A Conversation with Manal Abdelhamid of Blue Moon Estate Sales
By SD Probate Concierge / June 11, 2025
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound challenges. Beyond the grief and loss lies a complex journey—a journey filled with important decisions about what to do with the life and memories left behind. Among the many challenges families face, figuring out how to handle the belongings of their loved one can be overwhelming.
That’s where estate sales come in. But estate sales are much more than just selling furniture or clearing out a house. They are a crucial step toward bringing dignity, closure, and clarity to families navigating probate and loss.
At SD Probate Concierge, we guide families through probate by connecting them with trusted professionals — from attorneys and appraisers to real estate agents and estate sale experts. Recently, we sat down with Manal Abdelhamid, owner of Blue Moon Estate Sales in San Diego, whose compassionate and thoughtful approach to estate sales is helping families move forward with grace and respect.
From a Corporate Powerhouse to a Compassionate Problem Solver
Manal Abdelhamid’s journey to estate sales was anything but ordinary. Before launching Blue Moon Estate Sales, she held senior roles with Sony in Dubai, overseeing supply chain management, marketing, human resources, and client relations. It was a high-pressure corporate environment, but when she relocated to California with her children, she intentionally stepped away from the corporate world to pursue something more meaningful.
“I wanted to use my skills to help people in a direct and compassionate way,” Manal told us. “I wanted to do work that felt purposeful.”
Guided by a career consultant, Manal identified estate sales as the perfect fit — a career where her operational expertise and people skills could intersect to serve families during difficult times.
“It’s a unique blend of logistics and empathy,” she said. “I get to solve complex problems while connecting with people on a very human level.”
The Emotional Weight Behind Estate Sales
Estate sales aren’t just about stuff — they’re about stories, memories, and legacies. When a loved one passes away, families often find themselves staring at a home filled with decades of belongings: furniture, photographs, heirlooms, collectibles, clothing, books, and more. Each item carries emotional weight, and sorting through it all can be paralyzing.
“Families don’t just see objects; they see reminders of their loved one’s life,” Manal explained. “Deciding what to keep, what to sell, or what to donate is deeply personal — and often overwhelming.”
The stress of grief can cloud judgment, making it difficult to make clear decisions or to know where to start.
“I often hear from families who feel stuck, overwhelmed by the sheer volume and the emotional burden,” Manal said.
A Thoughtful Approach: Asking “What Do YOU Want?”
Manal’s estate sale process begins with a simple but powerful question: “What do you want?” with a focus on you.
This question helps families clarify their priorities and focus on what matters most.
“It’s not about rushing to empty a house,” she said. “It’s about understanding what’s important to the family — what items hold sentimental value, what they want to preserve, and what would bring them peace.”
In one memorable case, Manal worked with a son who lived across the country and had recently lost his mother. Instead of forcing him to come back and face the emotional strain, Manal conducted a detailed two-hour video walkthrough of the house, room by room.
“He would say, ‘Please save that,’ or ‘I want that,’ and I took careful notes,” she said. “Then we arranged to ship the keepsakes directly to him. The rest, we handled with care and respect.”
Navigating Complex Family Dynamics
Probate and estate sales often bring more than just emotional weight; they can stir up complex family dynamics. Disagreements over what to keep, what to sell, or how to handle the estate are common.
“Families may have different ideas, sometimes conflicting,” Manal acknowledged. “My role is to be neutral, to listen to everyone, and to keep the focus on the family’s best interest.”
This requires patience, sensitivity, and clear communication.
“I’m not there to push my agenda,” she said. “I’m there to help families find solutions that work for them.”
The Practical Side: Balancing Sentiment with Market Value
While the sentimental value of belongings is paramount, understanding their market value is also important — especially when families need to maximize financial returns or ensure a smooth sale of the estate.
“We always start by asking, ‘Are there heirs who want specific items?’ and ‘What do you want to keep?’ Then we move on to valuation,” Manal explained.
Manal and her team conduct research, appraisals, and market analysis to price items fairly and accurately.
“Selling something valuable too cheaply can be heartbreaking,” she said. “I once saw gold cufflinks sold for $3 at a garage sale because the owner didn’t know their worth. That’s what we try to avoid.”
Real Stories That Touch the Heart
Behind every estate sale is a lifetime of stories, and Manal carries these stories with deep respect.
“In one La Mesa home, I was the only person who really got to see the life of the deceased,” she said. “He was a veteran, a doctor, and a government agent. I was even entrusted to destroy confidential documents — it felt like closing a chapter on someone’s life.”
Another story that touched her was a painting called Father and Son by the Shore. A buyer immediately purchased it, and later told Manal how the painting reminded him of his son who had passed away.
“At his family gathering, everyone agreed it looked just like his son,” she recalled softly. “Those moments remind me why I do this work.”
Partnering With Real Estate and Probate Professionals
Estate sales are a vital part of the probate process, and Manal works closely with realtors, attorneys, and fiduciaries to ensure families receive seamless, compassionate support.
“Realtors often need homes cleared before listing,” she explained. “Attorneys want estates managed efficiently to avoid delays. I help bridge those needs.”
Her membership with the American Society of Estate Liquidators underscores her commitment to ethical, professional service.
Tips from Manal for Families Facing Estate Sales
Manal’s advice for families includes:
- Take your time to understand your needs. “Don’t rush decisions. Think about what’s most important emotionally and practically.”
- Seek professional guidance early. “Expert help can save you money, time, and heartache.”
- Communicate openly. “Express your wishes clearly to your estate sale partner.”
- Prepare for emotional ups and downs. “Grief is natural—having a compassionate partner helps.”
- Honor the process as a way to close a chapter with care. “This is about respect, memory, and moving forward.”
Why Compassion Matters
At its core, estate sales are about more than possessions. They are about honoring lives, easing grief, and helping families step into a new chapter with dignity.
Manal Abdelhamid’s work is a beautiful example of how empathy and expertise can come together to make a difference.
If You’re Facing an Estate Sale…
Know that you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to trusted professionals like Manal and Blue Moon Estate Sales. With their guidance, you can navigate this challenging journey with clarity, confidence, and compassion.