Selling
Movers, Estate Sales and Donations
The professionals who make downsizing easier.
Moving out of a home you have lived in for decades is a big job, and you don’t have to do it all yourself. Across the GTA there are people and organizations whose work is to help older adults sort, sell, give away and move their belongings. Knowing who does what can save you a great deal of time, money and worry.
This guide explains the main types of help, what they usually do, and how to choose someone you can trust.
Why outside help is worth considering
Family members often want to help, but they may live far away, have jobs and children of their own, or find the work too emotional. Professionals bring experience, equipment and a plan. They have usually seen every kind of situation, from a tidy condo to a house with a basement full of fifty years of storage.
Example: a son in Calgary helping his mother move from her Etobicoke home might hire a senior move manager to handle the day-to-day work, while he joins video calls and flies in for the final week.
Senior move managers
Specialists who plan the whole move: floor plans for the new home, sorting, packing, arranging movers, and unpacking so the new place feels like home on the first night. Some also arrange estate sales, donations and clean-outs, so you deal with one person instead of many. Ask for references and a written quote.
A good move manager is patient. They understand that letting go of belongings is emotional, and they work at your pace.
Estate sale and liquidation companies
They price and sell furniture and household items, often in a sale held at the home. Fees are usually a percentage of sales. Be realistic: much older furniture sells for less than people expect. Large dark wood dining sets, china cabinets and formal sofas are often hard to sell today, even when they are in excellent condition.
Items that may be worth more, such as art, jewellery, coins or collectibles, may be worth having looked at separately by a qualified appraiser before any sale.
Donations
Charity shops, places of worship, shelters and newcomer-support organizations often welcome furniture and household goods. Many offer pickup for larger items. Call first, because each organization has its own rules about what it can accept, such as mattresses or older electronics.
Many people find comfort in knowing that a beloved dining table or set of dishes is going to a family starting out in a new home.
Movers and junk removal
For the move itself, choose a moving company that gives you a written estimate after seeing what needs to be moved. For what’s left at the end, a junk-removal company clears it in a day. Ask whether they donate or recycle usable items rather than sending everything to landfill.
Who does what
| Type of help | What they usually do | How they usually charge |
|---|---|---|
| Senior move manager | Plans and manages the whole move | Hourly or by project; ask for a written quote |
| Estate sale company | Prices and sells household items | Usually a percentage of sales |
| Charity or donation centre | Accepts usable items, sometimes picks up | Often free |
| Movers | Packs and transports belongings | Written estimate based on the job |
| Junk removal | Clears what’s left at the end | Usually by volume |
Before you hire anyone
- Get quotes in writing. Ask two or three companies for written quotes so you can compare.
- Ask what happens to unsold items. Are they donated, removed, or left for you to deal with?
- Check reviews and references. Speak to one or two past clients if you can.
- Ask about insurance. Find out whether the company is insured if something is damaged or someone is hurt.
- Never pay the full amount up front. A reasonable deposit is common; full payment before the work is done is a warning sign.
- Involve someone you trust. Have a family member or friend present for key meetings and when you sign anything.
Questions to ask
- How long have you been doing this work, and have you worked with older adults before?
- What exactly is included in your price, and what costs extra?
- Who will actually be in my home, and will it be the same people each day?
- How do you handle valuables, documents and personal papers?
- What happens if the job takes longer than expected?
- Can I have everything in a written contract?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hiring the first company you call. Comparing a few gives you a sense of fair pricing.
- Letting anyone pressure you. If someone rushes you to decide or to sign, slow down. See Title Fraud and Unsolicited Offers.
- Leaving valuables and papers out. Put jewellery, cash, medications and important documents somewhere safe before anyone starts work.
- Expecting high prices for older furniture. Setting realistic expectations avoids disappointment.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start booking help?
As early as you can. Good movers and move managers can book up, especially at busy times of year. Once you have a rough moving date, start calling.
Can these services work with my real estate agent?
Yes. It often helps when everyone is working from the same timeline, so the home is cleared and cleaned before photos and showings.
What if I don’t want to sell my things, just give them away?
That’s fine. Many families skip the estate sale and go straight to giving items to relatives, friends and charities. It can be simpler and more meaningful.
How Irina can help
Irina works with families who are downsizing all the time, and she can talk you through the kinds of help that may suit your situation and your timeline. She never pushes you to hire anyone in particular. Contact Irina for a no-pressure conversation.
Related guides: Preparing a Long-Held Home, Timing the Sale and Your Next Move, and Helping from a Distance.
Next guideMoving Day and Settling In →