Deceased Estate Clean-Outs: A Compassionate Guide to Managing Property Waste

Clearing out a loved one's home after they've passed is one of the most emotionally challenging tasks you'll ever face. Alongside grief, you're managing legal processes, family discussions, and the overwhelming job of sorting through a lifetime of belongings. While we can't ease the emotional burden, we can help with the practical side. A skip bin provides a straightforward solution for managing estate waste, removing at least one source of stress during this difficult time.



The Reality of Clearing a Deceased Estate

A deceased estate clean-out involves sorting through an entire lifetime of possessions. You'll need to decide what to keep for sentimental reasons, what family members might want, what can be donated or sold, and what needs to be disposed of. Common items requiring disposal include old furniture, worn clothing, outdated kitchenware, garden tools, garage contents, and general household items accumulated over decades.

The scope can be overwhelming. Most estates involve clearing multiple rooms, sheds, garages, and outdoor areas. You're often working under timeline pressures too, whether it's property settlement deadlines, rental agreements, or real estate requirements. This is where skip bin services in Wollongong become invaluable. Having a skip bin on-site means you can dispose of unwanted items immediately rather than making multiple tip runs whilst managing everything else.



Picking the Right Skip Bin Size for Estate Clean-Outs

For most deceased estate clean-outs in Wollongong, we recommend starting with a 10 cubic metre skip bin or 12 cubic metre skip bin. These sizes accommodate furniture, white goods, and substantial amounts of household items from a typical family home. Larger properties or situations involving significant accumulation may require our 15 cubic metre to 25 cubic metre options.

If you're unsure about the volume of waste, don't worry. Many families start with one bin and add another if needed, or opt for extended hire periods to work at a comfortable pace. Our team can discuss your specific situation and recommend the most suitable size. It's worth noting that you should separate valuable or sentimental items first, as once something goes in the skip, it's difficult to retrieve.

What Can Go in the Skip

Our skip bins accept most items you'll encounter during an estate clean-out. This includes general household items, furniture, white goods like fridges and washing machines, clothing and soft furnishings, books and papers, and garden waste from property maintenance. Mattresses can be disposed of in our bins, though an additional fee of $110 per mattress applies due to waste facility charges.

However, certain items cannot go in skip bins. These include hazardous materials, liquids, chemicals, and asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos cannot be placed in standard skip bins under any circumstances.

If you discover asbestos in the property (common in older Wollongong homes built before the 1990s), we can provide specialised 3 cubic metre Hazibags for non-friable asbestos disposal. It's important to understand that both friable and non-friable asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos professional. Bin Master is not licensed to perform asbestos removal. However, once a licensed removalist has safely removed and sealed the asbestos in our Hazibags, we'll collect and transport it to a specialised licensed landfill.



Our team can guide you on proper disposal methods for any prohibited items you encounter during the estate clean-out and connect you with appropriate services where needed.

A Sensitive Approach to Estate Clearances

Take your time with this process when possible. While practical deadlines exist, rushing through a loved one's belongings can be emotionally draining and you might regret hasty decisions. Consider having family or friends present for support during sorting days. Their help can make the physical work easier and provide emotional comfort.

Before filling your skip bin, consider donation options for usable items. Organisations like Vinnies and the Salvation Army accept furniture, clothing, kitchenware, and books in good condition. This can provide comfort knowing useful items will help others rather than going to landfill.

Skip bins allow you to work at your own pace. Our standard hire period is seven days, with extended hire available if you need more time to complete the clear-out. We also offer flexible placement options. Bins can be positioned on the property for privacy, or on the street if space is limited (council permits may apply for street placement).

We're Here to Help Make This Difficult Time Easier

At Bin Master Skip Bins, we understand the sensitivity required when assisting with deceased estate clean-outs. Our team has helped many Wollongong families through this process, and we approach every situation with respect and compassion. We offer free, no-obligation quotes and can arrange flexible delivery times to suit your schedule.

When you're ready to begin, we provide same-day delivery across Wollongong and the Illawarra. Whether you need a single bin for a partial clear-out or multiple large bins for an entire property, we'll work with you to find the right solution. If you're unsure about what size you need or have questions about what can be disposed of, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help make this challenging time a little more manageable.