It’s the question we hear most often at our Los Angeles showroom: "Where do I even start?"
Whether you are moving from a family estate in San Marino to a condo in the Marina, or handling a parent’s home in Pasadena, downsizing is rarely just about "stuff." It is about memories. And in 2026, with the Los Angeles real estate market moving faster than ever, the pressure to clear a home quickly can feel overwhelming.
But it doesn't have to be chaotic.
After nearly fifty years of managing estates, we know that the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one comes down to a plan. Here is the exact step-by-step process we recommend to our clients.
Key Takeaways
- Start by identifying the items you absolutely must keep based on the measurements of your new home, rather than focusing on what to sell first.
- Never throw away items just because they are dusty or stored in the garage, as "trash" is often valuable vintage inventory in the current market.
- Do not clean, polish, or repair antique items before a professional valuation because you might accidentally diminish their historical value.
- Select the selling method that matches your specific timeline, using online auctions for high-value treasures and estate buyouts for immediate deadlines.
- Make sure your estate liquidator offers a final cleanout service to remove all remaining clutter and leave the property broom-clean for the realtor.
Step 1: Start with the "Keep" Pile (And Be Ruthless)
Most people start by trying to figure out what to sell. This is a mistake.
Start with what you are keeping. If you are moving to a smaller footprint, you simply cannot take the 12-person dining table with you.
- Measure First: Don't guess. Measure your new living room. If the armoire won't fit through the door, it goes in the "Sell" pile.
- The Sticker System: Go through the house with colored stickers. Green for "Keep," Red for "Sell," Yellow for "Family."
- The Family Rule: Give your kids a strict deadline to claim items. If they haven't picked up that box of old yearbooks by the deadline, you have permission to make a decision for them.
Step 2: Don't Judge Value by Dust
This is the most common trap we see. People assume that because something is dusty or stored in the garage, it’s trash. Conversely, they assume the shiny china set in the dining room is the most valuable thing in the house.
In 2026, the market has flipped from when you first acquired something. That formal china set might be worth very little, while the dusty Mid-Century Modern lamp in the basement could be worth thousands.
Before you donate or throw anything away: Call in a professional. We have pulled rare California Impressionist paintings out of attics and discovered valuable first-edition books in "donate" boxes. You need an expert eye to tell the difference between "old" and "antique."
Step 3: Choose the Right Selling Method
Not every item should be sold the same way. This is where Hughes is different, we don't force you into a "one size fits all" solution. Depending on your timeline and what you own, you have three main options:
For High-Value Treasures: Online Auctions
If you have fine art, designer furniture, or classic cars, you want a global audience. Our Online Auctions put your items in front of bidders from Tokyo to New York, ensuring you get the market maximum.
For the Whole Household: On-Site Estate Sales
If you need to clear the entire contents of a home, from the pots and pans to the patio furniture, an on-site estate sale is usually best. We stage your home like a showroom, handle the marketing, and invite thousands of local buyers to shop over a weekend.
For Speed: Estate Buyouts
Sometimes, you just need it done. If escrow is closing in 10 days, you don't have time for an auction. Our estate buyout service offers an immediate cash payment for the estate contents and a fast, broom-clean removal.
Step 4: Manage the Logistics (The "Cleanout")
Once the valuable items are sold, you are often left with the "remainders", cleaning supplies, old linens, and general clutter.
Don't let this stall your sale.
In Los Angeles, leaving a house full of debris can delay your closing. Ensure your liquidation partner offers a "Broom Clean" service. When we finish an estate buyout, we don't just take the valuable items; we clear the property completely so it is ready for the realtor's final walk-through. We manage charitable donations and divert as much as possible from landfills through our extensive network of auction buyers, charitable organizations, and recycling partners.
Ready to Lighten the Load?
Downsizing is the start of a new chapter. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what comes next.
Whether you have a single collection or a full estate in Beverly Hills, we have a strategy to maximize your return. Contact Hughes Auctions today for a complimentary walk-through consultation.
FAQs
How far in advance should I call an estate specialist?
Ideally, 4 to 8 weeks before you list the home. This gives us time to photograph, catalog, and market your items properly. However, if you are in a rush, a buyout can happen in as little as a few days.
Should I clean the items before you arrive?
No. Please don't polish the silver or try to repair the furniture. We have seen well-meaning owners accidentally scrub the patina (and value) right off an antique. Let us handle the prep work.
What if I'm already out of state?
We handle remote downsizing regularly. We can coordinate with your realtor or trust attorney to access the property, conduct the valuation, and manage the project without you ever needing to fly back to LA.
