The Estate Clean-out Process

Michigan Moving Services.com
231-633-3402

Whether a parent has moved to assisted living or passed away, or you are a homeowner who is moving on, cleaning out an estate will be an emotional and tiring process.
AMS provides caring, prompt, and professional estate downsizing and clean-out services throughout Northern Michigan, and can have your home cleaned out, spruced up, and ready for sale. 
We specialize in estate clean-outs for homeowners, realtors, executors and attorneys, and our service is always dependable with satisfaction guaranteed.

The Process

• During the free consultation, we will do a walk-through of the property, detailing tasks to be completed and documenting the amount of items to be removed. We will discuss with you, your desired outcome for the process, and work with you to draft a plan of action and determine which services you prefer.

• We coordinate charity pick-up, donation drop-off, on-site trash removal, utility and mail changes if needed, moving trucks, home maintenance or repairs, organize estate or moving sales, and whatever else comes up. 

• After assisting you in removing your kept items from the home, we will come in and efficiently remove all contents from the home.

• Depending on the services you have chosen, we can then clean the home, and complete any updates to the property; making it a well marketable home for buyers. 

• Voilà, we leave you with a feeling of relief! 

• Throughout this process, we will work with you to handle any questions or concerns, and make changes when needed.  

• We welcome feedback; please review us or leave comments! We use your feedback to better our services--the better we are, the better we can help you.

   The Basics

  
  
• We are locally owned and operated, and the owner (Kelly Stites) is always on hand assuring that things are done correctly--the way you want them. 

• We are experienced; we take care of your home and property.

• We provide free estimates on any size job after a brief walk through of the property, and work with you to draft a contract that fits your needs.

• We recycle, donate to charity, or if you have items of value we can provide you with an offer on those items or credit them to your clean-out. 

• While we take most all items, there limitations. We abide by all local and federal safety regulations when disposing of items, and cannot take any hazardous waste or chemicals, asbestos, asbestos based materials, unknown liquids, gasoline, mercury, sealants or tar materials.

Tips For Moving A Parent

All senior moves come with stress and overwhelming emotions for both the parent and the family. It is okay to be worried, sad, or even upset during this life changing event.

• Be realistic and very patient when preparing for the move. As people age they take more time to absorb new things in their lives, and also want to move at their own pace. Be calm and give yourself (and most especially your parent) plenty of time to adjust. 

• Have a plan. Identify what is to be moved, where it is gong to go, and who is going to be responsible for all the details. Be aware of the function and safety of things that are being kept.

• Take care to respect needs and possessions. You may have a major downsizing ahead of you if your parent has lived in the same home for 30 or more years. All of your childhood toys and school work take on a special meaning for a parent and they may not take kindly to “just pitching” things. Give your parents choices and honor their decisions. Example. The entire dining room set will not fit in your new home. You can take the china hutch and get a smaller table or you can take the table and get a smaller china hutch. Which would you like to do?

• Separate sentimental treasures from those with monetary value. If there are many items that your parent wants to keep, but their new space won’t allow for the storage, consider dispersing the items among family members, to assure they will be cherished.

• Consider selling or donating to clear the volume of possessions. Estate sales and Resale Boutiques can provide extra funds that may come in handy, particularly if the items are not sentimental and will be collecting dust in a new home.When donating and selling items, you are giving them new life, and a new home.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek professional help. Be realistic of your parent’s capabilities and your own. If you are feeling overwhelmed, seek the support of a professional senior move expert.

• Be prepared to take the time to support your parents during this process, as well as making sure you are at ease. Your parents will need emotional and physical support throughout the move, and for a time thereafter for the adjustment process.

• Take care of each other. Be patient and calm and allow your parent to take their time when preparing for the next stage.