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If you have the itch to do some spring cleaning, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) St. Louis has tips for finding trusted companies to help you declutter, choosing a charity to donate used items to, and staying safe if you’re selling items online.
Deep cleaning and organizing can be a daunting task for busy homeowners. It’s important to choose a trusted, reliable cleaning or organizing service who you can rely on to respect you, your home and your possessions.
And once the decluttering’s done, you may be left with items that need new homes. You can opt to donate gently used items to a charity or sell them using an online marketplace – but keep in mind that these platforms are popular with scammers attempting to steal money or personal information.
Whatever spring cleaning looks like for you, BBB recommends researching carefully before you choose a company or charity to work with. If you’re selling online, be protective of your personal information.
How can I hire a company to help me clean or organize?
- Decide whether you need a cleaner or an organizer. Professional cleaners and organizers may seem similar, but they offer very specific services. Cleaning companies will offer services like vacuuming, washing and disinfecting. Organizing companies can help you sort, store, downsize and dispose of belongings, but they don’t typically provide cleaning services.
- Research companies in advance. Search for trusted cleaning companies near you with BBB. Look for BBB Accreditation, reviews and any complaints the company may have. Consider interviewing companies in-person before you hire them.
- Get multiple quotes. Ask at least three companies for estimates for the same services before you make a decision. Remember that the cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best one!
- Get everything in writing. Make sure you get a written contract that covers all details of the service. Read it carefully before signing or paying any money.
- Prepare for the services. Before the company arrives, secure any personal items that you would prefer to keep private, and plan to keep pets out of the way.
How can I find a trustworthy charity to donate items to?
- Research charities with BBB. At Give.org, you can search for BBB Accredited Charities near you. Accredited Charities meet 20 standards for transparency and accountability to stakeholders – so you can know where your donation is going and how it will be used.
- Check for acceptable donations. Not all charities accept used items, and some will only accept certain items or items in good condition. Check with the charity before you donate.
- Check names on collection trucks and bins. Don’t assume that collection trucks or bins are directly connected with a charity. Give.org has more information on donating wisely to these sources.
How can I avoid scams when I’m selling used items online?
- Watch out for shady buyers. Scammers may fake interest in a sale to get your personal information or money. Some major red flags:
- Buyers who ask you to make transactions outside of the marketplace, where there are no protections for your purchase.
- Buyers who ask for personal information, such as your contact or banking information. They don’t need it for the sale – not even a phone number!
- Buyers who overpay for an item and ask you to send the extra money back. This is the setup for a common scam.
- Be cautious when selling valuable items. Big-ticket sales may be more likely to attract scammers.
- Be safe when making local sales to strangers. If you plan to meet up with a stranger for a sale, consider meeting at a populated place rather than giving them your home address. Bring a buddy with you.
