4 min read
How to Prepare for a Cleanout Day
Simple prep that makes a cleanout faster and cheaper: tagging keepers, clearing the carry path, handling parking, and separating items that need special disposal.
Tag what stays, not what goes
It is faster and safer to mark the items that must remain than to describe everything being removed. Painter's tape and a marker on a few pieces prevents the single worst outcome of a cleanout day: something important gets loaded.
For estates, do the keep-sort before the crew arrives if you can. Sorting with the truck in the driveway is stressful and slow.
Clear the carry path
Unlock the basement door, prop the exterior gate, move cars out of the driveway and clear the hallway between the pile and the exit. Every obstacle costs minutes, and minutes are what you are paying for.
In the city, if you can hold a legal spot in front of the property, do it. A shorter carry is a cheaper job.
Separate special-handling items
Paint, fuel, propane tanks, pesticides, pool chemicals, medical sharps and ammunition generally cannot go on a junk truck. Set them aside and plan a household hazardous waste drop-off.
Electronics, mattresses and refrigerant appliances can usually be taken but carry specific fees — mention them when getting your quote so the number does not move.
Decide about donation in advance
If you want usable furniture and housewares donated rather than disposed of, say so when booking. Donation adds handling time and depends on what partners will accept that week — it is not automatic.
Anything stained, broken, or from a unit with a pest issue will not be accepted for donation by anyone reputable.