Hi,
We are trying to empty out MIL’s house to put it on the market. It’s all delayed because of COVID. it’s a race against time now the summer is almost gone.
We want it done ASAP and want to hire people to do it but not sure how much it’d cost and how long it’s take. It’s a small 3 bedroom house with 20 years worth of stuff ( thank goodness not 50 years’ worth because they moved after retirement ).
Due to COVID probably no estate sale or donation.
Any experience? Please share! Thanks!
If there is furniture of value an Estate Sale company will take care of that. If it is not of value then contact a Veterans group, the Salvation Army or a local church group that has a resale shop.
Old clothing that is not of value check with the local school and see if the Theater group wold like some of the items. If not Salvation Army, Veterans group or your church resale shop.
These groups are open and are picking items up. Estate Sales companies are open, and holding sales.
Then the left 1/3 of the stuff that was quoted for removal behind.
Don't bother with disaster remediation companies; while I did have one which was outstanding, another in a different country was as dishonest as could be.
I went with a Veteran owned company, which was better than any I'd interviewed. There was a vast difference in the skill level of what they could handle, and that was anything. They were able to dismantle a utility trailer as well as a shed. The first company just avoided anything that couldn't be fit in the trailer "as is."
So much depends on what you have though. If there are large, industrial or work shop items like a drill press, or radial arm saw, you'd probably be more comfortable with someone who knows how to manage them. One of my father's yard equipment tools (a rototiller) had to be dismantled, The 800 outfit wouldn't even touch it. The military guys knew how to cut it apart.
I called an estate sale company potentially for help indoors, but they were so focused on towels, pillow cases, etc. that I didn't think they'd have the knowledge for disposal of heavier equipment, such as a washer.
As to cleaning, there are various levels; this can be a more challenging task. I had hired Molly Maids (a franchise) but they had specific limitations: wouldn't stand on ladders, etc.).
The only company I did find to do extensive top to bottom cleaning was a very reputable and helpful disaster remediation company, which not only removed small items and larger ones (a dresser), but cleaned the floor till it literally sparkled. And they used an environmentally friendly orange based cleaner. The house smelled fragrant, unless some of the harsh smells left by chemical cleaners.
They also left an air filter in the house for a few days to remove any other odors. This company was top notch! I wanted them to help for the outside shed clearing as well, but it was at the time of winter freezes and they had to first service clients of the insurance company with which they worked.
Some valuable electronic equipment ended up in the trash trailer. I learned my lesson; now I work right alongside the workers, and there's no question as to their having to interpret or guess what stays and what goes.
On the other hand a neighbor is helping someone who is overwhelmed but has collections of vintage comic books, music albums, books and he is willing to catalogue them. For him it's a hobby and he has the space.
I cleaned out my father's home after a lifetime of stuff. It was a full time job for about a month and I didn't try to sell anything. I advertised stuff a free just to get it out of the house. And I had the advantage that the people buying the house offered to take whatever had to go the the dump for me. I just piled it in the garage and they hauled it away. And even with all that help it was still a living nightmare.
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