Vacant Condo Needs to Be Emptied of Previous Owners Items

S.D. from Texas writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

How can I get volunteers to get rid of a treadmill and large boxes from a now vacant condo?

Mister Condo replies:

S.D., well I’m not available to help if that’s what you mean! 🙂

When condos become vacant, it is incumbent upon the current owner to maintain the unit in good shape so that they will be able to sell or rent the unit. The association may also have some safety rules about what can and can’t be stored in units. This usually relates to hazardous materials but even boxes of old papers and clothing can become flammable if left in place for too long. Volunteers may be available to assist if you are donating the items and they are in good shape. Look for local organizations that accept exercise equipment and inquire if they will come retrieve the treadmill. If you cannot move the large boxes, consider repacking the stored items into smaller boxes. Donate what you can and make a dump run if you need to with the rest. Alternatively, there are some companies that will come in and remove all items for a fee. This isn’t volunteer help but can be really useful if you need to get everything out quickly. Hope that advice helps. Good luck!