How do I do an Estate Cleanout?

An estate cleanout is typically brought on by major life changes such as the death of a loved one, divorce debt, or other lifestyle changes. These types of life events often require an estate cleanout. During this stressful time in your life, you may be wondering where to start when it comes to completing an estate cleanout. 

At A-1 Hauling, we understand how difficult an estate cleanout can be, so we have put together a list of our best tips for making an estate cleanout easier on you and your family. 

Secure All Important Financial Documents

One of the biggest struggles people have when faced with an estate cleanout is figuring out where to begin. At A-1 Hauling, we recommend that you start by gathering and securing all important financial documents. Find any wills, trusts, and related documents. You also want to locate documents such as:

• Real estate titles
• Deeds
• Recent bank statements
• Stock certificate
• Tax returns
• Receipts
• 410 (K) records

These documents may be needed to file income tax returns, so be sure to put them in a secure place. 

Find and Keep Family Photos, Heirlooms, and Memorabilia

While many of these types of items have little to no monetary value, items like photos are valuable to the family. By keeping items like scrapbooks and photo albums, future generations can learn about family members that they did not have the chance to meet. 

Make a Pile of Donations and Sales

Typically, clothing has a low resale value unless it is vintage clothing from the 1960s or earlier. Consider taking worthwhile items to a consignment shop or a yard sale or posting it on eBay. You may also consider donating the clothing items. If you need a large amount of clothing hauled away, A-1 Hauling can help! We can pick up your items and take them to the donation center of your choice. 

Look Through the Home Thoroughly

Many people tend to place items in unlikely places or may forget that a valuable item was left in a coat pocket or a desk drawer. When cleaning out items, be thorough and check through everything prior to loading it up for the trash or donations. Check areas like high shelves, drawers, clothing pockets, containers, etc. 

Have the Estate Appraised

If you are facing an estate cleanout that contains a lot of jewelry, antique items, and furniture, we recommend that you enlist the help of an estate appraiser. You can utilize this accredited professional to get an estimate for the value of each item. The cost for these services is typically hourly and will depend on your location and the type of appraisal you need. 

Use an Estate Cleanout Service 

At A-1 Hauling, we can load up your furniture, clothing, and other items that you are getting rid of and haul them away to donation centers or a place of your choosing. We can help alleviate some of the pressure of the estate cleanout by handling the hauling for you. We also can help with our guide to property cleanouts.

A-1 Hauling has the expertise and the equipment needed to complete estate cleanouts efficiently. Pittsburgh customers can rely on A-1 hauling during their next estate cleanout. Contact us today to learn more!