Do you have the unenviable task of cleaning out an elderly parent or relative's home? Or are you handling the estate of a deceased family member? This is a stressful time for most families, and the sheer volume of belongings many people have in their homes makes it even harder.

If you face this task, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to do the clean-out yourself or to hire a professional service. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and only you can decide what is best for your family's situation.

To help you and other family members make the best call, here are a few pros and cons of both the DIY approach and hiring a clean-out service.

There are two major advantages to clearing out the estate on your own.

The first is cost. Doing the labor yourself is generally going to be less expensive than hiring someone to take on the work. If the homeowner or their estate doesn't have the money to spend, you and your siblings may need to do as much as you can on your own. If possible, rent a dumpster for garbage and one for recyclable materials.

The second reason some people choose to do the work themselves is to ensure that they have control over what is kept and what isn't. A clean-out service has expertise in identifying items worth value, but they may not be able to pick out all the items that have sentimental value to your family. The more control you want to have over this aspect, the more you may need to do the work yourself.

The biggest downside to cleaning up as a family is usually the time and effort you will have to put into it. If a beloved family member is ill or has passed away, family members may not be emotionally up to the challenge of going through their belongings. And it's a big job. A home filled with a lifetime of stuff can also be a more complex project than many people expect, and not everyone has the time to devote.

A higher cost is generally the biggest downside to hiring professionals. Some clean-out services charge a flat fee or hourly rate. Others may work for a percentage of the profits from whatever they agree to sell. If there is an estate, it may be able to pick up these costs. But if you're picking up the tab, those involved will need to decide what they can afford.

When you hire an experienced company, though, you get their expertise in certain areas. In the case of clean-up services, this expertise could include handling hazardous substances in a safe manner, worker safety procedures, and preventing damage to the house or items you wish to save. The pros can also generally work much faster than volunteers and amateurs. If time is a factor, this is the way to go.

Letting a pro handle the clean-out also appeals to those in trickier situations. If you're the only one doing the work, you should hire help. If you or your siblings don't live locally, by hiring out you have someone to work when you can't be there. And if everyone works full-time or is otherwise obligated, hiring a service prevents stress and sibling conflict.

Which choice is right for your family's needs? Are you most concerned about the cost, making it easy, or ensuring the safety of belongings? No matter what you choose, Total Trash Removal Services can help. Call today to learn about all our clean-out services and rental options.