Estate cleanout is never easy, whether you’re a property manager, a homeowner, or a relative of someone who’s passed away.
This could happen for various reasons, like downsizing, divorce, a loved one’s passing, or financial burden.
Whatever the cause, it’s essential to understand where to start and how to navigate this process.
Whether you DIY the estate cleanout process or hire professionals, this guide will make the process smooth and stress-free.
What is an Estate Cleanout?
An estate cleanout, a house cleanout, or a property cleanup is the process of clearing out the contents of a home. The process involves hauling away unwanted belongings, furniture, appliances, and bulk trash.
Estate cleanout is often necessary when you lose a family member, downsize, or divorce your partner. However, the process is challenging, both physically and mentally. And sometimes, you need professionals to help you out.
The Estate Cleanout Process
You don’t have to rush the estate cleanout process. Take your time and do it at your own pace because it may be your last time on the property. Here are crucial steps to follow during the process;
- Take a Tour of the Property/House
Don’t be quick to clear out the items on the property, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the estate. Instead, spend a few hours taking a slow tour of the property to familiarize yourself with all the belongings. This is also an excellent time to process any looming grief.
Once you’re familiar with the house layout and all the contents, the other estate cleanout steps will be smooth and hustle-free. Be sure to note specific rooms and items you’d like to inspect during this time.
- Locate and Separate Essential Documents
The next step is to find essential documents and keep them aside. This could include;
- Wills
- Estate deeds
- Trusts
- Bank statements
- Birth certificates
- Insurance policies
- Utility bills
These documents are very sensitive and should be kept safely. Have a close family member (or yourself) take care of these documents.
- Sort and Organize Other Belongings
Once you have stored essential documents safely, you can examine other belongings. Try categorizing the items into different groups, like things to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
This process can be daunting. Therefore, you should ask for help from other family members or friends. The time to complete the process will vary based on the items in the property and the number of people sorting and organizing them.
- Distributing the Items
If you’re clearing a house for a deceased family member, you must go through their will (if they have any) before distributing any item amongst yourselves.
Remember, the deceased had wishes, and the wishes must be fulfilled. You may also need a lawyer to help you execute the will.
- Cleaning and Organizing the Property
After everything is removed, you should deep clean and organize the property. Open up through cabinets and closets to ensure nothing is left behind. During this process, you want to ensure the property is presentable to potential buyers or new occupants.
Take all the time you need to bid goodbye to the property. And now, the house will be ready for a new owner or occupant.
What is the Cost of an Estate Cleanout Service?
There’s no fixed cost for estate cleanouts. According to the Home Advisor, the cost ranges from $50-$6000. The cost varies depending on factors like the property size, where you live, manpower needed, and size and volume of junk.
Also, the cost will depend on whether you perform the service yourself or hire professionals like Cavalier Moving.
While you might want to save costs by cleaning out the estate yourself, we highly recommend hiring a professional cleanout company.
When Should You Hire a Cleanout Company?
If you’re willing and capable of putting in the effort, you don’t need a professional for an estate cleanout. However, there are times when hiring a cleanout company like Cavalier Moving makes more sense. Here’s why you should hire a professional estate cleanout company;
- You don’t have enough time to complete the estate cleanout
- You’re not physically capable of completing the tasks involved
- The estates’ conditions are unsafe for non-professionals
- You don’t have enough manpower to get the job done in time
Regardless, your choice depends on you and your specific needs.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Estate Cleanout Company
While you can conduct an estate cleanout yourself (of course, with the help of family and friends), hiring a professional estate cleanout company is often the best decision.
First, it’s not a happy time for you and everyone involved. Second, the process is tedious and stressful. So instead of doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional estate cleanout company like Cavelier Moving.
Here are some of the benefits of working with a professional;
Save Time
You could take weeks or sometimes months to clean out a property after a divorce, the death of a loved one, or any other cause. This brings more physical and emotional burdens to you and those affected.
However, a professional estate cleanout company can complete the work in minimal time. They have the resources, skills, and manpower to complete the services efficiently. This leaves you with ample time to focus on other essential aspects.
They’ll Handle the Disposal Safely
What happens to items that can’t be distributed, sold, or donated? You’ll need to load them on a truck and dispose of them in a safe location, right? But how and where do you dispose of these items?
Proper disposal is paramount when it comes to estate cleanouts. You must dispose of the junk safely without harming the environment.
You won’t need to worry about junk disposal when you hire a professional estate cleanout company. They know how to safely handle and dispose of the junk while adhering to state and environmental regulations.
Liability Protection
Cleanout companies often carry liability insurance that protects against accidents, damages, or injuries that may occur during the process. This is essential, especially when dealing with valuable items. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered against potential damages.
Tips for Managing an Estate Cleanout
There are multiple ways to save time and money when cleaning an estate. Here are a few tips for managing the whole process seamlessly;
Do Much Work in Advance
Hiring a cleanout company doesn’t mean you should let them do everything. Remember, the more work they do, the higher the cost. Therefore, you might want to do as much work as possible before calling them in.
Get Quotes From Multiple Companies
Don’t always go with the first cleanout company that comes your way. Instead, seek and compare quotes from multiple companies before hiring. Also, don’t forget to compare the services offered. Cost and quality should go hand in hand.
Hire a Local Estate Cleanout Company
A local cleanout company may offer affordable services compared to the big national brands. This is because they are close to your property and understand the pricing in your area. Most often, they’ll provide a more realistic estimate.
Need Help With an Estate Cleanout?
Estate cleanouts are tedious and overwhelming, mainly because they come at the wrong time. However, a local estate cleanout company can help you navigate the entire process stress-free. If you're looking for someone to help you manage your estate cleanouts, look no further than Cavalier Moving. Contact us today to get a free quote.