How should I prepare my home before an on-site auction?

Before an on-site auction, remove anything you want to keep, along with personal papers, photos, medications, and firearms unless the auctioneer is handling them under the proper rules. Clearly mark or lock away anything that is not part of the sale.

Talk with the auctioneer about parking, restrooms, weather plans, and how buyers will move through the property. You may need to arrange for extra insurance coverage while the public is on site, so check with your insurance agent.

Resist the urge to throw things out or clean too much before the auction team arrives. What looks like junk can sometimes sell well, and the auction crew knows how to group items into lots. Your job is mainly to protect what you are keeping and let the professionals set up the rest.