Handy Hints for Clearing a Property
Many family members or helpful neighbours pitch in and help clear a property but remember that they are usually not experts.
Always use an Expert.
- Do NOT throw anything out until you have it assessed by Estate Experts. Call Geoff Crawford at Expert Experts (03 9812-7280 or 0412 599 649) for an obligation-free consultation before you start the clearing process.
- Can you do it? It is time consuming and hard work that is often emotionally difficult.
- If it looks like asbestos, leave it alone and call in an asbestos remover.
- Chemicals, solvents, paints and poisons cannot be put in the rubbish bin or into a skip.
- Similarly skip companies do NOT take tyres, asbestos and inner spring mattresses or charge you EXTRA for these items.
- Antique dealers will usually pay 25-33% of the retail price for goods to ensure that they can make a living.
- Secondhand furniture and whitegoods dealers will pay a similar amount but this is the percentage of the price that they can sell it for, not the price the item was purchased for.
- Book dealers are particularly choosy. Most books, especially paperbacks are practically worthless. Expect the book dealer to perhaps choose five or six.
- Be careful in selling collections of coins, stamps etc. You really need the advice of an expert.
- Charities will not take anything that is damaged or stained and can be very choosy. They also often collect on only one day a week in your area and are often booked for weeks in advance.
- Electrical goods are usually not accepted by charities for OHS reasons.
My Bequest List - downloadable document which helps you clarify what you want to leave to who.
Printable version of the above list Handy Hints for Clearing a Property