Start by setting aside what the family wants to keep, then decide what can be sold, donated, recycled or thrown away, and give yourself more time than you think you'll need.
Clearing out a parent's West Windsor home is emotional work, and it's usually happening alongside a move, a health change or an estate. A plan helps. Here's how families usually get through it:
Find the important papers first. Wills, deeds, insurance policies, bank statements and tax records should be pulled out before anyone starts filling bags.
Let family members claim items early. Give everyone a date to mark what they want. It avoids hard feelings later.
Consider an estate sale company. For a house full of furniture and collectibles, an estate sale company can price, sell and clear many items. Ask about their fees and what happens to what doesn't sell.
Donate what's usable. Many local charities accept furniture and household goods, and some will pick up.
Handle hazardous items the right way. Old paint, chemicals and cleaners shouldn't go in the regular trash. The Mercer County Improvement Authority holds household hazardous waste days for county residents. In 2026 they were held at the Dempster Fire School on Lawrence Station Road, so check the MCIA's upcoming schedule.
Shred old documents. West Windsor and the MCIA both run document shredding events during the year.
Bring in a cleanout crew for the rest. A junk removal service can clear what's left in a day or two.
Fred Gomberg with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach in Princeton helps families through estate and parent transitions, including coordinating cleanouts, cleaners and repairs so the house is ready to list. If you're facing this now and don't know where to start, Fred is glad to talk it through.
