Estate Liquidation Checklist for Maryland Families

Why Preparation Matters More Than Most Families Expect

Estate liquidation can feel overwhelming—emotionally, logistically, and physically. Many families in Maryland and across the DMV start the process without realizing how much stress can be prevented with a bit of preparation. This estate liquidation checklist is designed to help you get ready in ways that reduce anxiety, eliminate decision fatigue, and make the entire experience smoother.

Whether you’re handling a home in Montgomery County, Frederick, Howard, Prince George’s County, or Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia, this guide will help you understand what to do (and what NOT to do) before Orion’s Attic arrives.

Identify What You Want to Keep (Use the Blue Tape Method)

Before we begin working in your home, walk through the property and decide what you want to keep. Use blue painter’s tape or colorful stickers to mark items clearly. This reduces emotional decision-making later, prevents accidental removal, and helps your family get on the same page.

If you’re downsizing, be realistic: One new space cannot hold a lifetime of possessions. Choose items that truly matter—emotionally or practically. Not fifty of them. One or two is enough.

Prepare Emotionally (Letting Go Is Hard—but Necessary)

Estate liquidation is never just about things—it’s about memories. Many people hold onto objects out of guilt, grief, or obligation.

But here’s the truth: The people who loved you do NOT want to burden you with a house full of items. Memories are not stored in objects—they’re stored in you. Letting go is not disrespect. It’s freeing.

Understand How Fast Homes Sell in Maryland

Families often wait too long to hire us, not realizing how fast homes sell in today’s Maryland market. Realtors routinely need houses cleared within days—not weeks. Preparing early prevents frantic decisions and last‑minute panic.

Do NOT Throw Anything Away Before We Arrive

This is the No. 1 mistake families make. You may think something has no value, but Orion’s Attic regularly finds money in surprising places:
– Broken vintage toys
– Old signs
– Computer keyboards
– Hidden jewelry in drawers, freezer boxes, and coat pockets
– Rare coins tucked into envelopes

Let us decide what has value. We have seen it all.

Know Your Space Limitations if Downsizing

If you’re moving from a large home into an apartment or retirement community, use floor plans to understand what will actually fit. Many clients drastically underestimate how much space they will have.

Your new home should feel peaceful—not crowded.

Gather Essential Documents (But Don’t Stress If You Can’t Find Everything)

Collect key documents like wills, deeds, tax records, passports, and financial papers. But don’t panic if you can’t find every file: we’ll find the important documents during the cleanout process and set them aside for you.

Get the Whole Family on the Same Page

Family disagreement is one of the biggest sources of stress in estate work. Before your project begins, hold a meeting to decide:
– What stays
– What goes
– Who makes the final call

A united family makes the entire process smoother for everyone.

Designate One Family Spokesperson

Choose a single decision-maker to communicate with us. This prevents confusion, conflicting instructions, and accidental changes that can delay the project.

Tell Us About Allergies, Mold, Smoke, or Pets

If the house contains mold, pet odors, cigarette smoke, or allergens, let us know ahead of time. We bring the right protective gear and equipment for any environment.

Remove Internet Modems and TV Equipment Before We Arrive

Cable boxes, routers, modems, and leased equipment often belong to your service provider—not the estate. Everyone on our staff is trained to recognize them and leave them where they sit. But no need to take the risk. Go ahead and remove them before the clearing begins to avoid accidental disposal.

Once You Sign the Agreement, Stop Removing Items

Once a project estimate is based on the condition and contents of the home, removing items afterward can affect pricing, timelines, and workflow. Please finalize what you want to keep before signing.

Use Our Educational Resources Beforehand

We encourage families to watch our OrionsAtticTV YouTube interviews, browse our website, and read our guides. The more informed you are, the easier the process becomes.

Contact us today so we can remove your estate liquidation and home cleanout success.

Learn what you need to know about selling your home’s treasures in our Estate Liquidation and Downsizing Guide.

About Orion’s Attic

Orion’s Attic is a full-service estate liquidation, downsizing and home cleanout company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. We also buy antiques and collectibles. We serve the greater Washington, D.C./Maryland/Northern Virginia region. Our service area includes Montgomery County (Ashton, Aspen Hill, Barnesville, Bethesda, Boyds, Cabin John, Chevy Chase, Colesville, Derwood, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Glen Echo, Laytonsville, Montgomery Village, Olney, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Spencerville, Takoma Park, Wheaton, etc.), Frederick County, Howard County (Columbia, Ellicott City), Prince George’s County (College Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville) plus DC and Northern Virginia. We will occasionally go further if a project is big enough.