The key is to organize items,and price them right or you will end up with a lot left over.People come to these sales looking for a bargain and will pass up anything that isn't.

In our experience, these companies get a fixed percentage of the sale and should be expected to leave the home broom clean after the sale. Most of them are not interested in contracting with you if the owners take out most of the desirable contents. Good luck, it's a good way to get it over with quickly and get on with your new life.

K & E wrote:

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House is sold and set to close on March 31st.  I have contacted a few estate/moving sale companies.  Does anyone have experience with this type of sale?  We're looking for any advise we can get on what to look for and what questions to ask.  Thanks for your help!

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We had a living estate auction when we decided to move west.  You need to be prepared to let your stuff go for pennies on the dollar.  Hire an auction company that has a good following, make sure they advertise (internet, local papers, etc) your items and ask them for a list of their most recent completed auctions and call these people.  I say most recent so you won't get their cherry picked list of happy customers from the past and when the economy was in better shape.  The auction company is responsible for collecting sales tax and paying the state and local tax if applicable.   You can put a reserve on items that have significant value but most auction companies will have a limit on the number of reserve items.  Be sure to have a detailed inventory!  Have a trusted family member there on auction day (to keep the auction company honest)....you should probably not be present as this can be an emotional experience.  Just my 2 cents.   

Good luck