Any time a client is in need of an estate cleanout, it’s bound to be a tough time for them and everyone involved. Usually it means someone has passed away, and they are stuck with everything. All of the junk in the home, all of the invaluable memorabilia, the good and bad memories, and more. We’ve had clients cry on our workers’ shoulders many times before, which is more than understandable for a time like this.

There are four common events that result in estate cleanouts. A change in life that requires downsizing houses, bankruptcy or crippling debt, divorce, or the death of a parent or other elderly family member.

Not only do you need a professional, licensed and insured junk removal company, but you’ll also want people who are empathetic, respectful, VERY PATIENT, on time, caring, and aware. Here are five things you’ll want to make sure you are doing to make your estate cleanout process as stress-free as possible.

1) Locate And File Away All Financial Documents:

When a loved one passes, their taxes still need to be filed. Find their will, any trusts or related documents, life insurance policies, vehicle titles or real estate deeds, bank statements, 401(k) records, tax returns, and stock certificates. Make sure you keep them somewhere secure, and of course, memorable. You don’t want to forget where you put them.

2) During Estate Cleanout, Search Every Corner Thoroughly:

When the junk removal process begins, you’ll want to make sure you have every single thing you could possibly want, secured. Is there anything you hide in specific places in your own home? Use that for inspiration, and ensure you have everything hidden in your loved ones home. If you don’t find everything, don’t worry! At Junk Bunker, if we come across something important, we make sure to double check with the client first before removing it from the home.

3) Clean Out The House, But Save Everything Important:

If you are preparing for an estate cleanout due to someone passing away, keep everything that reminds you of them in a positive light. This doesn’t mean hoard every little thing you can, because eventually, you’ll be needing a junk removal company again in your own home (we have seen this happen). But pictures, small trinkets, and other memorable objects can be invaluable in helping you remember and grieve in the future.

4) Have Clear Communication With Your Family Before/During Estate Cleanout:

When family and money (or valuable things) mix, it can cause a lot of trouble. They also tend to be very emotional interactions. Try having an open conversation before the estate cleanout begins, so you can differentiate what might be considered junk to some, and what might be invaluable memorabilia.

5) Hire An Estate Sale Company, And Junk Removal Company:

Hiring real estate cleanout services, or a junk removal company, can drastically better an estate cleanout. Our team at Junk Bunker has a ton of experience and can help clean out the home, so you can focus on being there for your family, and for yourself. We also strongly recommend hiring an estate sale company. We ALWAYS recommend the team at A Rosey Glow Estate Sales. Out of any company we’ve seen, they have been the most professional, kind, and helpful, and are a clear frontrunner for helping you, in that regard, with your estate clean out.