Reclaiming the backyard in Hope Island
Nathan Lawson · Yard Clean-Up · Hope Island
The story
A friend in Hope Island gave me Clear Out's number, and I sat on it for a fortnight before ringing. The rental I'd moved into had a yard that the previous tenants had basically used as a storage area. The agent agreed I could get it cleared and claim the cost.
A rusted swing set, a sandpit full of rainwater, a deflated pool, a broken outdoor table, and a mountain of plastic pots and garden mulch bags.
Hope Island is gated golf and canal estates with strict presentation standards, and getting things out isn't always simple. Gate passes and estate speed limits are arranged before arrival.
I sent a couple of photos and got a call back within the hour. They gave me a rough idea on the phone but said they'd confirm a fixed price when they saw it in person.
They parked so the back of the truck lined up with the side gate, put a drop sheet down at the door and asked me to show them anything that was staying.
One of the bags had broken glass in it. They spotted it straight away, double-bagged it, and checked the grass afterwards with a rake.
By the time I'd made them a coffee, it was nearly finished. The price didn't change, and they even took a couple of extra bits I'd forgotten about without charging more.
I'd tried to do it myself twice before. Next time I'm just ringing straight away.