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Guide

Estate Cleanout Checklist: Clearing Out a Loved One's Home

A step by step plan, from finding the important papers to the final sweep.

Text Us Call (586) 843-7247

Office: (248) 495-8436

Same Day ServiceWhen we have an opening

Open Every Day8 AM to 9 PM

Whole House CleanoutsFor families and realtors

Take It One Step at a Time

Clearing out a parent's or relative's home is a lot, both emotionally and physically. Having a plan helps. Here's the order that works for most families.

1. Find the Important Papers First

Before anything gets thrown out, look for the will, deeds, car titles, bank and tax records, keys and passwords. Check drawers, closets, books, the freezer and coat pockets. People keep important things in surprising places.

2. Secure the House

Lock up, change the locks if a lot of people have keys, and forward the mail. Keep the utilities on until the cleanout is done, since you'll want lights and water while you work.

3. Let Family Choose Keepsakes

Give everyone a date to pick what they want, and use colored stickers or tape so it's clear what's spoken for. Photos, letters and family heirlooms come first.

4. Find Out What's Valuable

Jewelry, art, antiques, collections and some furniture can be worth more than you'd think. An appraiser or an estate sale company can tell you, and an estate sale can clear a good part of the house too.

5. Donate What You Can

Clothes, furniture and household items in good shape can go to places like the Salvation Army. Call ahead, since many places won't take mattresses, cribs or anything damaged.

6. Clear Out the Rest

What's left after the family, the sale and the donations is the heavy part: furniture, the basement, the attic, the garage and the shed. That's where we come in. We clear it room by room, donate what we can, and sweep up. Tell us your closing or listing date and we'll plan around it.

7. Final Walkthrough and Handoff

Once it's empty, walk through every room, closet and cabinet one more time, schedule a cleaning, and hand the keys to the realtor or the new owner.

Quick Checklist

Will, deeds, titles and financial papers found
Locks changed and mail forwarded
Family keepsakes picked out
Valuables appraised
Donations dropped off
House cleared and swept
Keys handed off

How It Works

1. Text us a photo

Send a picture of the pile, the garage, or the one heavy thing you can't move. Texting is fastest at (586) 843-7247.
2. We give you a price range

You get a free quote and a time that works for you. Same day and weekend spots when our schedule is open.
3. We haul it away

We show up, confirm your exact price before we start, load everything, and sweep up. No hidden fees. You don't even need to be home if you leave it curbside or in an open garage.

Questions

How long does an estate cleanout take?

It depends on the size of the house and how full it is. Text us a few photos and we'll give you an idea of timing and a price range.

Do we need to be there the whole time?

No. Walk us through what stays and what goes, and we can work while you take care of other things.

Do you donate the usable stuff?

Yes. Usable furniture and household items get donated whenever we can.

Can you work around a closing date?

Yes. Tell us your deadline and we'll plan the job around it.

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