So, you've sold your home.  For some of you, that was the easy part!  Now you've got to get rid of years of accumulated stuff in the attic, basement, garage, shed, spare bedroom, and beyond.  Perhaps you were gifted the contents of a relative's estate years ago and have yet to peruse the contents?  Where to turn?  If you don't have the time, manpower  or desire to do it yourself, you can hire a professional organizer, clean out company or handy man to do the sorting and hauling for you.  We have a couple of recommendations for clean outs and estate sales.  Contact us for our list.  

Some challenging items to get rid of during a property clean out:

CHEMICALS

Chemicals, pool chemicals, pesticides, insecticides and other toxic substances can be disposed of at MidNEROC Household Chemical Waste Drop-off Facility.   There is a list of acceptable items and advice about disposal of unaccepted items.  The facility is open 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month from mid-April to early November. For further information, call them at (860) 684-3163

MATTRESSES

Most local transfer stations accept mattresses for recycling for free.  This program is funded through a $9.00 surcharge on all mattresses and box springs sold.  Click here for the list of CT transfer stations.  

LATEX PAINT

Fortunately, Connecticut is one of 11 PaintCare states, a paint stewardship program operating on behalf of paint manufacturers. This program provides free paint recycling at several local spots, including the Mansfield and Windham Transfer stations, Mansfield Supply and Cash Home Center in Willimantic.  

UNWANTED FURNITURE

Unwanted furniture not in need of repair or extensive cleaning can be donated to Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM).   Call Furniture Manager, Neena Shafer, ext. 13, or email: warehousemgr@waimct.org for more information or to make an appointment.

A driver and truck will be dispatched to your location usually within a week and the driver will know which items are eligible for pick up.  You will be provided an envelope to make an optional donation to WAIM.  Tipping a driver or worker is at your own discretion.   Smaller items, working appliances and items that don’t require a truck can be dropped off at WAIM 9-12 Tuesday-Saturday. Please no soiled clothing, broken toys or non-working items.  

Salvation Army also offers a pick up service. More info here.

The Free Cycle Network  is the most environmentally conscious way of getting rid of stuff by  Reusing, re-purposing and recycling everything you can to keep unwanted items out of landfills.  There are other options as well, including Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing Mansfield. Click here for the Storrs Freecyle link. 

MEDICATIONS

Medications must be disposed of properly.  Do not flush or put in your garbage.  You can drop at a local police station medication drop box. Click here for the  CT list of available drug collection boxes.  

BUILDING MATERIALS 

Windows and other materials can be donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

FOR COLLECTORS AND BORDERLINE HOARDERS

If you have adequate funds and an inordinate amount of junk, trash, things that cannot be reused, recycled or are too large for the trash, you can rent a dumpster at Williwaste.  A 10-15 yard dumpster is usually sufficient for a household clean-out.   $550 includes drop off, pickup, 10 days and the first 2 tons of material.  

Selling your home and need advice on repairs and or updates?   Home Selling Team Sold 1 out 5 homes in the local area in 2019.  Contact us. We are the local experts and full-time real estate professionals.