What Should I Do If Sellers Leave Junk Behind?

At A-1 Hauling, we've put together a guide on how to avoid or handle the junk that's been left behind to help you settle into your new home.

Walk Through the Home Before You Close with the Buyers

When you do your final walk-through with the seller's agent before you close, be sure to check that everything is in working order, but you also want to check that the sellers have removed all of their belongings that are not included in the sale.

Be sure to check through every cabinet and closet, as well as the basement and the attic, to ensure nothing is forgotten. It can be helpful to choose a move-out date for the buyer, so they have time to go through the property to ensure they've cleared out all their personal belongings.

With a pre-closing inspection, you can try to avoid disputes over who owns the items left behind. Additionally, this inspection can ensure that any repairs you were promised are completed and that the home is clean.

Make Sure Everything is in Writing Before Closing

Be sure to have the seller include in writing what they are leaving behind. This can help avoid any confusion regarding items left behind after closing. It is also important that you make a list of personal belongings, if any, you are allowing the sellers to leave behind.

Any items not included in the sale will need to be removed by a specific date. Additionally, the contract should state that anything they leave behind will become your property, and you can dispose of it as you see fit.

Suppose the buyers don't remove all their belongings after the closing date. In that case, the law considers the buyer the owner of the property and its contents at this point, so you can get rid of any unwanted items during a property cleanout. You can allow the sellers to retrieve items from the property that are not included in the sale before the closing date.

What to Do If You Purchase a Home and the Buyer Left Behind Items

If you have purchased a home and the seller left behind items, the items are now under your ownership. This means you can decide what you want to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. Once you've sorted the items, you'll likely need help hauling them away, especially items like furniture.

This can be a daunting task, but to make it easier, take it one room at a time, depending on how the number of items left behind, and start sorting them into piles. Once you've done this, it's time to call your local hauling company to remove your unwanted items.

Hauling Services in Pittsburgh

At A-1 Hauling, we provide you with efficient hauling services to help you get rid of unwanted items left behind by the sellers and give you the opportunity to focus on organizing your belongings and settling into your new home. Contact A-1 hauling today, and let us handle the heavy lifting!