10 Things You Need to Know When Helping A Senior Downsize
How An Auction House Can Help Seniors and Their Families Prepare for Elder Care
Helping a loved one prepare for the transition into elder care can be difficult, learn how a local auction house can help with the process of downsizing
As seniors embark on the journey of downsizing and preparing for senior living, they often face the challenging task of sorting through a lifetime of cherished possessions. This process can be emotional and overwhelming, especially when considering elder care and transitioning to a new chapter in life. However, with the assistance of an auction house specializing in estate clear-outs this transition can become more manageable and even financially rewarding.
Vallot Auctioneers has decades of experience helping seniors downsize and helping seniors maximize the value of their possessions. We put together a list of key points that you should consider when helping a senior downsize.
Ten Key Points to Helping a Senior Downsize:
Have every item professionally evaluated
Sort items into three main groups.
A. Donate.
B. Keep.
C. Auction.
Discuss details (for auction items).
A. When it was acquired.
B. How it was acquired.
C. Where it was acquired.
Make a plan to remove donated and auctioned items from personal insurance policies.
Use a professional team to pack and remove items from the home.
Coordinate with estate planning representatives and/or accountants about items being sold or donated.
Develop a timeline around a planned move so items still being used are not removed from the home until the senior is ready to move.
Work with an auction house to access an international market of bidders for high value or highly specialized items.
Seek the help of professional art handlers and restorers (an auction house can assist you with this) to remove and or prepare damaged or fragile items for auction.
Use the auction house to help store items in anticipation of sale, which can be helpful for seniors who need to move into assisted living quickly.
Seek professional services and marketing to ensure all items sold are sold for the highest possible price.