Three honest options for a full house. The right one depends on what's inside and how fast you need it empty.
| Estate sale | Auction | Donate and haul away | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full homes with a mix of items | A few high-value pieces | Low-value contents, tight deadline |
| Time to empty | 2 to 4 weeks | 3 to 8 weeks | 2 to 5 days |
| What you get back | 55 to 70 percent of gross | 60 to 85 percent of hammer price on chosen items | A tax receipt, minus hauling cost |
| Effort for you | Low | Medium, you choose what goes | Low |
| Watch out for | Minimums, clear-out fees | Buyer's premium, unsold lots returned | Nothing comes back to the estate |
The most common plan for a full home is an estate sale with two or three pieces sent to auction first. Good estate sale companies will tell you which pieces those are during the walk-through.