Yes, absolutely — Martin Services always gives families the opportunity to walk through the property and identify items they want to keep before we begin removing anything. Estate cleanouts are personal, and we understand that even in a house full of items headed for disposal, there are often keepsakes, family photos, heirlooms, and sentimental pieces that the family wants to preserve. Our crew is trained to work respectfully and to confirm with the family contact before removing anything that might have value or meaning.
How the Process Works
Before our crew begins a full estate cleanout, we schedule a walkthrough with the family representative. During this walkthrough, the family identifies items they want to keep, and we either set those items aside in a designated area of the property or move them to a vehicle, storage unit, or another location the family specifies. If the family is not able to be present on the day of the cleanout, we ask them to mark or tag items in advance so our crew knows what stays and what goes. We also photograph any items we are unsure about and check with the family contact before proceeding.
Handling Discoveries During the Cleanout
It is common for our crew to uncover items during the cleanout that the family did not know existed — old photo albums tucked in closets, jewelry in dresser drawers, important documents in filing cabinets, or collectibles stored in boxes. When we find items that appear to have sentimental or monetary value, we set them aside and notify the family contact. We do not dispose of anything that looks like it might matter. In our experience cleaning out estates across Powassan, North Bay, and surrounding areas over 35 years, these discoveries happen on nearly every job, and families consistently tell us they are grateful we took the extra step to flag items rather than throwing them away.
Respectful, Compassionate Service
Martin Services understands that estate cleanouts usually happen during one of the most difficult times in a family's life. Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, helping an aging parent transition to assisted living, or managing a property from out of town, we approach every cleanout with patience and compassion. Our crew works efficiently but never rushes the family through the process of identifying keepsakes. We have built our reputation on treating every estate with the respect it deserves.
Planning an estate cleanout? Call Martin Services at (249) 506-9211 for a free estimate. We will walk the property with you and make sure your family has every opportunity to keep what matters most.