When facing the often overwhelming task of clearing out an estate, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions—nostalgia, stress, and even uncertainty about where to begin. Whether you’re managing the estate of a loved one who has passed away, downsizing, or preparing a property for sale, the process can be daunting. That’s where a professional clean out service, like the one offered by Stefek’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, becomes invaluable.
My passion for this business and my training as an auctioneer and appraiser mean that, even when I’m hired for a simple clean out, I’m on the lookout for items of significant value. Many of our clients come to us so overwhelmed, they need an advocate, as well as a professional.
Early on in my career, a client called me to take a look at her home to determine whether an estate sale or a clean out would be best for her. She was moving and really only had about half a dozen items she was looking to sell. As I was walking around, something grabbed my attention: a large round bar hanging on her wall that I immediately recognized as a piece by Paul Evans. I knew it was worth about $15,000.
I asked her what she was planning on doing with it, and she told me she was just planning on leaving it for the new owner; that it was too difficult to move. When I told her the value, she didn’t know what to do. And so I told her exactly what we would do.
My husband came over the next day to take it off the wall. Our painter was right behind him to paint and patch it for the new homeowners. And then we sold the bar for $17,700, money that went straight into our client’s pocket.
Years later, I had an older client who was looking to move in with her son and asked me to clean out her home. “Just do what you need to 
do,” she told me. She had some lovely items that we sold to local dealers—with all of the money going directly to our client. As an auction house, however, we also have access to a global market and are always looking for items that may have higher selling potential at auction. We took a number of her antiques on consignment and put them up in our next auction; one of these items was a cracked Chinese bowl.
About a week before the auction, our phones started ringing off the hooks. Every call was from China, with offer after offer coming in for that bowl (with a crack!). We knew we had something special. The day of the auction, we sold that bowl to a Chinese museum for $200,000. When I called our client to let her know, she had forgotten she even owned the item. Needless to say, she was ecstatic.
1. Expertise in Valuation and Sorting
One of the most challenging aspects of an estate clean out is determining what items hold value and which do not. With years of experience in the field, Stefek’s brings a level of expertise that allows for accurate valuations of your estate’s contents. Our team knows what to look for, from hidden treasures like antique jewelry and rare collectibles to everyday items that still hold market value. By identifying valuable items early in the process, you can ensure nothing of worth is accidentally discarded or overlooked.
2. Compassionate and Professional Support
Cleaning out an estate is more than just a physical task; it’s an emotional journey. Stefek’s understands the sensitive nature of estate clean outs and approaches each project with the respect and care it deserves. Our team can offer guidance and support so you can make informed decisions without feeling rushed or pressured. We are here to help ease the burden, not add to it.
3. Efficiency and Organization
Attempting a clean out on your own can quickly become overwhelming. Sorting through years, sometimes decades, of accumulated possessions is no small feat. Stefek’s professional team is skilled in organizing and executing estate clean outs with efficiency. We handle everything—from sorting and packing to disposing of unwanted items—ensuring that the process is completed in a timely manner. We sell ordinary items to dealers, take auction-worthy items on consignment, and disperse useful items to people in need. We also go through every item to make sure that things like family photos, personal paperwork, and money are kept safe and returned to the client. This allows you to focus on more important aspects, such as family and personal well-being, during what is often a difficult time.
4. Maximizing the Value of Your Estate
One of the key benefits of using Stefek’s for your estate clean out is our integrated service offering. As experienced auctioneers and appraisers, we not only help with the clean-out but also with the sale of valuable items. Once the estate is cleared, we can seamlessly transition into the auction phase, ensuring that you get the best possible return on your estate’s assets. Our team can advise on the best way to market and sell items, from online auctions to specialized sales, maximizing your returns.
5. Stress-Free Disposal
Deciding what to do with unwanted items can be a source of stress. Stefek’s offers responsible disposal services and ensures any appropriate items are donated to worthy causes. We take care of all the logistics, so you don’t have to worry about the details. At the end of our process, the home is completely clean and realtor-ready.
6. Peace of Mind
Ultimately, the greatest benefit of hiring Stefek’s for your estate clean out is peace of mind. Knowing that experienced professionals are handling the process allows you to step back and breathe a little easier. You can trust that the job will be done right, with every item accounted for and every detail managed.
At Stefek’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, we understand that an estate clean out is about more than just clearing space; it’s about preserving memories, valuing what matters, and moving forward with clarity and purpose. Our professional clean-out services are designed to make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on what truly matters during this time of change.
If you’re facing an estate clean out, let Stefek’s help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you every step of the way.
