If a parent is moving from a DeForest home into assisted living or in with family, the house they leave still has to be cleared. Call and we’ll connect you with an independent local cleanout company for a free quote.
Where does the medical equipment go?
DeForest has its own answer: the Cornerstone Community Center at 505 N. Main St runs a medical equipment loan closet. Walkers, canes, shower chairs and similar items can help another family there. The listing comes from a third-party directory, so call ahead to confirm what they’re taking.
Hospital beds are harder. Goodwill doesn’t accept them, so ask the loan closet or mention it when you get a cleanout quote.
What should happen before the cleanout?
Move your parent first, then clear the house. Settling them into the new place with familiar furniture and belongings comes before anything gets donated or hauled. After that, family can take what they want, and the cleanout company handles the rest.
Our downsizing and senior move cleanout page covers the timing, and the parent’s house checklist is handy for the walk-through.
Where can furniture and household goods be donated near DeForest?
The nearest St. Vinny’s stores are in Waunakee (213 S. Klein Dr) and Sun Prairie (1110 W. Main). St. Vincent de Paul Madison also offers free home pickup of furniture and household goods, and donations stay in Dane County. Habitat ReStore East at 4207 Monona Dr takes furniture, tools and cabinets, with drop-off Tuesday through Saturday, 9 to 3.
What about old prescriptions?
Take them to a free MedDrop box. One nearby listed location is the Waunakee Police Department, 205 N. Klein Dr. MedDrop doesn’t accept needles or sharps. If your parent is moving, sort the medicine cabinet together first so current prescriptions go with them.
Can DeForest residents use Madison’s drop-off sites?
No. The City of Madison drop-off sites require proof of Madison residency. DeForest households can use Dane County’s facilities on Maahic Way instead:
- Dane County Landfill, 7102 Maahic Way: resident loads, with 2026 rates starting at $15.03 for up to 500 pounds. No Freon appliances, propane tanks, electronics or hazardous chemicals.
- Dane County Clean Sweep, 7020 Maahic Way: household hazardous waste, $15 per trip, no appointment needed for normal loads.
For curbside bulky pickup, check with the Village of DeForest’s public works department.
How much does a cleanout cost?
HomeAdvisor’s national figures for estate cleanouts range from about $275 to $4,000, with an average near $1,250. Published Madison-area ranges run from about $1,225 to $6,400. A partly emptied house after a move often costs less than a full one, but prices vary. More on the estate cleanout cost page.
Who actually does the work?
An independent local company. Madison Cleanouts is a referral service. When you call, we connect you with an independent local cleanout company that gives you a quote and does the work. DeForest, platted along the Yahara River in 1856 by Isaac DeForest, is now a village of about 13,000, and we also have pages for neighboring Waunakee and Sun Prairie. Other questions are answered in the FAQ.
Next step
Once your parent’s move date is set, call and we’ll connect you with a company to quote the DeForest house. Or send a short request.
