If you’re the executor and a house in Monona or McFarland has to be empty before closing, it helps to get a quote early. Call and we’ll connect you with an independent local cleanout company for a free quote.
Monona is surrounded by Madison, but it isn’t Madison
Monona residents can’t use the City of Madison drop-off sites, even though Madison nearly surrounds the city. Those sites require proof of Madison residency. McFarland, a village on Lake Waubesa established in 1856, is in the same position.
Both communities use Dane County’s facilities instead. The Dane County Landfill at 7102 Maahic Way takes resident loads, and Dane County Clean Sweep at 7020 Maahic Way takes household chemicals and liquid paint for $15 a trip. For curbside bulky pickup, check with the City of Monona’s or the Village of McFarland’s public works department.
Clearing a postwar Monona house
Monona’s population tripled in the 1950s, so much of the housing on Lake Monona’s southeast shore is postwar. If one owner lived in a house like that for decades, expect the basement and garage to take as long as the living space. Old appliances are common, and Wisconsin bans washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, stoves and water heaters from landfills. Refrigerant has to be recovered by a DNR-registered technician, so ask how the company handles it.
If the buyer or the family plans to update the kitchen, Habitat ReStore offers free kitchen-cabinet tearouts. That can take one job off the list.
Executor timing before a closing
As personal representative, you generally need your Domiciliary Letters, or a Transfer by Affidavit for estates of $50,000 or less, before selling or discarding estate property. Wisconsin law also requires you to inventory it. This is general information, not legal advice. The Dane County Register in Probate (215 S. Hamilton St, Room 1005, 608-266-4331) can explain the process but can’t give legal advice, so talk to an attorney about your situation.
Once you have authority, book the cleanout with a buffer before closing. Our probate and executor cleanout and cleanout before selling pages go into more detail.
ReStore East is right on Monona Drive
Habitat ReStore East at 4207 Monona Dr is about as close as a donation drop-off gets. It’s open for drop-off Tuesday through Saturday, 9 to 3, and offers free pickup at 608-663-1191, with waits from days to a few weeks.
- Takes: furniture, cabinets, tools, windows, doors, building materials, and appliances under 10 years old.
- Doesn’t take: paint, carpet, electronics, recliners or futons.
For clothing and housewares, St. Vinny’s has a store on Williamson St and offers free home pickup. Unused medications can go in the free MedDrop box at Madison Police East, 809 S. Thompson Dr.
Cost ranges for Monona and McFarland
Published Madison-area estate cleanout prices range from about $1,225 to $6,400. A large appliance can add $50 to $150 and a piano around $400, based on HomeAdvisor figures. Prices vary, so a quote is the only firm number. See estate cleanout cost or the FAQ.
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. We also have pages for Stoughton and Fitchburg.
Next step
If you have a closing date, call now and we’ll connect you with a company to quote the Monona or McFarland house. Or send a short request.
