Confirm legal authority to dispose of contents● High priority

Ensure you have Letters Testamentary, court authorization, or property ownership before removing any items.

Contact multiple estate sale companies for a walkthrough● High priority

Have professionals evaluate the contents before assuming anything should go to the trash. You may have more value than you think.

Get cleanout quotes from at least 2-3 companies● High priority

Cleanout pricing varies widely. Get quotes and understand what is included — some companies donate, some dump, some sort.

Walk every room, closet, attic, basement, and garage● High priority

Don't miss storage areas. Some of the most valuable items are tucked away in unexpected places.

Estate sale first — remove nothing before the sale company evaluates● High priority

Let professionals assess everything before deciding what gets donated or discarded.

Coordinate with charities for donation pickup after the sale

Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and local charities often accept furniture and household goods.

Call an estate sale company BEFORE calling a cleanout company● High priority

An estate sale maximizes the value recovered from belongings. Cleanout should come after — not instead of — an estate sale.

List the home immediately after cleanout is complete

An empty, clean home photographs and shows better. Coordinate listing date with cleanout completion.

Book cleanout company 1-2 weeks after estate sale end date

Allow time for any remaining items to be donated before the full cleanout team arrives.

Get cash offers if the property needs major repairs

If the cleanout reveals the property needs significant work, an as-is cash offer may be more practical than a retail listing.

Change locks and secure the property throughout the process● High priority

Vacant properties are vulnerable to break-ins. Maintain insurance and change locks after the original residents leave.

Document the condition of the property before and after cleanout

Photos protect you legally and help with insurance claims if needed.