Clearing out a parent's or relative's home is emotional, physical, and often on a deadline, whether that's a closing date, a lease end, or family coming in from out of town. A clear plan makes it manageable. Here's how families across Albany and Southwest Georgia approach an estate cleanout.
Step 1: Secure what matters first
Before anything gets thrown away, walk through the home and set aside:
- Wills, deeds, titles, tax records, insurance policies, and bank statements
- Photos, letters, and family keepsakes
- Jewelry, cash, firearms, and other valuables
- Anything specifically named in the will
Designate one room or closet as the "do not touch" zone so nothing important ends up in the dumpster by accident.
Step 2: Sort into four categories
- Keep: items family members want
- Sell: furniture, tools, and collectibles with resale value (estate sale companies can help)
- Donate: usable clothing, housewares, and furniture
- Dispose: everything else, which is where the dumpster comes in
Step 3: Work room by room
Start with the least sentimental spaces (garage, shed, attic, basement storage) to build momentum and clear space. Leave bedrooms and the main living areas for last, when the family has had time to decide on keepsakes.
Step 4: Pick the right dumpster size
| Home | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Apartment, or a partly cleared small home | 10 yard |
| 2–3 bedroom home with a garage | 20 yard |
| Full home with years of accumulation, outbuildings, or a hoarding situation | 30 yard |
Many properties in Lee, Worth, and Terrell counties sit on larger lots with sheds and barns, which can easily double the volume. Our size guide has more detail.
Step 5: Handle the items a dumpster can't take
Old homes often have leftover paint, chemicals, propane tanks, car batteries, and old refrigerators. These need separate disposal. See our list of what can and can't go in a dumpster in Georgia.
Tips for out-of-town families
- You don't need to be present for delivery or pickup. Just tell us where to place the container.
- The 7-day rental gives a family a full week, or two weekends, to work. Extensions are available if you need more time.
- If the house is being sold, keep the dumpster on the driveway rather than the street to avoid needing a permit.
We're here to help
We've helped many Albany-area families through estate cleanouts, and we know it's rarely just a junk-removal job. Call (229) 394-2965 and we'll recommend a size, schedule delivery around your timeline, and keep the process simple.