Clearing a deceased estate is one of those jobs that nobody wants to do but somebody has to. On top of the emotional weight, there is the practical reality of dealing with an entire household worth of belongings, often accumulated over decades. A skip bin takes the waste disposal side off your plate so you can focus on what matters.
How Much Waste Does a Deceased Estate Produce?
More than most people expect. A typical 3 bedroom house that has been lived in for 20 or more years will usually fill a 6m3 to 8m3 skip bin once you have removed the items being kept, donated, or sold. If the property has not been maintained and there is garden waste to deal with as well, the volume increases further. Hoarding situations can require 10m3 or larger bins, sometimes more than one.
Which Bin Size to Start With
If the estate is a standard house with normal levels of accumulated belongings, start with a 6m3 bin. If the property is larger, has significant garden overgrowth, or has above average amounts of furniture and stored items, an 8m3 bin is the safer choice. For properties where hoarding is a factor, we can discuss the best approach, which might involve multiple bins delivered and collected in stages.
Sorting Before Loading
Before filling the bin, sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and dispose. Charities like Lifeline, Vinnies, and Salvos will accept furniture, clothing, and household items in good condition. Some items may have value and can be sold through online marketplaces. What is left after sorting goes in the skip bin. This approach reduces waste volume and the associated cost.
Handling Hazardous Materials
Older homes may contain items that cannot go in a standard skip bin. Paint tins (especially if they still have liquid paint), chemicals stored in the garage or shed, gas bottles, and old batteries need separate disposal. If the property has asbestos containing materials (common in homes built before 1990), these must be handled by a licensed removalist.
We Can Help
We work with families, solicitors, and real estate agents on deceased estate cleanups across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast. We understand the sensitivity involved and we make the process as straightforward as possible. Call or book online.