Estate cleanouts
An estate cleanout, one room at a time
Clearing a parent's or relative's house is slow work, and it should be. A container gives the family somewhere for the things that truly need to go, without rushing the things that don't.
Answered Mon–Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 8am–1pm (Eastern)
Before anything is thrown out
Walk through with everyone who has a say. Look for wills, deeds, titles, bank and insurance papers, tax records, photographs and anything with a name or account number on it. Those go in a box that leaves with a family member, not in the container.
Check pockets, drawers, books and freezer packages. Cash and jewelry turn up in odd places in homes lived in for a long time.
If the estate is in probate, ask the person handling it before items are removed.
Book more days than you think
An estate goes in stages: family picks, then donations or a sale, then clearing. Tell the company you want a longer rental, or plan on one container now and a second later. A 20 or 30-yard container is common for a full house.
If nobody lives nearby, ask whether the company can drop off and pick up without anyone on site, and who keeps an eye on the container in between.
The basement and garage shelves
Older homes collect chemicals. Set these aside early.
For ToxDrop (Marion County)
- Paint, stain and varnish
- Pesticides and weed killer
- Motor oil and old gasoline
- Fluorescent tubes and mercury thermometers
Up to 20 gallons of liquid or 75 pounds of solid per visit. Dates and sites.
Needs its own plan
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Televisions and computers
- Tires
- Medicines and sharps (ask a pharmacy)
Estate cleanout questions
Can a neighbor or realtor let the truck in?
Usually, if the drop spot is clear. Give the company their name and number.
What about furniture someone may want later?
Leave it. A second container next month costs less regret than a decision made in a hurry.
Talk to a local dumpster company
Have your address, the project and a rough start date handy. The company will suggest a size and tell you the price, the weight allowance and when it can bring the container.
Answered Mon–Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 8am–1pm (Eastern)
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