Before anything goes out
Go through the house once with no container in sight. Look for papers (wills, deeds, bank statements, tax records, insurance policies), photos, letters, keys and anything small and valuable that tends to be tucked in drawers, coat pockets and books.
Agree as a family, and with whoever is handling the estate, on what stays, what gets shared out and what goes. Disagreements are much easier to settle before items are in a dumpster.
Room by room, not all at once
Start with spaces that hold the least feeling: the garage, the basement storage shelves, the shed. Leave bedrooms and the kitchen, where most memories live, for later in the week.
A few extra rental days take the deadline pressure off. Ask what they cost when you call, and book the time you need.
Things that need another route
Donate or sell first
- Furniture in usable condition
- Kitchenware, linens and tools
- Books and records
- Medical equipment like walkers and shower chairs
Not in the container
- Prescription medicines: ask a pharmacist how to dispose of them
- Old TVs and computers, which Indiana households can't throw out
- Cleaning chemicals and paint, for the county drop-off sites
- Refrigerators and freezers with refrigerant still in them
When you're not in South Bend
Family members often handle a cleanout from out of town. If you're arranging it from a distance, tell the company who will be at the house on delivery day and where the container should go, and send photos of the driveway if they ask.
Book a roll-off for your project
Describe what you're getting rid of. An independent local roll-off company will suggest a container, offer delivery dates and give you its price.
Use this number to rent a roll-off or a portable toilet. South Bend garbage, recycling and bulk pickup questions go to 311.
Call hours: Monday to Saturday 8am–8pm, Sunday 8am–1pm (South Bend time)
Your call may be recorded; see the referral disclosure.