Belongings During Moving or Probate

Written by

Emily Young

Content & Digital Marketing Executive

Reviewed by

Josie Shepherd

Senior Brand and Communications Manager

Moving house or dealing with probate can both be overwhelming, even more so when it involves sorting through a lot of belongings, as this brings logistical and emotional challenges.  

Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or managing an estate, here’s our comprehensive guide to help you decide what to do with different items.  

Step 1: Assess the situation 

Before making any hasty decisions, take your time to assess what’s in front of you. This will involve sorting through belongings and categorising them as follows: 

1. Keep – Items with sentimental value or practical use 

2. Sell – Items with value but are no longer needed 

3. Donate – Items in good condition with low value and/or can benefit others 

4. Discard – Items that are broken, damaged, or unsuitable for selling/donating 

Step 2: Determining value 

Not all of the items you’re looking to get rid of will be worth the hassle of selling. Focus solely on the high-value items based on the following categories: 

Antiques and collectibles 

This can include vintage furniture, rare books and collectibles. 

These items can be worth a surprising amount of money. Don’t worry if you’re not an antique expert – do your own research or get them appraised by a professional so you understand their monetary and/or historic value. 

Jewellery and watches 

Jewellery are more common high-value assets than antiques, although there can be an overlap between these two categories. Precious metals (e.g. silver, gold, platinum) and stones (e.g. emeralds, rubies, diamonds) often hold their value. Again, if you’re not a jewellery expert, seek out someone who can accurately appraise these items for you. 

Artwork 

Works of art can be found in some properties, either inside the building or in the outdoor areas. This can include paintings and sculptures. These items are more likely to be valuable if they were created by notable artists, but professional appraisal is recommended. 

Furniture 

With high-quality or designer furniture, the condition is exceptionally important. If these items have been well looked after, they can often fetch a good price. 

Electronics 

With more and more electronic devices filling our homes, these items may or may not have retained some of their original value. Modern electronics and gadgets in good working condition can usually be sold fairly easily. 

Choosing the right selling channels 

Once you’ve identified the items of value, you then have to decide where is best to sell them. For example: different online platforms cater to different item categories. 

• Online marketplaces (e.g. eBay and Facebook Marketplace) – Great for selling a wide range of items due to their broad reach and convenience.  

• Auctions – For high-value items like antiques and art, as they attract serious buyers willing to pay the best prices. 

• Estate sales – If you’re dealing with an entire property that needs to be cleared quickly and efficiently, professional estate companies can handle the logistics of selling the contents on your behalf. 

Donations 

Not all of the items will be worth selling, but many items can gain a new lease on life by being donated. Local charity shops, thrift stores, and other non-profit organisations are always in need of clothing, furniture, and household items. 

Benefits include: 

• Assisting local charities 

• Decluttering your space 

• Promoting sustainability by reducing waste 

• Can be tax-deductible 

Which items can I donate? 

Focus on donating items in a good condition. Make sure items are clean, organised, and properly packed before donating. 

Popular items include: 

• Clothing 

• Household goods 

• Furniture 

• Books 

• Toys 

• Linens 

You can donate to national charities like the Salvation Army, but don’t forget that local charities and non-profits also need support. 

Our top 3 tips for downsizing 

1 – Start early 

Give yourself plenty of time to sort through the items to reduce your stress levels, and to make sure you’re not rushing important decisions. 

2 – Stay organised 

Keep track of what your plans are for each item by using labels and lists. 

3 – Ask for help 

Enlist help from friends and family when preparing for a house move, and don’t be afraid to call in the professionals if needed. Downsizing can be demanding, both physically and mentally. 

Summary 

We recognise that moving house and managing probate are significant tasks. With careful planning and organisation, you can make the process smoother.  

Homeprotect can also support you during these changes by insuring your new home, protecting your valuables, or offering home insurance for houses that are going through the probate process.