I think it would be worthwhile to consult a local attorney with regard to the properties. My concern would be that if the properties are willed to you, you will be liable for inheritance taxes, penalties, cleanup costs, etc., all of which could be quite a high cost to you. Perhaps a lawyer could advise you as to other options for handling the properties.

I agree absolutely with Tillie that entering the properties would be extremely dangerous without proper biohazard precautions, and that anything in them at this point is probably beyond retrieval because the items would be so contaminated.

Hello Kim.

Tillie is right about the safety and health issues... there will not be too much you can do. Waterbeds are airtight so nothing grows in them I don't think. Its a real job to drain and move them I used to just use a hose and put it out a window.

You could look into local clean-up companies that specialize in hoarders' homes, they will know how to expose of the trash, garbage, and hazardous materials items/piles. Tillie is right they will just take it all.

If you want to go on a treasure hunt you will need to do that first and yes do wear the proper gear for your own health and safety.

Good luck I hope everything turns out alright for you.

Hi Kim
Because of the dead animals, black mold and poop
any clean up company would tell you that all the items in the houses are too contaminated to salvage.
A biohazard clean up company would take all the contents to a special place in the dump.
It is too risky to even enter the houses without proper protective clothing and respirators.
It is impossible to clean all the germs off of items in these conditions and it would be risking your health to even try to salvage them.

Good luck and best wishes

How do I clean out two houses full of hoard, one that is condemed, but the person still has access, and one that is full to the brim from attic to basement with 80yrs of stuff in it. MY father will not get any help, so Im researching these options for after death. Do I just sign over the houses and dig out the little treasures I remember? Where do I find an expert to help me figure out if stuff is really worth money like old furniture or antiques? I really dont want to clean the places, just go on a treasure hunt and leave. Both places are being willed to me, so Im the only one to do this since I have no family support. Any ideas, please post. This would probably make for a good show for Hoarders since its two homes, but I dont want a clean up because theyre both really really bad homes with dead animals, feces, and black mold. Also, what happens to a waterbed after 30years of not being drained or replaced? Do plants start growing in it?