The 6 Stages of a Property Clean Out

Our system to make sure a clean-out goes right, right on time.

Whether you are a landlord, property manager, or just a child cleaning out a parents house, a whole property clean out is an overwhelming project. While the goal of the project is simple: clean out the property, the process to actually make it happen can be anything but simple. Every property clean out has numerous factors to be considered. The distance between the vehicle and the items, the type of contents in the property, the level of neglect of the property, and the accommodation of any hazardous materials. While just picking a point to start and going for it is an option, a detailed plan is far more effective. At Up Up and Away we use our 6-step process to make sure every clean out goes according to schedule.

Stage 1) The Phone Call

While this may seem like something that happens before the property clean out even begins, the initial phone call helps us to get a broader understanding of our clients needs. In this phone call we gather all of the information about the client and the property. We determine what level of clean out needs to happen, what kinds of debris we expect to encounter, and most importantly the time frame in which the client needs the project handled! By the end of the phone call we have all of the preliminary information we need and we schedule a time for a team member to come give an in-person estimate. For full property clean outs, an on-site estimate is required in order to make sure the full scope of the project is accounted for. That’s step two.

Stage 2) The On-site Consultation

Every on-site consultation starts with a handshake and a smile. From there our team member takes a tour of the property with the property owner or manager. As we walk the property, our team member looks in all cabinets, attic spaces, crawl spaces, closets, and all around the exterior of the property. We do this to attempt to ask any questions we have up front and to gather a complete picture of the scope of work. We will also make a list of all hazardous or extra fee items in order to make sure there will not be any surprise additions to the estimate. At this point our team member will create an informed estimate of how many trailer loads will be required to finish the project. We multiply the estimated number of trailer loads by the per load price. That price may fluctuate depending on the level of filth and distance to carry all of the items. Once the estimate is sent and approved, the job is put on the schedule!

Stage 3) Logistical Planning

Once the job is scheduled, we begin our project logistical planning. In this stage we determine how we would like to approach the project, how many team members we need, how many recycling trailers we will need, and if we will need any special equipment. While sometimes plans change once we begin a project, we find that it is more advantageous to have a plan set before we begin so that all on site time is productive. If we need to bring in extra dumpsters or equipment we will go ahead and schedule them as soon as the estimate is signed in order to reduce the chances of last minute changes. At the end of this stage we will communicate relevant planning notes to clients. These notes include start time, projected daily progress, any items to be left behind for the customer, and anything we need in
order to have proper access to the property.
Once the client is looped in, it’s time for the big day!

Stage 4) The First Two Hours

The first two hours of any project are the most important. It is critical that the whole team be working at maximum efficiency in order to make a significant dent in the project and make sure that at least one trailer is loaded and removed quickly. The ability to hit the project hard in the first two hours allows us to stress test our plan and make sure it is the best way to handle the project. If we notice any issues in our plan they will be corrected at this point and we will move on. Momentum is also a very important with a full property clean out. A very productive first two hours sets the tempo for the rest of the day and help boost the morale of the team.

Stage 5) The Grind

This is phase where we go into what we call the nothing box. The nothing box is when you get into the groove of working and just think about nothing. At this stage we are carrying out the plan, running trailers, and completing each cabinet, closet and room one at a time. As we go through a house we open all doors and cabinets and close them as we finish cleaning out that area. During this phase as well we will normally start a pile in the yard in front of the house of various recyclable materials to be included in the last load and properly disposed of. For most clean ups we make sure that everything the size of a post it or larger is removed and then we sweep all hard surfaces. Once we are done sweeping, it’s on to the last step.

Stage 6) The Walkthrough

The walkthrough is the best part of any project, but most people do not know that we actually do two walk throughs. Our first walk through is done by our team members to make sure that all cabinets, closets, rooms, attics, yard areas and crawlspaces are empty. Once we have completed our walkthrough and taken after photos, we bring in the clients for their walk through. The client walkthrough is usually completed with the client and the team member who initially quoted the job. We then show them every area of the house and confirm that everything is completed to their satisfaction.

In conclusion

A whole property clean out is a difficult and overwhelming project, but with our 6 step system and our team of professional hauling H.E.R.O.s we can make it easy! When choosing anyone to help with a property clean out, make sure you hire a qualified, insured, professional team with a plan!