I went to an Estate sale this morning and bought a beautiful redwork quilt (picture is posted). In our area we have professional people who set up estate sales, I'm sure they collect a percentage of the profits. These sales are well advertised, organized and everything is presented in the best way- clean. Prices are reasonable.
The families who are selling their loved one's items are spared the garage sale atmosphere and are seldom present. They get a decent price and have already taken for themselves items with special meaning.
I do think about the person who lived in this (usually pretty) home. If I buy something it's because I appreciate the quality and I'd like to think they'd want me to have it.
Having disposed with family things myself I know the family feels relief when it's all done. Nobody has room in their home to keep/store everything Grandma left.