What Is Your Stuff Really Worth in an Estate Sale?

Whether you're downsizing, handling a loved one's estate, or simply decluttering, it's natural to wonder: "How much is all this really worth?" At Coast & Country, we help clients answer that question every day.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect when valuing household items for an estate sale — and how to get the most out of it.

Estate Sale vs. Retail Value: A Reality Check

Estate sales aim to liquidate a home’s contents quickly and efficiently, not to fetch top-dollar for each piece. This means pricing typically falls well below retail — often 10¢ to 30¢ on the dollar.

Here’s a general guide to how various items are typically priced:

Category	Typical Estate Sale Value
Furniture	10–30% of original retail, unless antique or designer
Appliances	20–50% of retail (if modern and working)
Electronics	10–30% of original cost
Collectibles/Antiques	Varies widely — can exceed original value
Jewelry	Based on appraisal and market demand
Clothing	$1–$20 unless high-end designer
Kitchenware	$1–$10 per item unless vintage or specialty
Books	$0.50–$2 each unless rare or signed
Tools	30–60% of retail, especially power tools
Art	Highly subjective

What Affects the Value of Your Items?

Several factors influence what buyers are willing to pay:

• Condition – Clean, working, and well-maintained items sell better.

• Brand – High-end or well-known brands command more.

• Demand – Popular styles (like mid-century modern) fetch premium prices.

• Location – Urban or affluent areas may yield higher sale prices.

• Time of Year – Spring and summer estate sales tend to attract more buyers.

Bottom Line: It’s About the Big Picture

The true goal of an estate sale isn’t to maximize the value of each individual item — it’s to efficiently liquidate a home’s contents and bring in overall value while saving time, stress, and labor.

At Coast & Country, we ensure your estate sale is professionally managed, transparently priced, and handled with care and respect.