Put one person in charge
An estate may involve family members, a personal representative, an attorney and a real-estate professional. Before removal begins, identify one person who can approve the estimate, answer questions and authorize a change if something unexpected is found.
That does not mean one person makes every family decision. It means the crew knows who has authority while the work is underway.
Separate what stays from what leaves
Do not rely on memory or assume every person involved has the same understanding. Use a written list, clearly marked areas or closed rooms for anything that must remain.
- Remove important papers, medication, firearms, jewelry and small valuables before the crew arrives.
- Label furniture, boxes or rooms that must not be touched.
- Identify items that may be donated and decide what should happen if a donation center declines them.
- Tell Rubbish about paint, chemicals, propane cylinders, tires and other special material before the estimate is approved.
Photograph the property by area
Start with wide photographs, then add closer pictures of heavy, unusual or difficult-to-reach items. Group the pictures by location so the estimate can account for the entire property.
| Area | What to include | Access details |
|---|---|---|
| Living areas | Furniture, household contents, closets and attached rooms. | Floor level, stairs, narrow doors and protected surfaces. |
| Basement or attic | Wide room views plus dense boxes, appliances or bulky furniture. | Bulkhead, pull-down stairs, low clearance and carry distance. |
| Garage or shed | Contents, shelving to remain and any attached structure being considered for removal. | Door width, driveway access, soft ground and distance from the trailer. |
| Exterior | Furniture, debris, brush and separate piles of heavy material. | Gates, slopes, drain fields, overhead clearance and the closest firm surface. |
Share the property deadline
If the work is tied to a listing, settlement, contractor start date or tenant turnover, provide the actual date with the first photo set. Large projects may require several crew members, both Rubbish trailers or more than one day.
Market-ready properties start with a cleanout.
A clear deadline lets Rubbish schedule the labor and trailer capacity around the property instead of discovering the time pressure after work begins.
When nobody can be at the property
Remote projects can be handled when access and decision-making are arranged in advance. Provide the key, code or local contact; identify what remains; and request completion photographs if they are needed for the family, attorney or property professional.
Pricing and payment
Estate and probate estimates account for volume, weight, crew time, access, sorting requirements and disposal. Standard payment is due when the work is completed. Eligible estate or probate projects may be approved for payment at closing or within 60 days when that arrangement is written into the estimate beforehand.