Estates tend to take on a lot of personal property over the years, and when it comes time to clean it out, it can be an overwhelming process. There’s big bulky furniture, boxes of unneeded personal belongings, the property can be in disarray, and oftentimes the estate owner or manager is on a time crunch.
Most people attempt to clean out the estate themselves at first, but find that the job is bigger than they thought and they don’t have the proper equipment or skills for the job. When this happens they begin to seek out services that can help them along the way. Depending on the nature of the job, there are various services that can help.
Whether you’ve inherited an estate, purchased one, cleaning it out on behalf of a family member or are simply downsizing, there are services available to help make the cleanout easier on you.
Four estate cleanout services to consider
Dumpster Rentals
The first service most homeowners or estate owners go to is a dumpster rental service. This allows them to sort through all the personal belongings and pitch what’s broken, trash or unusable.
This is a great option for those who have the time, energy, and manpower to clean out the property themselves. Having a dumpster also allows you to work through it at your own pace and allows for bulk removal of unwanted items and materials.
Donation services
Estates are often home to items that still function perfectly but are simply taking up space or not being used. Many individuals feel that it’s wasteful to get rid of such perfectly good items that someone else could benefit from. In this case finding a donation service is a good idea. It’s a way to get rid of used items while giving them a good home.
Depending on where you live, some donation services provide free pickups. This is a win-win for both you and the donation service.
Donation centers don’t take every item you want to get rid of. Oftentimes they are limited in what they can take or only take specific items. But it is still a great option for unloading some of the estate’s property knowing it will go to good use.
Cleanout and hauling services
Not every estate owner has the ability to clean out an estate property on their own. In these situations hiring a cleanout and hauling company is one way to get rid of all your unwanted items.
A cleanout or hauling company will come to pick up and haul away any and all of your unwanted items no matter how big the job. Whether it is furniture, large appliances, or boxes of smaller unneeded items, they can help you clean it all out of the estate. Many estate cleanout companies (including us here at Sanford & Son) will even donate many of the items that are still functional or of value.
In addition to cleaning out the contents of the house, some cleanout companies will also clean up the property and yard. Fallen tree branches, old leftover building materials, dead bushes, debris etc.
Hiring an estate cleanout crew is a great option if you don't have the time, energy, or means to clean out the estate yourself.
Residential Demolition
Sometimes for the safety of others or to simply clean up the yard, it's best to demo old buildings and unused items. Sheds, fences, old porches, swimming pools, mobile homes, etc. All of these can become an attractive nuisance, can be difficult to upkeep or simply make the estate look less attractive.
Demolition companies are also a viable option for gutting the estate or parts of the estate. Many people will purchase an estate because of its potential but choose to gut or remodel it.
If your estate has older buildings or things you do not want to spend energy and resources upkeep then consider hiring a demolition crew to safely remove them.
Tips for a better estate cleanout process
For over 25 years, we’ve been helping home and estate owners with their demolition, hauling and cleanout needs. Along the way, we’ve learned many tips that help the process go smoothly.
Do what you can then hire the rest out
If you have the capabilities, then try to clean out as much as you can on your own. The more you are able to do on your own the more affordable it will be to hire services. However, it’s important to know that you don’t have to do it all.
If you are unsure, or if it seems unsafe, leave it to the professionals
Too often do property owners want to take everything in their own hands. They push themselves and do things beyond their abilities or without the proper equipment and end up hurting themselves or damaging their property.
It’s not worth getting injured or causing excess damage to save a buck. Professionals are trained and equipped to handle tough jobs. If you are unsure how to do something then it’s best to leave it to the pros.
Thoroughly research companies before choosing to hire them
When it comes to cleanout companies, hauling services, demolition companies and other organizations, no two companies are the same. Some are more affordable than others, and some may offer more valuable services. Some are reputable and others treat their customers poorly.
You have many options for services, doing your due diligence and researching a company will ensure you hire someone who will provide you with the experience you are looking for.
Be prepared
The more organized and prepared you are, the more efficient the cleanout process will go. When you take the time to sort through the contents of the estate, and setting aside the items not to be removed, it will speed up the process and potentially save you money.
Being prepared also helps avoid confusion for you and the companies who are being hired which allows the process to go more smoothly.
Cleaning out an estate can be a challenging and oftentimes emotional experience if there is sentimental value in the home. We understand this and do our best to make sure to do all we can to help you through the process.
If you have any questions or need assistance in your estate cleanout project then give us a call.