Estate Sales & Online Auctions (CTBids)
What is the difference between an estate sale and an online auction?
An estate sale is typically an on-site event where items are priced individually and sold to walk-in buyers. An online auction (like CTBids) lists every item online, allowing buyers to bid from anywhere in the US. Online auctions often attract more buyers, maximize value, and provide a more private, efficient experience for families. Many clients prefer online auctions because they eliminate crowds and allow everything to be sold at once.
How does a CTBids online auction work?
CTBids is our nationwide online auction platform. We sort, photograph, describe, and upload your items for bidding. Buyers bid during a scheduled auction period, then pick up items locally after payment. We also handle the shipping for those that are buying from a distance. We handle all logistics—from cataloging to pick-up coordination—so you don’t have to. Online auctions reach thousands of buyers and typically generate higher total value than traditional sales.
How do you determine the value of items in an estate sale or online auction?
For a Traditional Estate sale, we rely on our years of experience, as well as websites such as Worthpoint to determine a realistic price for items. Due to market conditions, values are constantly changing. We are in touch with our other Caring Transitions offices to learn from their experiences with what their items are selling for. There are trends in collecting, so depending on what is currently desirable the prices fluctuate. We work to stay on top of the trends.
For an Online Auction all items start at $1.00. This sounds a bit scary to some. Across our 400 offices, we have found that once a buyer finds something they like, they keep bidding until they either win the item, or have hit the price at which they feel the item is not worth paying more. This results in items being purchased for market value. If the item is of extreme value, or if the owner chooses, we can set a reserve price. If that price is not met, we then report the best bid to the seller and let them decide whether to accept the bid.
We aim to maximize proceeds while ensuring items sell efficiently and ethically.
How long does the estate sale or online auction process take?
Most online auctions take 10–17 days from start to finish. Traditional estate sales can take 2–3 weeks depending on preparation needs. Timelines vary based on home size, number of items, and family goals, but we always work quickly to help you prepare the home for market or settlement. Because most contracts include cleanout as well, it is generally 30 days from our receipt of the deposit to typing the Sales Proceeds and Costs Statement, which means we have completed everything at the property. If you need a quicker resolution, talk with Tim during your consult about your needs. He will do his best to meet your needs.
What happens to unsold items after an estate sale or auction?
We offer complete solutions for donation, recycling, and disposal. Our goal is to leave the home completely cleared, broom swept and vacuumed, and ready for whatever the family or realtor have in mind.
Can you prepare a home for sale after the estate sale or auction is completed?
Yes. Once the sale or auction is finished, we can clear remaining items, sweep, vacuum, and work directly with your Realtor or fiduciary so the home can be listed quickly.
Senior Relocation & Move Management
What does a senior relocation service include?
Senior relocation includes sorting belongings, packing, space planning, downsizing assistance, move-day supervision, and complete setup in the new home. We recreate familiar spaces to reduce anxiety, making the new environment feel like home from the first night. We also coordinate with moving companies and family members to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition.
How do you support seniors who struggle with downsizing decisions?
We use a gentle, respectful, and step-by-step approach. Items are sorted into simple categories, and decisions are never rushed. Our goal is to preserve personal identity, comfort, and dignity while helping clients choose what truly matters to them in their next chapter.
Can you help seniors who have memory or mobility challenges?
Yes. Our approach emphasizes patience, predictability, and safety. We collaborate closely with family members, care staff, and community teams to ensure the senior feels supported.
Our owners are trained in working with seniors experiencing cognitive decline, mobility limitations, or emotional overwhelm. We do find it best that in cases of severe cognitive decline, while selecting the items to bring to a Senior Living Community, we work with adult children or representatives of the senior, rather than asking a person with severe cognitive decline to make decisions. We have moved so many families, that we know the basics of what to pack.
Home Cleanouts, Decluttering & Inventories
What’s included in a home cleanout service?
Cleanout services include sorting all belongings, donating usable items, recycling responsibly, removing debris, clearing attics/garages/storage areas, and preparing the home for sale or occupancy. We leave the property empty, cleared, swept, and ready for its next purpose. This is especially helpful for estates, moves, and home transitions.
Do you remove trash, hazardous items, or very heavy objects?
Yes, we handle nearly everything. We coordinate vendors when needed (such as trash removal), but Caring Transitions manages the entire process so families don’t need to hire multiple services.
We take care of hazardous waste, shredding, donations, and hiring haulers. We try to sell the very heavy objects, so the purchaser can take possession of them and move them. We do not personally move heavy objects.
Can you create a detailed home inventory?
Absolutely. We can photograph and document items for estate planning, probate, family decision-making, or legal needs. Inventories may include item descriptions, values, and categorization depending on what the family or fiduciary requires.
How quickly can a cleanout be completed?
Most cleanouts are completed within 2–10 days depending on home size, item volume, and different types of disposal needed. Most of the cleanouts we do are after an Online Auction or Estate Sale. We prioritize speed and sensitivity—especially when preparing property for market or settlement deadlines.
General Questions
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the South Bay and Palos Verdes communities, including:
Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro, and Lomita. We also currently serve neighborhoods surrounding those cities.
Do I need to be present during the process?
No. Many clients live out of the area or cannot be present due to work, health, or logistics. We can coordinate through phone, email, or video calls and provide photos and updates throughout the process.
Is Caring Transitions insured and bonded?
Yes. Caring Transitions South Bay / Palos Verdes is fully insured, bonded, and part of a national franchise network that has served more than 100,000 families with certified transition specialists.
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can call us at 310-924-6048 or request a free consultation anytime through our website. We will walk you through options, timelines, pricing, and next steps tailored specifically to your family’s needs.