When the job is bigger than one garage
A property cleanout can cover several rooms, an apartment, a rental, a move-out, or belongings left after an estate transition. The work goes more smoothly when one authorized decision-maker can answer questions and the keep zone is physically separate.
Protect what cannot be replaced
Before lifting begins, remove identification, financial records, tax papers, titles, keys, medication, jewelry, photographs, heirlooms, and devices that still contain personal data. The Federal Trade Commission recommends shredding documents with personal or financial information before disposal.
Create a clean decision system
- Keep: move to a locked room or clearly separate area.
- Family review: use a dated box or room with one decision-maker.
- Potential donation: keep clean, assembled items together until acceptance is confirmed.
- Ordinary removal: group accepted non-hazardous material by room.
- Special handling: isolate chemicals, batteries, electronics, refrigerant appliances, and unknown containers.