Years ago, we were entrusted with an estate clean-out and online auction in a charming condo in the Sand Point area of Seattle. The family had already combed through the condo, taking the items they cherished most, and tasked us with selling the remaining contents. Fortunately, there was a mix of wonderful artwork, decor, furniture, and more, making the auction a success.
However, as with most clean-outs, not everything found a new home right away. A few ordinary items were left behind—destined for donation or disposal. Our team prepared the unsold pieces and worked alongside movers to clear out the condo. It was a bit of an operation. The long hallway, elevator rides, and multiple trips to the truck made the process time-consuming. Being someone who dislikes standing still, I jumped in to help the movers, shuttling items from the apartment to the hallway to speed things up.
While clearing out the home office, I encountered a seemingly unremarkable file cabinet. The family had removed its contents, and since it wasn’t auction-worthy, we planned to donate it. As I placed it on the hand truck, something struck me: This is heavier than it should be. My curiosity kicked in.
I opened each drawer to double-check. All were empty, as expected, until I reached the bottom drawer. There, tucked in the back, was a faux panel. Giving it a firm tug, I uncovered a hidden compartment containing two jewelry boxes. Opening them revealed estate-level treasures: rings, necklaces, earrings, and more—stunning, high-value pieces.
My first call was to the client. “Are you missing any family jewelry?” I asked. “No,” she replied confidently. I followed up with a photo of what I’d found, and her response was stunned silence. The family had no idea these heirlooms were still in the condo. Thanks to this discovery, we were able to reunite these precious items with their rightful owners.
This moment reminded me of the importance of staying curious and paying attention to the little things that seem “off.” Why is this object heavier than it should be? Why does that vase make a sound when you pick it up? Sometimes, the answers lead to extraordinary discoveries—like antique coins hidden in a teapot or forgotten heirlooms tucked away behind a drawer.
For us, curiosity isn’t just part of the job—it’s essential. Whether it’s an estate clean-out, an online auction, or simply organizing a home, looking deeper can make all the difference. And in this case, it brought a family’s legacy back where it belonged.