Clearing out a loved one’s home can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. You want to honor their belongings, but the clock is ticking to get the property ready to sell. If you’re facing this in Amarillo, TX, you may be wondering: “Should I clean out the estate sales myself, or hire professionals for an estate sales?”
This guide compares both options so you can protect your time, your money, and your sanity—especially if selling the home is part of the plan.
What Is a DIY Estate Cleanout?
A DIY cleanout is exactly what it sounds like: you (or the family) go through the home, sort items, decide what stays or goes, and maybe try to sell a few things yourself. Think garage sale, Craigslist listings, and lots of heavy lifting.
It can work—but often drags on for weeks or months, especially when:
- The home is packed with decades of belongings
- Family members live out of town
- You’re dealing with grief, deadlines, or probate
Bottom Line: DIY cleanouts cost less upfront but often lead to delays, burnout, and missed value.
The Professional Route: What Is an Estate Sale?
An estate sale is a professionally managed event designed to liquidate the contents of a home efficiently. These aren’t your average garage sales—they’re expertly staged, priced, and marketed to bring in real buyers.
In Amarillo, estate sale companies like Double S Auctions handle everything from item research and pricing to crowd control and cleanup.
Key Benefits:
- Research-backed pricing on everything from kitchenware to collectibles
- Targeted advertising to serious buyers
- Quick turnaround—usually 75% to 95% of items sold in one weekend
- Stress-free process for families
Side-by-Side: Estate Sales vs. DIY Cleanouts
| Factor | DIY Cleanout | Estate Sale |
| Time Investment | High (weeks/months) | Low (2-3 weeks total) |
| Emotional Load | Heavy | Light |
| Revenue Potential | Low | High |
| Buyer Reach | Limited | Targeted + local network |
| House Readiness | Slow | Fast |
| Expertise | None | Professional |
Why This Matters When You’re Selling the Home
Here’s the kicker: every week the house sits, it costs money. Utilities, taxes, insurance, and maintenance all add up. Worse, a cluttered or outdated home can drag down listing photos, appraisals, and offers.
Homes in Amarillo that are cleared and cleaned professionally:
- Hit the market faster
- Photograph better
- Attract more serious buyers
- Sell at stronger prices
“A clean, empty home is like a blank canvas—buyers can picture their future, not your past,” says Donda Cordova, owner of Double S Auctions and a licensed REALTOR®.
When Should You Call in the Pros?
Hiring an estate liquidation company makes sense if:
- You’re under time pressure
- The estate is large, complex, or emotionally draining
- You suspect there may be valuable items
- You’re coordinating remotely
- You’re planning to sell the estate home
Companies like Double S Auctions offer both estate sales and real estate services under one roof. That means fewer calls, clearer timelines, and one team managing the entire process.
Protect the Estate—and Your Peace of Mind
DIY cleanouts seem easier—until they’re not. Missed value, prolonged stress, and delayed home sales can turn good intentions into big regrets.
With Double S Auctions in Amarillo, TX, you get a trusted partner who knows how to unlock the value of an estate—and transition it smoothly to market.
📍 Learn more at: www.doublesauctions.com
📞 Call: (806) 452-6100 to schedule your free in-home consultation
Double S Auctions – Estate Sales & Real Estate Services for Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.
