Auctions are a very common way to dispose personal property in the Midwest. Estate and farm auctions are a way of life, and some people follow them with great interest, great finds and fabulous buys.  I don't see quite as many in Southern California--usually those are tag sales or garage sales.  

I'm surprised I don't see more auctions here. It is a great way to dispose of items that have been in a home for decades.

Yes, get that stuff outta there!  This is a great alternative for some Sellers to consider.

Cathy, in my career I have met three "Hoarders".  Not in the sense of unsanitary or unhealthy...  but these people had stuff stacked to the ceilings in every room.  One lady had "pathways" through the different rooms of the house. I have never seen so much stuff in a house.

    One of the 3 got foreclosed on - then, the auctioneers and the estate sellers came and got rid of it all.  The other two hoarders, to the best of my knowledge, are still living that way.

That would be a great way to clean out the house, and not have to move everything!

A well advertised auction does a lot better, IMHO, than someone going to the estate sale.  There is something to be said about "bidding"

There are reputable estate sale companies in my market area that will sell personal property for a home seller.

Like Fred, I've met a few hoarders.  Nothing I can do for them until the stacks of stuff (and the silverfish) are out.

So far, it hasn't happened.

Defintely auction is one of the best option when clearing clutters in the house.

We don't have too many auctioneers for people's stuff in my area but this is really a great idea, and would be well-worth it. 

Feng Shui decluttering can work with every bit of this. Basically though, we say that decluttering can let the air flow in a more healthy way.

Love and light,

Laura

We typically have not seen auctions.  Estate sales seem to be the norm.

Estate sales are more common in our area but an auction sounds like a quick solution too.

Clutter oh clutter! Cathy, this is #1 culprit (or should I say #2 - after price) for a listed home not having a 'sold' sign.

Where I grew up there were auctions all over.  Down here, not so much.  People sell their homes furnished and just take their clothes!

Taking listings that aren't decluttered is a mistake!  The price just gets dropped and buyers just walk out.

Love the snapshot of you with that creepy clown picture.

Good plan for many I'm sure.

We've called in the auctioneer on a few occasions.  They can certainly clear a room or a home in no time at all!

Same with bottle for recycling...if not disposed of, they take over quickly

Hopefully some home owners can get money for their belongings. but most of the time it really is just junk!

Cathy,

That is definitely another option for sellers to consider. Options are good.  This way sellers can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would suggest this as the last resource, since auctioning their personal belongings seems so final. I would try to pack as much as possible and have them store it at a storage. Since they are going to move anyways, it is just a matter of time when the house gets sold, might as well start packing now and have it ready for the movers when the time arrives.

This is a unique way to clear a home for sale and one that I had not thought of.

Hadn't heard of using an auctioneer to get rid of clutter.  Good way to reduce unnecessary things and maybe get some money for it.  

I hear the Got Junk ad many times a day.  Your seller should give them a call.

PODs (those rentable residential storage containers) are a solution if a client is unwilling to let go of things before they sale. I encourage sellers to pare it down to minimal furniture and zero clutter for an easier sale.

Great idea.  I have only used auctions for estate properties, but I can see where it could be a benefit in other situations as well.  Thank you for the post.

I buy a lot of houses with a lot of stuff left in them. An auction is a good idea. So is the flea market. Some will clean the house just to get the stuff to sell on Saturday at the flea markets.