Checklists
Florida Estate Cleanout Checklist: 14 Steps Before You Call a Hauler
Updated June 2026 · By the All Out Rubbish crew
Cleaning out a parent's or loved one's home is overwhelming. This is the checklist we hand every family we work with — built from hundreds of estate jobs across Palm Beach and Broward County. Work through it once and the actual haul-away takes a single afternoon.
Before you touch anything
1. Confirm with the executor or family that you have authority to remove items. 2. Photograph every room before disturbing it — this protects everyone if heirs disagree later. 3. Check every drawer, jacket pocket, book, freezer, and shoe for cash, jewelry, deeds, or hidden valuables. Florida estates routinely have $500–$5,000 in stashed cash.
Documents to keep
4. Pull every piece of paper into a single box: tax returns (last 7 years), the deed, life insurance policies, the will, social security card, military discharge (DD-214), passports, and any safety-deposit-box keys. Shred the rest — don't trash unshredded mail.
Items to flag
5. Firearms (must go to a licensed dealer, family member, or sheriff). 6. Prescription medications (drop at a pharmacy take-back, never trash). 7. Vehicles, boats, trailers (require title transfer through Florida DHSMV). 8. Anything labeled 'asbestos,' old paint, or pool chemicals — these need hazardous-waste disposal.
What to donate vs. dump
9. Furniture in good condition: Habitat ReStore or Faith Farm will pick up free with notice. 10. Clothing: most thrift stores. 11. Kitchenware, books, lamps: thrift store. 12. Anything stained, broken, or older than 20 years usually has no resale value — don't burn time trying to sell it.
Before the hauler arrives
13. Decide what stays (often the family wants to keep beds, dining table, or one chair for showings). 14. Walk every room one more time with a flashlight — closets, attic, under beds, garage shelves. Once the truck pulls away, it's gone.
Need help with this in Palm Beach or Broward?
All Out Rubbish does same-day pickups across South Florida. Flat-rate quotes by text in under 5 minutes.
FAQs
How long does a typical estate cleanout take?
A 3-bedroom Florida home with full contents is usually a single 6–8 hour job for a 2-person crew with one or two truck-loads.
What does it cost?
Full-house estate cleanouts in South Florida run $750–$2,400 depending on contents. We'll quote a flat rate after a walk-through or photos.
Will you separate donations from trash?
Yes — we automatically route resellable items to Faith Farm and Habitat ReStore at no extra charge.