What should you look for in an estate cleanout company?

Look for an estate cleanout company with clear pricing and full-service removal, meaning they can haul items away from anywhere in the home. Make sure they can work on tight deadlines and that they have a good reputation for service.

Estate cleanouts are rarely simple. Houses are often packed with belongings as their owners near the end of their lives. Family members may still be deciding what to keep. You'll probably need to sell or transfer the home soon, likely on a deadline. There are many moving parts, so any company you hire should be prepared for that kind of job.

It helps here to start with the basics. Ask how the cleanout is priced and when you will receive the estimate. You should know the price before the crew starts loading. Ask whether the team will remove items from inside the property or expects everything to be staged outside first. Ideally, you'll want a full-service junk removal crew. That means you won't need to stage items outside first. They'll pick them up for you.

Then ask what happens after pickup. An estate can contain furniture, housewares, clothing, books, tools, and other usable belongings that do not necessarily belong in a landfill. The Junkluggers sorts collected items and prioritizes donation and recycling whenever possible. When items are donated on a customer's behalf, applicable donation receipts are provided within 14 business days.

Consider timing when you’re choosing a company to work with as well. The property might need to be listed or transferred in the near future. Tell the company if you have any deadlines coming up so they understand the scope and can plan accordingly.

Before the crew arrives, take time to separate important documents and keepsakes your family wants to keep. This reduces the odds that something gets hauled away when it shouldn't.

Planning an estate cleanout in Alexandria? Schedule your pickup online with The Junkluggers of Alexandria, VA. The crew will then take care of the hauling and sorting for you.