Before you begin
Clearing the home of someone who has died, or who has moved into care, is emotionally demanding work. There's no right pace. This checklist is meant to give structure when everything else feels uncertain — use what helps and skip what doesn't.
One important note: this guide isn't legal or financial advice. Executors have specific responsibilities. If you're unsure what you're permitted to do with the contents of a home, speak with the estate's lawyer before anything leaves the house.
1. Secure the home
- Change or confirm who holds keys.
- Check that insurance on the property remains in place — vacant homes can have different requirements.
- Arrange mail forwarding or collection.
- Keep heat on in winter to protect pipes.
2. Find what matters most
Before any sorting, search for important papers: wills, financial statements, property documents, tax records, insurance policies, keys and passwords. Common hiding places include desk drawers, closets, books, freezers and the pockets of coats.
Set aside photographs, letters and keepsakes in a dedicated box. These are irreplaceable, and they're easy to lose in a large clear-out.
3. Agree on a plan with family
- Decide who has a say, and how disagreements will be resolved.
- Give everyone a chance to identify items they'd like — in person or by photo for out-of-town relatives.
- Label claimed items clearly, and set a date by which they must be collected.
- Consider having valuable items appraised by a qualified professional.
4. Sort the rest
Work room by room. Use four categories: family keeps, sell, donate, remove. Start with a less emotional room — a garage or spare room — to build momentum before tackling bedrooms or the kitchen.
5. Donate and sell thoughtfully
Clean, sound furniture and household goods may be welcomed by local charities and community groups; check each organisation's acceptance policy first. Clothing, linens and kitchenware are often easier to place than large furniture.
6. Remove what's left
Once the family has taken what it wants, a removal service can clear the remainder. Ask the company to set aside any papers or photographs they find, and to sweep rooms afterward. If the home is going on the market, mention your listing date.
7. Prepare the property
- Arrange cleaning once contents are out.
- Have any needed repairs assessed.
- Cancel or transfer utilities and services at the appropriate time.
- Do a final walk-through of every closet, cupboard, attic and crawlspace.
Take care of yourself
It's normal for this work to stir up grief, tension and fatigue. Take breaks. Ask for help. And remember that letting go of things is not the same as letting go of a person.