The keep-list comes first

Decide what leaves

Walk through the home and make three clear groups: keep, remove and unresolved. An unresolved item stays until the authorized decision maker says otherwise. Photograph the agreed scope, particularly in estates, shared homes and rental properties.

Keep personal records, identity documents, keys, medications and valuables out of the collection zone. For electronics, decide who removes personal data before a device leaves. Ordinary collection should not be assumed to include secure data destruction.

Plan the path out

Document stairs, narrow turns, lift booking, loading access and fragile surfaces. Heavy, awkward or fixed items may need specialist dismantling and handling. Confirm whether doors or fixtures need temporary removal and who reinstates them.

A room-volume estimate and a loaded vehicle volume are different. Ask how the provider measures quantity and prices extra trips, labour, restricted materials and disposal charges. Do not rely on an illustrative online price.

Choose destinations honestly

Ask what can reasonably be reused, donated or recycled in the item’s actual condition. Acceptance rules and available destinations vary. Do not assume every collected item is recycled or that an unwanted damaged item will be accepted by a charity.

Restricted waste, refrigerant appliances, unknown chemicals and potentially contaminated materials need suitable handling. Tell the provider about known hazards rather than hiding them inside a mixed load.

Agree the empty-space condition

Write down whether the scope ends at cleared contents, swept floors, bare substrate or repaired finishes. Ordinary removal does not automatically include cleaning, pest treatment, painting or a new installation.

If the room is being renewed, link the next stage to Replacing or Installing. Keep the removal and next trade scopes consistent so nobody arrives expecting a prepared condition that was never included.

Make the plan practical.

Use the project planner to organize your own details, then choose the scopes that fit. HAUSE reviews enquiries; availability, qualifications, fees and terms are confirmed individually.

Authoritative starting points

For older materials, read Health Canada’s asbestos guidance. For connected equipment, use the actual manufacturer’s installation and care manuals and confirm requirements with the responsible local authority and qualified provider.