Estate Cleanouts: How to Simplify the Process
As an estate cleanout company, we have cleaned out thousands of homes throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to streamlining the estate cleanout process. Our team has also developed strategies for keeping our own processes as streamlined as possible. If you are considering starting your own estate cleanout company, or just want to streamline your current processes, read on for helpful advice and tips for simplifying the estate cleanout process. Creating a business plan is one of the most challenging aspects of creating an estate cleanout company from home. Here are some ideas that should help keep expenses in check while still meeting your long-term financial goals.
Hiring Help
If you decide to hire an estate cleanout company, you will have the added benefit of outsourcing the process. You will also have the added benefit of not having to pay someone to help you clean out your own home. This added expense can be substantial, depending on the location of the home, the contents of the home, and the amount of help needed. Keep in mind that not all estate cleaning companies are the same. Some companies specialize in cleaning out rental properties, while others specialize in cleaning out hoarder homes. You’ll want to do your homework and make sure you hire a company that is a good fit for the type of home you are cleaning out.
Outsourcing Services
If you decide to outsource some of your estate cleanout services, there are many options available. You can outsource tasks such as cleaning, disposing of hazardous materials, hauling, and organizing. Cleaning: You can find cleaning crews that specialize in cleaning out hoarded homes. They will bring the right equipment and have experience cleaning out homes filled with all sorts of debris, including rodent and insect nests and asbestos. Hazardous material removal: If you find that you need to dispose of items such as paints, oils, or pesticides, you can hire a company that specializes in this type of cleanup, and you’ll know that the materials are disposed of properly. Hauling: If you are in need of large items hauled away, such as an old piano or a sofa bed, you can find companies that specialize in hauling large items. Organizing: If you need help organizing the contents of the home, you can hire an organizer to come in and assist with this task.
Establish a Clear Process
If you are doing the cleanouts yourself, make sure that you have a clear process in place. You’ll want to work methodically and be aware of any safety issues that come up as you go through the home. If there are any residents living in the home, try to work when they are not there to avoid any interruption to their daily routine. If there are pets in the home, try to keep them away from the areas where you are working. Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you start working, such as safety equipment and tarps to catch any debris that is likely to fall during the cleanout. Make sure any cleaning supplies you use are safe for the home and the items inside.
Get the Home Ready for Cleaning
Before you get started cleaning, make sure the home is ready for cleaning. If there are any hazards in the home, such as broken glass, unsecured items in the basement or attic, or unsecured stairs, make sure they are fixed before you start working. This can save you time and money in the long run. If the home is cluttered, try to organize the clutter before you start working so that you have enough space to clean. If the home is filled with items that you need to discard, get them out of the way so you have more room to clean. This can also help you avoid any back injuries or other injuries that can occur when you are working in a cluttered space.
Determining What to Keep and What to Toss
Before you start cleaning, decide what you want to keep and what you want to discard. If you are cleaning out a room or two, this may not be an issue, but if you are cleaning out the entire home, it can be extremely helpful to have a plan. Start with a room or two and go from there. If you are cleaning out the entire home, create a list and prioritize the rooms based on which ones are the messiest, smelliest, or most cluttered. Keep in mind that you do not have to keep everything. Even if you are cleaning out a loved one’s home, the items you are discarding are not coming back. If you are unsure about an item, such as an old tool, you can look it up online to see if it is worth keeping or if it can be discarded.
Selling Discarded Items
If you have items that you want to sell, consider setting up a small booth or table at a local flea market or yard sale. You can also post items on sites such as Craigslist or eBay. If you have items that are collectible, you may want to consult with a professional appraiser to get an idea of the items’ worth. You may also want to consult with a tax accountant to make sure you are keeping track of all sales and any taxes you may need to pay on those sales. Keep in mind that selling items can take time, and it may not generate a large profit. You may want to set aside any items you want to sell for a garage sale or flea market and use the profits from those sales to help offset the costs of the cleanout.
Organizing and Storing Discarded Items
If you are not sure what to do with discarded items, such as papers, pictures, or other items that are not valuable, consider storing them in a storage unit until you find a better solution. You can also donate papers and other items that you do not want to keep. You can donate papers to your local library or a local school. Most libraries and schools welcome donations of books and papers. You can also donate papers to a local charity. You can also host a book drive. You can work with your local library or school to collect and donate books. You can also check with your local charities to see if they accept donated books. If you are not sure what to do with items you need to discard, such as broken furniture or old appliances, you can check with your local government to see if they take items for recycling or disposal.
Bottom line
The estate cleanout process is challenging, but it can be made easier by hiring a professional estate cleaning company or hiring help to clean out the home, establishing a clear process, getting the home ready for cleaning, and determining what to keep and what to toss. If you are considering starting your own estate cleanout company, or just want to streamline your current processes, read on for helpful advice and tips for simplifying the estate cleanout process. Creating a business plan is one of the most challenging aspects of creating an estate cleanout company from home. Here are some ideas that should help keep expenses in check while still meeting your long-term financial goals.
