There are many benefits of working with an estate sale company, as opposed to running the event on your own. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to consult with professionals who know the ins and outs of the industry.

While your estate sale company can answer many questions, some are more important than others. For example, those related to the items you’re selling are among the most important to discuss.

Here are three questions that you should ask upfront:

1. Are these items worth selling?

In other words, make a list of items that are valuable and will attract attention. Also, make a list of items that you may be better off keeping, tossing out, or donating to charity.

Your estate sale company can give you a better idea of what each item could sell for.

2. Are these items hot?

As part of the industry, your estate sale company will know what is selling at the present time. As a result, you can rely on their experience to price your items to sell.

This isn’t to suggest that hot items are the only ones with a buyer. However, those that have sold at other estate sales in the recent past are more likely to sell at your event in the near future.

3. Is there anything I can do to make certain items more appealing?

For example, you may find that you can touch-up a piece of wood furniture to give it a “fresh” look and feel. Or maybe you can give your power tools a thorough cleaning, removing any dust or debris that has built up over the years.

As you begin to plan your estate sale, don’t hesitate to lean on your estate sale company for advice and guidance. Asking these questions is a great place to start.