Do I need to be home during junk removal?

Why we ask you to be home at the start

Two things happen in the first 15 minutes that need you (or your designated representative) on site:

1. The walkthrough. We need to see every item that’s going so we don’t accidentally take something you wanted to keep — or leave something you wanted to go. We walk through the spaces with you. You point. We confirm.
2. The firm quote. Before any work begins, we give you a written price. You approve it. Then we start. This protects you from surprise charges and protects us from miscommunication on scope.

Why we ask you to be home at the end

Three reasons:

• Final walkthrough. We walk back through the cleared spaces with you so you can confirm everything that was supposed to go did, and nothing else.
• Cleanup confirmation. We sweep before we leave. You confirm the space is acceptable.
• Payment. We run card, take check, or accept cash. You get a receipt.

What if I can’t be there?

This happens, especially with out-of-state family members coordinating cleanouts for a parent, or property managers handling rental turnover. Options:

• Designated representative. A spouse, an adult child, a property manager, a real estate agent — anyone you authorize to make decisions about what goes and approve the quote.
• Remote walkthrough. We can do the walkthrough by phone or video call with you while we’re on site. You direct us through the camera. Less ideal than in-person but workable.
• Pre-marked items. If everything that goes is clearly marked (painter’s tape with “GO,” or items grouped in a designated pile), and we have your prior approval on price range, we can sometimes proceed without you present. This works better for smaller jobs than larger ones.

Can I leave once the work starts?

Yes. After the walkthrough and approved quote, you’re free to leave. We’re insured ($1M general liability). We work efficiently. If anything ambiguous comes up (an item we’re unsure about, an unexpected hazmat finding, a hidden item we didn’t see at the walkthrough), we call or text before proceeding.

What about for rental properties or REO cleanouts?

For rental property cleanouts and bank-owned (REO) jobs, the property manager or asset manager typically authorizes the work without being present. We do the walkthrough with whoever has the keys, send photos, and proceed based on authorized direction. See Rental Property Cleanout and Foreclosure Cleanout.