Well, the downsizing process is nearing completion. We have Moved
(sorted, packed, moved to new location, unpacked and designed); shipped desired
treasures to the Family; sold unwanted items via the Sell to Auction houses, dealers, and
on-line; and Donated items of value
to our preferred charity. The last
component of downsizing is the Disposal. Sounds easy, but the process is somewhat
comprehensive if done correctly.
Our goal during the Disposal
is to rid the home of all remaining items while attempting to recycle as much
of the Disposal as possible. The first step is to collect all hazardous
material (which includes paints, insecticides, cleaning material, oil, etc.)
and deliver them to a reclamation center.
Generally, the city site will allow maybe 50 pounds to be unloaded at no
costs with an incremental cost per pound over the free allotment. Disposing hazardous material in the trash is
illegal and irresponsible to our environment.
Much of the remaining items can be recycled by the local
community waste management company. For
example; cardboard, glass, cans, metal, leaves, and grass should be staged at
the curb during your neighborhood recycle day.
Most recycle containers have a listing of the acceptable items for
recycling. If the recycling is
significant and much larger than a normal week of disposal, it is wise to
notify your waste management provider so there is no problem with the pick-up.
After recycling and hazardous material have been addressed,
everything else needs to be trashed.
Generally, the easiest and most cost effective way is to utilize the
waste management provider that services your neighborhood. As with the recycling, a phone call is
appropriate if you have a substantial amount of trash for pick-up. The provider will ask about the number of
boxes/bags for pick-up. They will also
inquire about large items like mattresses, cabinets, carpeting, etc. Each of the larger items has a disposal
dollar amount and they will itemize your list and bill you accordingly. Don’t try and under estimate your items
because you run a real risk of not having the provider pick-up the undeclared
items. Lastly, appliances usually need
to be picked-up by an appliance recycle company. Large televisions can be delivered to Best
Buy (32” max) or a local television recycle center. All computer and electrical
items should be disposed of at an electronics recycling center.
Now that everything is out of the home, it is appropriate to
broom clean the floors, vacuum, clean the counters/bathrooms, and ensure the
exterior of the home is presentable. Any
items that stay with the home (wood, shingles, and paint) should be
orderly. Remember, the buyer will do a
final walk through of the property and if contents are excessive, the buyer can
delay closing until the items are removed to an acceptable level.
The home is now ready to place on the market or it is ready
to occupy for the new homeowners. Wow,
it has been a tremendous amount of work.
But, the process is complete and everyone can settle and enjoy their new
surroundings and consolidated treasures. It is a very freeing feeling! And as senior
move managers, it is very rewarding to see the seniors go from overwhelmed to
overjoyed.
