Client: Michelle M.
Location: Tacoma Blvd, Westville, NJ
Scope: Full estate cleanout (4 areas, 180 cubic yards)
Duration: 7 hours
Team: 1 foreman, 5 crew members, 3 temporary laborers
The Request
Michelle contacted Junk Rescue for professional house cleanout services and professional estate cleanout services in New Jersey and Philadelphia to help clear out her late father’s estate sale, which was filled with unwanted items and valuable items after the loss of a family member and potential foreclosure. The home, located on Tacoma Blvd in Westville, NJ, included a basement, attics, two floors, a detached garage, and outdoor storage, all contributing to the volume of items present. She described mild hoarding conditions on the first floor and was concerned about preserving a few key items that held sentimental value with the utmost care, as she knew it could be a daunting task.
She asked us to:
- Avoid damaging the new driveway
- Preserve a vintage icebox and a Whirlpool refrigerator
- Leave a working electric stove for resale
- Protect against damage to floors and walls
The Cleanout Plan
1. Site Walkthrough and Instructions Review
We met Michelle onsite the day before the cleanout. She showed us:
- Rooms with dense clutter
- A garage with her father’s tools and heirlooms
- An updated driveway she’d recently paid to have resurfaced
Our foreman, John, documented all items marked for preservation. We recorded a 15-minute video walkthrough to reference on the day of service.
2. Safety Protocols for Light Hoarding Conditions
While not a full hoarding situation, air quality was poor in several rooms. We used:
- Respirators and gloves for all staff
- Portable fans for ventilation
- Plywood runners to protect floors and driveway surfaces
3. Crew Strategy and Labor Setup
To complete the project within the 1-day window Michelle requested, we brought in:
- 5 core team members
- 3 temporary day laborers (from our local partner agency in Camden)
- 2 trucks and 4 roll-off dumpsters staged at staggered times
The Cleanout Process
7:00 AM – Crew Arrival and Safety Briefing
We began by laying down plywood over the driveway and entryway to avoid damage from dumpsters and dollies.
8:15 AM – Basement Cleared First
Basement clutter included:
- 12 rusted toolboxes (contents emptied and recycled)
- 3 damaged couches
- Broken refrigerator (a large appliance removed in sections due to tight stairwell)
10:45 AM – First Floor With Heirlooms and Sentimental Items We paused in the garage to confirm Michelle’s list:
- Icebox and fridge tagged with green tape — untouched
- Resale stove moved to the side with felt pads beneath it
1:00 PM – Final Sweep and Loading
Once the interior was cleared, the crew did a full broom-sweep of each room. We staged a final load from the porch and front yard.
Pricing and Cost Breakdown
| Item | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Cleanout | 180 yards, whole estate | $6,912.00 |
| Hoarder Fee | PPE, air scrubbers, respirators | $1,728.00 |
| RA/Bulk Discount | 19% reduction | -$1,177.96 |
| Total | $7,462.04 |
The Outcome
- 180 cubic yards of junk removed
- Entire property cleared in 7 hours
- No damage to driveway, walls, or preserved items
- Full payment received upon completion
Michelle told us, “I was impressed by how respectful the team was. They listened carefully and treated everything like it mattered — even the old fridge I couldn’t get rid of myself.”
Lessons and Recommendations
For estate cleanouts with sensitive conditions, considering the property size and the range of items, effective disposal of heavy lifting items should be considered, especially for a large estate:
- Record a video walkthrough the day before service
- Label preserved personal belongings and items clearly using color-coded tape
- Use respirators even for mild hoarding zones — better safe than sorry
- Overstaff when tight timelines are involved
Why Choose Junk Rescue for Estate Cleanouts?
Junk Rescue is your trusted partner for estate cleanouts, offering efficient, reliable junk removal company service for homeowners, including hot tub removal, furniture removal, handling of hazardous materials, and antiques handling, as well as hauling of heavy items. Our team specializes in quick, thorough removals, ensuring a stress-free experience. With environmentally-friendly practices and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we handle the entire process from heavy lifting to disposal, making the process seamless for you.