Estate cleanouts are not known for their ease. Usually, the person responsible is already dealing with the sadness and stress of a loved one’s passing, a family member’s move to assisted living, downsizing because of financial constraints, or another major life event. Dealing with these emotions while having to sort through, declutter, and clean out a house is both physically and emotionally taxing.
If you find yourself in this position, you’re probably looking for the easiest and quickest way to clean out the estate. We have put together a small list of tips to help ease the burden of this process.
Remember, Getting Started Is the Hardest Part
Taking that first step is usually the most challenging part. Procrastinating can be tempting, but it is best to jump in and tackle this difficult moment head-on. You never know; there may be some hidden fun and joy in the process too.
Be sure to create a system and follow your plan to keep yourself on track. Create your plan of action and set a manageable timeline where you can work through the cleanout at a manageable pace. Don’t forget to set aside all essential documents and keep them safe. This could include a home insurance policy, life insurance policy, bank statements, bill receipts, stocks, and bonds, and a will.
You will also need to get boxes to sort through personal items, donatable items, sellable items, and junk, and designate areas of the home for each sorting section. It can be hard to say goodbye, but it is important to be honest with yourself while sorting through the home’s contents. Is this something you’ll ever need or use again? Is it really sentimental? While it may be difficult, it is best to be mindful of the fine line between holding onto something meaningful and hoarding.
Tackle One Room at a Time
It is easy to become overwhelmed during an estate or home cleanout, which is why plans and deadlines are so important. However, taking on too much at one time is a sure ticket to giving up. Work at a manageable pace and through one room at a time so that you are not overstimulating your emotions and becoming frustrated or disheartened during the estate cleanout.
Pair the Cleanout with Some Music
Putting on some music in the background can be a great way to make the cleanout process easier to handle. The music can act as a distraction from some of the more stressful, or even more tedious, parts of the cleanout and can make the whole process seem like it is going faster.
Hire a Professional Estate & House Cleanout Service
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional cleanout company to assist you with your estate cleanout. The Jerry’s Antiques team has the expertise and resources to handle any size job, from heavy and bulky items to full-home cleanouts. We offer a wide range of services in New Jersey, including full liquidation of contents, estate sales, private sales of a few items, professional appraisals, full or partial cleanouts, and more.
By enlisting our help, you can ensure that your house, attic, or basement is completely empty by your desired deadline without putting your own health and safety at risk. Call Jerry’s today, and let us help you through this process.
