Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our transition services.
Local Support for Families Managing a Move from Afar
I live out of state. How can I manage my parents' move from a distance?
We act as your professional local partner in Massachusetts. We coordinate directly with you via your preferred communication channels while managing every on-site detail with your parents and their senior living community. From the initial sorting of a lifetime of belongings to the final broom-clean walkthrough, we handle the entire project so you don’t have to fly back and forth.
We’ve already chosen a senior living community. What happens next?
While a placement agency can help find the where, we handle the how. We create a customized floor plan of the new apartment, help your parents decide which cherished items will fit comfortably, and manage the entire physical move.
How much involvement will I need to have in the process?
As much or as little as you prefer. Our goal is to take the pressure off your family. If you want to simply know the project is being handled by someone who cares, we can take the lead. If you prefer a detailed update after every visit, we can do that too. We tailor the frequency and style of communication, whether it’s phone calls, emails, or digital photos, to the specific transition plan we build with your family.
Guidance for Estate Cleanouts After a Loss
Where do we even begin with cleaning out a home after a loved one has passed?
The first step is often the hardest. We recommend taking the time you need for your family first. When you are ready, we step in to assess the household. We act as a neutral, professional partner to help you identify what stays in the family and what should be sold or donated. Our goal is to handle the physical and logistical burden so you can focus on your family’s needs.
We are overwhelmed by the volume of belongings. Can you handle the entire house?
Yes. Whether the home is sparsely furnished or contains decades of accumulated items, we handle the entire property from start to finish. We specialize in the "heavy lifting" of sorting through every room, closet, and attic. We don't just take the "best" items; we manage the total clearing of the estate until the home is completely empty and ready for its next chapter.
How do we ensure that sentimental items or important documents aren't lost?
Our attentiveness to detail is what sets us apart. During our initial sorting process, we look for items you’ve identified as sentimental, as well as hidden valuables like photos, personal papers, and heirlooms. We set these aside for the family’s review before any liquidation begins, ensuring your loved one’s legacy is treated with the utmost respect.
How does estate liquidation work?
What is the process for having an estate sale?
First, we assess the home to determine if an estate sale is a good fit based on your goals and potential sale amount. Once confirmed, we price, stage, and photograph the items. Prior to the sale, we market the event to our broad network of potential buyers. On the days of the sale, we manage the transactions. At New Beginnings, we inventory all items at pricing and track sales electronically. After the sale, leftover goods are donated or disposed of. It is normal for some items not to sell.
What happens to items that don't sell at an estate sale?
We believe in a win-win for you and the environment. We prioritize selling and donating as much as possible to keep quality items out of landfills and get them into the hands of people in the community who need affordable goods.
How do you ensure we get the best market price?
We use a multi-channel approach: online auctions, selling to our private network of vetted buyers, and working with specialty auction houses when appropriate. Because we work on a commission basis, our interests are aligned with yours. We want to maximize the return for everyone involved.
Maximizing Value and Offsetting Costs
How can we offset the cost of moving?
By combining move management with an estate sale, many of our clients are able to offset a portion of their relocation costs. We turn the items you no longer need into liquid assets that can help fund the next chapter of your life.
Can this help us sell the house faster?
Absolutely. Time is money when you are paying a mortgage, taxes, and insurance on an empty house. We accelerate the clearing process, often saving our clients months of carrying costs by getting the property broom-clean and market-ready much sooner than a family could do on their own.