Work commenced in earnest early this morning on the Level 5 clutter intervention. For the back story and photos of the upper floor prior to beginning work, click HERE.
Our paid workers came this morning to begin the hard — and dangerous — task of clearing the full basement, which is packed wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling with clothes, boxes, tools and supplies of all sorts. The work is somewhat uncomfortable due to the high levels of mold and mildew that has grown in and among the clutter. A full 3 inches of mold debris was uncovered on the floor once a portion of the clutter was removed. Four hardy workmen labored with carrying bags and wheelbarrows full of material up the hill on the side yard to a sorting area. Items were then inspected and either put aside for donation and the Mega Yard Sale, or for disposal. Other items, the owner’s “heart treasures” and valuable tools and equipment, were placed aside for the homeowner to view.
Waste Management came through today with a 40-yard dumpster for a 2-for-1 price, which saves about $500 from the budget. More tools, equipment and cleaning supplies were donated by Ace Hardware, West End, who will also provide some labor to help fix a faulty basement plumbing. Additionally, the city sanitation department will be providing a 6-ton dump truck each night to carry more trash and debris away each morning, saving even more of the homeowner’s limited budget. The dumpster was filled, but only about half of the basement was cleared. Once cleared, the hard work of cleaning and disinfecting the basement will begin, as we do not want volunteers to be affected by mold.
We appreciate all the neighbors who stopped by and expressed their support and offered to volunteer this weekend for the big carry-out of the upper floor.
The Police Department will be providing additional neighborhood patrols to ensure security overnight and through the time this project is underway. We want to thank Officer Davis for his kindness in working with us on the deadlines for this massive project.
—Reported and photos by Jackie Wells Smith
Day 2 photos below. View Day 3 report and photos
The result of one hour of work resulted in this pile of trash bags.
The sorting area for items brought out of the basement.
Our incredibly hard working team.
Another view of the sorting area.
A look inside the basement from the outer door. This is just the beginning a of trail through mountains of clutter.
Another basement view.
More basement shots
Hauling debris was uphill all the way.
This 40-ft. dumpster is hall full after just a few hours of work.
Items saved for the yard sale. Less is more!
