Estate cleanout and resale service

Executors and families dealing with an estate, seniors moving to care or smaller homes, and estate lawyers or realtors who refer clients.

A clearance fee, often reduced by the value of items you sell, or a share of resale proceeds agreed upfront. Some jobs are paid mostly through the resale.

• Sensitivity when working with grieving families
• Spotting items that resell well
• Photographing and listing items online
• Organizing a small crew and several jobs at once

• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for items in your care. Check what your policy includes
• Get written permission from the executor or owner before removing or selling anything. Check provincial rules on estates
• Secondhand dealer or auction rules may apply to reselling in some provinces and municipalities. Check locally
• Collect and remit GST/HST once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold. Check with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Check WCB/WSIB coverage as soon as you hire helpers
• Resale values are uncertain, so don't promise clients a payout

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000 CAD, depending on your vehicle, equipment, insurance, photography and listing set-up, and whether you have storage for items awaiting sale.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many estates you handle and what you charge. Resale values are uncertain, so don't promise clients a payout. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week.

Get written permission from the executor or owner before removing or selling anything, and check provincial rules on estates. Also check secondhand dealer or auction rules, insurance, GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire helpers.