
• Pianos are extremely difficult to move—most don’t sell, and many can’t even be given away.
• Pool tables are another bulky item that rarely sells due to their size and the effort required to move them.

When people hear “estate sale,” they often assume it means making a profit. But that’s not always the case.

Traditional estate sales are typically only profitable when there are high-value items involved—usually totaling at least $10,000 in inventory. Because of this, many traditional estate sale companies won’t take on a project unless the potential earnings are high enough to justify their efforts.

At Caring Transitions, we take a different approach. We understand that sometimes the goal isn’t profit—it’s peace of mind, progress, and clearing out a home.

We’re happy to help even when the inventory is smaller. In these cases, we treat the project as a clear-out first, and price it accordingly. We then hold an estate sale to help offset those costs. Our model is simple:
We retain 45% of the estate sale proceeds to facilitate the sale. The remaining proceeds are applied to the cost of the clear-out.

Sometimes the sale covers the entire cost—sometimes there's a balance due. And when there’s money left over for the client, we’re always thrilled to be able to return it.

While it’s true that any item over 100 years old is technically considered an antique, age alone doesn’t guarantee value.

Many families have cherished heirlooms that have been passed down through generations. However, the emotional or sentimental value these items hold within a family often doesn’t translate to value in the resale market.

So what does make an antique valuable?

✅ Key Factors Buyers Look For:

• Authenticity: Original, handmade pieces from defined historical periods—such as Chippendale (1755–1790), Victorian (1830–1901), or Art Nouveau (1896–1914)—are the most sought after.
• Craftsmanship: Factory reproductions of these styles are common and typically not valuable. Collectors want true period pieces, not mass-produced imitations.
• Midcentury Modern Exception: One factory-made style that is in demand is Midcentury Modern furniture and décor. These items hold nostalgic value and are appreciated for their clean lines and iconic design.
• Condition: Condition is crucial. Furniture or décor that needs repair, is missing parts, or shows heavy wear usually won’t sell. Buyers want pieces that were well cared for—if the original owner didn’t maintain it, the market likely won’t value it.

In short, rarity, originality, craftsmanship, condition, and historical significance are the factors that make an antique truly valuable.

What are the advantages of an Estate Sale?

Estate sales are quite different from garage sales. Rather than placing items on tables in your garage and driveway, estate sale companies typically stage the home in a boutique-like setting. This professional presentation, combined with their loyal followers, usually results in higher foot traffic and better sales outcomes.

One of the biggest advantages is the expertise estate sale professionals bring—they know how to price items to sell and which pieces can bring in top dollar. Most importantly, they handle all the setup, marketing, and management, saving you significant time and effort.

What are some of the drawbacks?

The estate sale company takes a percentage of the proceeds, which reduces your net earnings. The sale takes place in the home, which may feel intrusive for some. Also, because estate sales typically last only a few days, some valuable items may not be seen by the right buyer—and not everything will sell.