How it works

    A clear, documented process from first visit to home-ready

    Our six-step journey

    Step 1

    Assess & Plan

    We visit the property, and within an hour, understand your goals, timeline, and any special concerns. You receive a clear project plan and estimate.

    Step 2

    Sort & Decide

    Working with you (or your designate), we systematically sort everything into clear categories: keep, move, sell, donate, or dispose.

    Step 3

    Inventory & Appraise

    Photo documentation of valuable or sentimental items. Optional appraisals for estate purposes. You approve all decisions in writing.

    Step 4

    Disperse

    Items go to their right channels—family keeps, auction houses, consignment, donation centres, or proper disposal—all tracked and documented.

    Step 5

    Move & Set Up

    If applicable, we coordinate the move with trusted partners and set up the new space so it feels like home from day one.

    Step 6

    Make Ready

    Matched to your needs, from the family home, we do final cleaning and walkthrough. The property will be show-ready, move-in ready, or ready for its next chapter. If we're helping relocate, we coordinate everything from unpacking to making the bed for your first night.

    Who does what

    Clear roles and responsibilities at each step

    Step
    Client
    The Great Estate
    Partners
    Assess & PlanShare timeline, goals, and concernsVisit property, create project plan and estimate—
    Sort & DecideMake decisions about keep/move/sell/donateFacilitate sorting, document choices—
    Inventory & AppraiseApprove photo inventory and decisionsPhotograph, tag, and track itemsAppraisers (if needed)
    DisperseFinal approval of item destinationsCoordinate all channels, track receiptsAuction houses, consignment, donation centres
    Move & Set UpApprove furniture placement planPack, coordinate, unpack, and set upMoving companies
    Make ReadyFinal walkthrough and approvalClean, coordinate repairs, final touchesCleaning services, handyperson services

    Where items go

    The right channel for every item

    Keep

    Items staying with you or going to specific family members

    Move

    Everything coming to your new location

    Auction

    Valuable items sent to auction houses for best price

    Consign

    Quality items placed with consignment partners

    Donate

    Usable items to donation centres (receipts provided)

    Dispose

    Responsible disposal of unusable items

    Your valuables and important items are tracked from start to finish. You receive documentation for donations, consignments, and sales. Nothing disappears without your knowledge and approval.

    Privacy & authority to act

    Authority to Act

    We need clear authority to work on your behalf. This typically means:

    • Estate executor or administrator
    • Power of Attorney (property)
    • Homeowner or lease holder
    • Authorized family member with written consent

    Privacy & Confidentiality

    We handle personal information carefully and with discretion:

    • Confidential handling of documents
    • Secure disposal of sensitive materials
    • Limited access to property
    • Clear chain-of-custody for all items
    • Receipts and documentation for your records

    Ready to get started? Learn about estate clear-outs or senior moves, or book a free call.