What You Need for an Estate Sale

An estate sale needs more than tables and price tags. You will need a clear way to display clothing, furniture and small items, plus tools for pricing, payments, lighting and moving stock. Plan refreshments if the sale runs for several hours, and keep cleaning supplies nearby for the sales area. This checklist helps you buy or gather the items people often remember only when setup has already started.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 3
Storage cratesqty 12
Clothes hangersqty 80
Transport cart

Equipment

Payment terminal
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 4
Calculatorsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 20
Teaspoonsqty 20
Serving plattersqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettle
Thermos flasksqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Platesqty 3
Pliersqty 3

Decorations

Directional signsqty 6
Price tagsqty 250
Poster puttyqty 4
Markersqty 12
Rolls of tapeqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Information boardsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mugsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpansqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Cheese slices - 1 kilo
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 3 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Butter - 500 grams
- Vacuum cleaner bags - 1 pack
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Paper gift bags - 100 pieces
- Wrapping paper - 2 rolls
- Cash change - 250 euro
- Batteries - 2 packs

Tips

Prepare at least one table for small items and separate spaces for furniture, clothing and household goods. Use clothes racks with enough hangers so garments do not end up in piles.
Bring price tags, permanent markers, tape and poster putty together in one setup box. Keep at least 10% more tags than the number of items you expect to price.
Plan payment equipment before advertising the sale. Test the payment terminal, bring calculators and prepare cash handling supplies at least one day beforehand.
If the sale may continue into low light, provide rechargeable lamps and flashlights before opening. Extension cords and power strips should be checked during setup, not when customers are waiting.
For a sale lasting more than three hours, prepare coffee, tea and water in thermos flasks or coolers. Bring reusable cups, coffee cups, teaspoons and serving items so refreshments do not interrupt checkout.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an estate sale?: Start with tables, clothes racks, hangers, storage crates, price tags, markers and tape. Add a payment terminal, calculator, lighting, extension cords and cleaning supplies. For a sale lasting several hours, include coffee, tea, water and reusable cups.
How many tables do I need for an estate sale?: Plan one table for each main group of small items, plus space for checkout and refreshments. For a typical home sale, begin with 3 to 5 tables and add racks or crates where furniture and clothing need separate display areas.
How many price tags should I prepare for an estate sale?: Prepare one tag for every priced item and keep at least 10% extra for replacements and last-minute additions. If you expect 200 items, have about 220 tags ready before sorting begins.
When should I prepare estate sale supplies?: Gather tables, racks, payment equipment and lighting at least one day before the sale. Prepare price tags and markers during sorting, then test the payment terminal and check the walking route before opening.

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