DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am in the process of moving and wonder if there is anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn-Portland area who comes in, gives you a price and removes all furniture regardless of the condition.

When I lived out of state, I was an executor on an estate and someone came in, gave a price and took everything regardless of the condition. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots has previously recommended the following auctioneers, who might undertake the task.

* Auctions of Maine, Turner, 514-5755

* Dan Boyd Auction, Poland, 998-4083

* Charles M. Talbot Associates, Turner, 225-3797

* Keenan Auction, South Portland, 885-5100

* McMorrow Auction Co., Poland, 777-7030, 800-924-9477

* Tranzon Auction, Portland, 775-4300

An online search turned up a few other leads.

A Brunswick company, www.caringtransitions.net, advertises itself as an estate sale and senior moving solution specialists. A company like this would be very helpful for a senior who is moving into an apartment or assisted living and is overwhelmed by the task of downsizing a life’s worth of possessions.

At estatesales.net, a search for estate sale companies in Lewiston turned up Everlasting Estate Sales Services, 207-577-3333.

At http://estatesales.org/estate-sale-companies you can put in your information and get lists of appropriate estate sale companies.

Some of these sales are called “tag sales,” because they come into your home and put a price tag on everything, often on site.

Without knowing what you have to sell, Sun Spots isn’t sure what to ask of prospective vendors. Her experience has been that used furniture — with the exception of antiques — has very little value. How you proceed might depend on the quality and quantity of items that you have.

When Sun Spots moved, she sold a few items at Fast Eddie’s new and used furniture on Route 4 in Turner, 207-225-2027, but she got less than half of the retail price at best.

Perhaps readers will have some tips, too. Surely others must have been through this process.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Good day and thank you for a job well done! I would like to know where to get antique German beer steins appraised and possibly sell them. Some are almost two feet tall. Thanks for your help. — Jeanne Perry, Mechanic Falls, jeanne.perry@outlook.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots knows her readers are sick of this answer, but the sale of most collectibles has moved online. eBay is the place to check out current prices and then sell your items. 

The only local buyer of antiques that Sun Spots knows of is Dan Poulin of Orphan Annies, 96 Court St., Auburn, 207-782-0638. She doesn’t know if he would be interested in your beer steins or not.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Love your column. I am looking for wooden folding chairs, any amount, reasonably priced. Thank you. — Carol, 207-557-0309

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a retired elementary classroom music teacher with lots of teaching aids I would like to find a good home for.

Also, I have a twin bed with mattress, box spring and frame all in good condition, but I need the space. These items are free for first comers. Phone 375-4894. — Kay in Greene

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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