Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I desperately need a hint as to how to dispose of all the things in my parents’ home. They both died within the past 18 months. My brothers, sister and I don’t have room for many items in our homes and feel a garage sale would be too painful. - Kay McManus, Garland, Texas

Have you considered asking a trusted family member or friend who may be able to oversee a private sale? If there is no one, there are companies you can hire to liquidate the estate (the fee is usually a percentage of the estate sale profits. Some companies may also ask you to pay part of the expenses). They usually do everything, from going through closets and drawers to preparing the items for sale (dusting, cleaning, polishing etc.), pricing by appraisal, placing advertisements, overseeing the sale and so on.

Before dealing with an estate liquidation company, make sure they are reputable and bonded. Get references and read the contract carefully before signing. - Heloise