How to run an estate sale

Dear Cheryl-Anne: My husband and I are moving and significantly downsizing (youngest daughter just graduated from high school). Going from 4400 square feet (filled with “stuff” we have accumulated over the years) to 1500 square feet feels overwhelming!! I found your response to “Garage sale or estate sale?” on the Internet and was pleased to see that you are from Spokane, since this is where we currently live. Do you know of reputable estate sale dealers in Spokane that you could recommend to us? -- Sarah Gray

Answer: I recently did a Treasure Hunting column on the merits of having an estate sale. You can find a link to the column here.
I know from experience that moving and downsizing can be overwhelming. And it's hard to be objective with our own "treasures." An estate sale can free us from that angst. Now, if someone would discover a way to eliminate the other headaches that go along with a move ...
I can't personally recommend an estate sale agent in Spokane because I haven't dealt with anyone here, but I have friends who used Aunt Bea's and were very satisfied with the outcome. There are other dealers listed in the phone book, but I would suggest getting recommendations from friends who have been in your position. And check those references. Good luck!