How To DIY Estate Cleanouts: Step-by-Step Process

No one really prepares you for what it feels like to clear out a family home. Whether it’s after the passing of a loved one, helping a parent downsize, or sorting through generations of belongings before putting a house on the market, estate cleanouts are tough, both emotionally and physically. You’re not just dealing with old furniture and clutter; you’re unpacking memories, deciding what matters, and trying to move forward while honouring the past. For many families in Toronto and the GTA, this process can quickly become overwhelming.

That’s where having the right support makes all the difference. At Bins Toronto, we’ve helped countless families take on this task with a little more peace of mind. Our estate cleanout bins give you the space and flexibility to work through things at your own pace, without the pressure of rushing or hauling everything yourself. In this guide, we’re sharing what works: a clear, step-by-step process for tackling a full cleanout, from sorting and donating to loading the bin and clearing the space for good. If you’re starting to feel stuck or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone, and this is exactly where you start.

What Is an Estate Cleanout and When Do You Need One?

An estate cleanout involves removing all contents from a home, apartment, or property, furniture, personal belongings, clothing, appliances, yard waste, and sometimes construction debris. You’ll need an estate cleanout if:

• A family member has passed away and left a fully furnished home behind
• You’re selling a home as part of an inheritance or divorce settlement
• The property is being prepped for rental or renovation
• You’re helping a loved one move into assisted living or a smaller residence

Estate cleanouts often come with deadlines, sale closings, lease ends, and legal requirements, so time, organization, and reaching out for booking bin rental services are crucial.

DIY Estate Cleanouts Essentials: What You Need to Prepare

Before jumping into the job, having the right supplies and team will save you days of back-and-forth, heavy lifting, or wasting money on services you don’t need.

Use this table to organize what’s essential for a DIY estate cleanout:

Step-by-Step Process for DIY Estate Cleanouts in Toronto

Step 1: Secure Access and Notify Proper Parties

Before beginning, confirm legal access to the property. This is especially important if you’re the executor or handling the estate for someone else. Ensure utilities are functional, including electricity, water, and HVAC, so you can work in comfort and safety. Notify condo boards, neighbours, or landlords if applicable.

Step 2: Rent the Right Estate Cleanouts Bin

Choosing the right bin is crucial. Bins Toronto offers a range of sizes to match any estate cleanout, from small units to full family homes across Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke, North York, Mississauga, and the wider GTA. If you’re cleaning out furniture, mattresses, or decades of stored items, you’ll want at least a 14–20 yard bin. Our team can recommend a bin size based on your square footage and contents.

We deliver directly to your driveway or yard, and we pick up when you’re done, no need for trips to the dump.

Step 3: Create a Sorting System

Label every area of the house by category:

• Keep (items staying in the family or being moved)
• Sell (valuable pieces, antiques, or electronics)
• Donate (gently used items for charities)
• Recycle (electronics, metals, batteries)
• Dispose (items for the estate cleanouts bin)

Use coloured tape, sticky notes, or signs on furniture and boxes to keep everything organized, room by room.

Step 4: Start with Rooms That Have the Least Sentimental Value

Begin with spaces like the basement, garage, storage closets, or laundry rooms. These are often filled with expired products, broken appliances, or old decor. The goal is to build momentum before you get to emotionally heavy rooms like bedrooms or living rooms.

Step 5: Handle Sentimental Items with Care

For keepsakes, photos, or heirlooms, consider creating a “memory box” for each family member. Scan photos, digitize documents, and take photos of items that can’t be kept due to space. This stage takes time and may involve family discussions; don’t rush it.

Step 6: Sell or Donate Valuable Items

Toronto and the GTA have many estate auction services, consignment stores, and online marketplaces. If you have designer clothing, rare furniture, vintage decor, or artwork, consider having items appraised or photographed for sale. Charities like Habitat for Humanity Restore, Value Village, and The Furniture Bank in Etobicoke accept gently used donations.

Step 7: Load Your Estate Cleanouts Bin Safely

When it’s time to load the bin, break down large furniture to save space. Stack items flat, distribute weight evenly, and don’t overload past the bin’s rim. Hazardous materials like paint, batteries, or propane tanks cannot be thrown in, call your municipality for disposal drop-off options.

Bins Toronto provides estate cleanout bins that are driveway-safe and designed for easy walk-in access so you don’t have to lift heavy objects over the side.

Step 8: Clean the Property After Removing the Junk

Once all items are removed, do a deep clean of the space. This includes sweeping floors, washing walls, vacuuming carpets, wiping down windows, and clearing out kitchen appliances. For homes being listed, this step can increase resale value and make showings more attractive.

Step 9: Schedule Bin Pickup and Final Walkthrough

Contact us to schedule your bin pickup. Often, we can offer same-day or next-day pickup across the GTA. Do a final walkthrough with your checklist and make sure nothing was left behind in hidden drawers, crawl spaces, or closets.

Tips for Estate Cleanouts in Toronto and the GTA

• Watch for parking permits: In dense downtown areas, bin placement may require a city permit.
• Avoid rush-hour pickups: Bin trucks need space and time to load and unload.
• Use local donation partners: Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Diabetes Canada offer pickups in Toronto and nearby cities.
• Respect condo bylaws: High-rise cleanouts may require moving times or padded elevator bookings.
• Know disposal rules: Every GTA municipality has slightly different rules around construction waste, bulk pickup, and recycling. When using estate cleanout bins, always separate restricted materials.

Why Bins Toronto Is the Go-To for Estate Cleanouts

We’ve worked with families, estate managers, and realtors across the GTA for over a decade. Our bins are designed for ease, efficiency, and quick turnaround. We offer transparent pricing, flexible rental terms, and expert advice tailored to the emotional and logistical complexities of estate cleanouts.

Whether you’re cleaning out a one-bedroom condo in Liberty Village or a 5-bedroom home in Richmond Hill, we’re ready to deliver bins when and where you need them.

You Don’t Need to Do It Alone

While DIY estate cleanouts can feel daunting, with the right system, support, and a well-placed estate cleanouts bin, it becomes manageable, and even healing. The key is planning ahead, working in stages, and using reliable local bin renting services like Bins Toronto to take the weight off your shoulders, literally and emotionally.

Let us help simplify this process so you can focus on what matters most. Reach out today to book your estate cleanout bin and take the first step toward a smoother cleanout.