29 DEC

Guide to Cleaning Out Foreclosed Homes

Foreclosed properties generally have great potential for profit. Whether you are a bank trying to resell a repossessed home or an investor looking to flip a home for profit, you will need to make sure the foreclosed home is market ready. Though there might be any range of repairs that need to be made, one thing is almost always certain: the foreclosed home will need to be cleaned out. This guide brought to you by M&M Waste will walk you through everything you need to make your cleanout as smooth sailing as possible. You are also welcomed to call us if you are interested in our services.

Get the Tools

Before you dive into cleaning, lets make sure you have the necessary cleanout supplies. First and foremost, have your safety gear ready. That includes face masks, gloves, goggles, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and some work boots. For the outdoor work, you will likely need a lawn mower, leaf blower, shovel, rake, power washer, weed whacker, and expandable ladder. Cleaning up indoors is going to be difficult without a shop vacuum, extension cords, trash bags, broom & dustpan, pry bar, household cleaners, hammer and nails, and a flashlight. Dont forget to rent a dumpster to eliminate long trips to a local dumpster.

Plan, Plan, Plan

A full cleanout can be overwhelming, so get everything down on paper and plan things out. This way you can get the job done one step at a time. Walk around the property and assess the structure, taking notes of what needs particular attention. Be sure to hire a hazardous waste company if you notice animal issues, pest infestations, or hazardous waste. Remember, safety comes before anything. Dont forget to wear your safety gear throughout the process.

Start with The House

There are plenty of ways to get started, but we think its best to start with the house and work on cleaning by waste type. Bulky waste like appliances and furniture take up a lot of space. Load these into the dumpster first to make some workroom. You can then get rid of the general trash from household junk to miscellaneous items in rooms and the attic. Once everything is cleared out, you can get started on repairing damages and replacing broken material including damaged flooring, carpets, walls, light and plumbing fixtures, windows, and wall coverings. Finally, clean the interior with a good vacuuming and mopping. Wipe down fixtures, walls, mantles, and countertops. Then, clean windows of grime and smudges.

Move Outside

Head outside and follow the same general idea as you did for the inside of the house. Get rid of bulky items that are of no use. Then toss out all the junk from grocery bags stuck in the grass to toys and playhouses that need to be removed. Then, mow the yard and clear the yard of weeds before removing damaged shrubs and pruning the branches of healthy ones. Finally, pressure wash the drive way and the walls of the house to get rid dirt and grime.