6 Tips for Successfully Clearing out An Old Home

If you are restoring an old home, returning it to its former unscathed beauty, or clearing out an old estate, chances are there may be layers of rubble, not to mention filth that needs to be peeled from the surface.
Whether old furniture, or an even older overgrown yard, the tasks before you have one thing in common.
A commitment.

A commitment to doing it right, yes, but also to make it as easy as possible on everyone involved.

Keep these things in mind and the job will go more smoothly — for you, and for everyone helping.

Decide to Decide

Having a clear plan might seem like a waste of time, but it can save you a lot in the end.

Have a written list of the tasks you can see. It doesn’t need to be long — a single page is enough, as long as the key areas are documented.

The one thing about a written plan is you can go back and revisit items. Writing things down assists with not becoming overwhelmed and can keep you on a path if you have a tendency to go down rabbit holes.

Have a list of contacts, and suppliers you would prefer to use and those who are experts in their field like asbestos removers.

Get a Skip Bin on Site Early

If you haven’t already, get yourself an appropriate skip bin.

It doesn’t really matter if the job is large or small. Having a skip bin means all the rubbish goes into one contained area as you work.

Remember the rules for skip bins and the material restrictions. The last thing you need is to have everything loaded, only to find something in the bin that can’t be collected.

Divide and Conquer

It’s a good idea to pile items into different piles.

• Keep

Anything of value and things that can be sold need to be considered carefully. Get some advice on items where you’re not sure of their value. Of course, anything that holds genuine memories can be left on this pile.

• Recycle

Old furniture can be repurposed as can discarded bicycles for days gone by. Timber goes without saying, along with any old appliance that may be used for spare parts. Recycling is a great way to save and recreate something else.

• Throw

Some things are simply not worth keeping, donating or recycling. If an item is broken, unsafe, or long past its useful life, it can go in the skip.

Letting go of belongings is often the hardest part of a clear-out. Take it at your own pace — it usually gets easier as you go.

• Donate

Donate older furniture that may need a spruce up to people who perhaps can’t afford to purchase new items. There’s a lot to be said for the recycling and reuse of old chairs, tables and unloved furniture.

Take the time and make the effort to ask about. Second-hand traders make a good living from people buying up old stuff. Donating unwanted goods gives someone the opportunity to keep their dollars in their pocket, or maybe even make a few bucks for themselves.

One Day at a Time

If your job is a big one, the best way forward is to tackle one room at a time. Clearing out an old home can seem daunting especially if this is your first time around the block.

Got some favours to call in? Perfect.

The old saying is true: many hands make light work. A couple of reliable helpers on the heavy days makes a real difference.

Contingencies Happen

Everything from injuries to hazardous materials can stop you in your tracks.

Things go wrong, some of which are out of our control, but we can do our bit to lower the odds.

Mitigate the chances of serious issues by wearing protective gloves, footwear and eyewear.

Dust and allergens can have a detrimental effect on those who suffer, as does overdoing it.

Knowing your limits in terms of physical activity will also help you stay healthier for longer.

Keep hydrated and take regular breaks, especially on hot days.

If you suspect there may be asbestos in the home, stop and contact a licensed asbestos professional. It may delay you, but asbestos is never a do-it-yourself job — and it can never go in a skip bin.

If this is a clear-out following a bereavement, allow for it to take longer. Sorting through a lifetime of belongings is slow, careful work, and some days will be harder than others.

Give yourself a break. Unless you have financial reasons for doing this superfast, another day or two might make a big difference to your overall experience.

You Are Not Alone

While you might be tempted to leave everything on the footpath for removal in days to come, you could be creating a headache you don’t need.

Most councils only collect from the kerb through a booked hard rubbish service, and unbooked piles can attract fines — as well as attracting pests while they sit there.

Enjoy industry experience, expert advice and professional service by having the best in the business on your side.

Contact us today for more info and the best skip for your clear out.

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