How to Keep an Estate Sale Safe and Secure

This guide is for estate sale companies and families running their own sales who want to keep shoppers safe and belongings secure. You will learn how to set up the house, staff it, handle money and respond to problems so the sale runs without incident.

Plan security before the doors open

Most problems at estate sales can be prevented with setup. Think about how people will enter, where they will go, and where valuable items and cash will be. Walk the house as a shopper would and look for places where someone could slip out of sight or take something unnoticed.

Control who comes in and out

• Use one entrance and one exit, ideally with checkout at the exit.
• Lock all other exterior doors, and check that windows are latched.
• Limit the number of shoppers inside at once, especially on opening morning. A door person can count people in and out.
• Close off rooms that are not part of the sale with locked doors or clear barriers and signs.
• Do not let anyone into the house before opening or after closing, no matter what reason they give.

Protect small, valuable items

Jewelry, coins, watches, small electronics and collectibles are the most common targets.

• Display them in a locked case near checkout, staffed at all times.
• Show one item at a time and take it back before showing another.
• Keep a list of higher-value items and their prices so checkout can spot swapped tags.
• Consider whether the most valuable items belong in the sale at all, or in an auction or with a specialist.

Staff every area

Enough people on the floor is the best deterrent. Assign helpers to specific rooms or floors, especially basements, garages and bedrooms. Ask staff to greet shoppers, which signals that the room is watched. Staff should stay alert to common tricks, such as hiding small items in larger ones, wearing items out the door, or groups working together to distract staff.

If you suspect theft, do not confront anyone physically. Politely ask whether you can help with an item, and if needed, call local law enforcement.

Handle money carefully

• Keep the cash box in sight of at least two people and never leave it unattended.
• Start with a modest amount of change and move large bills to a secure spot during the day.
• Check large bills for counterfeits using a counterfeit detection pen or by examining security features.
• If you accept checks, set a clear policy in advance; many sales do not accept them.
• Count money with two people at the end of each day and record the totals.

Reduce injury risks

Crowds of shoppers in an unfamiliar house create real hazards.

• Remove loose rugs, cords and clutter from walkways.
• Light stairs, basements and hallways well, and close any areas that cannot be made safe.
• Anchor or lay down tall, top-heavy furniture and mirrors.
• Do not let shoppers carry heavy furniture on stairs without help.
• Keep sharp tools and breakables at a sensible height.

Ask your insurance agent about liability coverage for the sale. Companies should carry their own liability insurance.

Protect the house and the neighborhood

Tell neighbors about the sale, ask shoppers not to park on lawns or block driveways, and post parking instructions in advertising. After hours, lock every door and window, and consider leaving lights on or using timers. Do not post that a house is empty, and avoid listing the exact address before the sale if the house is unoccupied for many days.

Secure personal information

Remove or lock away mail, bills, prescription bottles, tax papers and anything with names, account numbers or signatures. Identity thieves can gather a lot from papers left in a desk drawer.

Quick checklist

• One entrance, one exit, other doors locked.
• Locked, staffed case for jewelry and small valuables.
• A helper in every area, including basements and garages.
• Two-person cash handling and end-of-day counts.
• Clear walkways, good lighting and secured furniture.
• Personal papers and medications removed before opening.