By Linda Chuss

Contributing Writer

Whether cleaning offices or clearing out years’ worth of accumulated items, Aardvark Services is known for the care they bring to every job. This stems from owner John Pagliocca’s interest in helping people. 

“Quite a bit of what we do is help with clean outs,” said Pagliocca. “It might be when someone’s getting ready for a home or business move and there isn’t time to do the work themselves. Or a realtor asks us to clear out an unoccupied place that’s being put up for sale. Another situation is where the storage in a garage or spare office has built up over the years and it’s overwhelming to go through it all. We also help prepare spaces for special events, like taking care of a backyard and patio area for a graduation party or home wedding.

“Sometimes we’re called by a family member after a relative moves to a facility or passes away. We take care of the belongings they no longer need. The family appreciates the respect we show in those situations.”

People can be hesitant when hiring a company who will be going through their home or business, especially when personal mementos or important papers are involved. Working with a local company can offer a level of trust a national chain cannot. Pagliocca and his partner Lynne Pelletier have operated Aardvark out of the Milford-Upton area for 10 years and have had family ties in the Metro West area for over 20 years.

They treat customers like neighbors because they are – Pagliocca and Pelletier live in Upton. “We get to know the people we work with. When we had a milestone birthday party for Lynne recently, we had clients who came to celebrate with us.”

Another aspect that sets Aardvark apart is the care they take after removing items. “The truck doesn’t go straight to the landfill. Lynne has really pushed us to do more in that way. We recycle what we can, like the scrap metal, and we take usable furniture and household goods to the Blessing Barn in Mendon.” The non-profit thrift store sells donated items, with the proceeds going to community programs.

Most notably, if Aardvark finds something they think a customer didn’t intend to throw away, they will return it. “Once, we were cleaning out a place for a woman who saved everything. When we were unloading and sorting through it, we found a lot of cash and took it back to her.”

Another customer, B. N. from Upton, described a similar experience. “The Aardvark team found some things I had been looking for and other meaningful items I didn’t even realize I had, which they brought back to me. I highly recommend Aardvark. I chose them because they’re local and they turned out to be attentive, thorough, and very hard working.”

Pagliocca said, “We make it easy. Separate out the things you know you want to keep. And call us to get a free estimate for clearing out the rest. We’re fully insured, and we have competitive prices. Pricing is typically based on a truckload and the large size of our box truck makes it a good value. If we do find something that seems important, like papers or photos you hadn’t noticed, we’ll get them back to you. Customers really appreciate that.”

“And people can count on us because we’re reliable, showing up on time. That also applies when we do moving jobs and cleaning work too. We do general cleaning for any size business, taking care of vacuuming, trash disposal, bathrooms, even windows.” 

To set up a free estimate or for questions, call or text Aardvark at 508-395-8369.