Decluttering After Death: 6 Essential Steps to Sort a Loved One’s Home

Secure the Premises

Losing a family member or friend can be overwhelming, and often the last thing on your mind is the practical tasks that need attention. However, you might soon find yourself in charge of securing and eventually clearing their residence.

The deceased’s will should ideally specify how their belongings, real estate, and finances are to be handled. This document should also identify the executor(s) who are legally tasked with fulfilling the deceased’s final wishes and managing their property.

Before the will is examined, it’s crucial to protect important documents like the will itself, property deeds, insurance policies, and bank statements, especially if the home will remain unoccupied.

Promptly remove perishable items from the refrigerator and clear out any indoor plants and flowers. Stop any ongoing deliveries such as milk or newspapers. Make sure the home is securely locked and collect any hidden spare keys.

If no will exists, the most directly related individual can apply for the role of administrator, typically the spouse or any adult children.

Notify the Insurance Company

It’s vital to inform the insurance company as soon as the homeowner passes away, particularly if the property will be left vacant.

You might need to provide proof that you’re authorized to manage the property, such as a death certificate or a power of attorney document.

Additional security measures may be necessary to maintain the property’s insurance coverage, such as draining the plumbing system, ensuring the alarm system is functional, and maintaining adequate heating during colder months.

Most standard home insurance policies do not cover homes that are unoccupied for extended periods (typically 30 to 60 days). An extension of the policy may be required to protect against risks like fire, theft, or flooding, and the cost will vary depending on the insurer.

Organize Systematically

Begin the sorting process by categorizing items as you clear the house. The will may designate certain personal items like jewelry to specific individuals, which you might want to locate first.

A house clearance company based in London, Just Clear, recommends tackling one room at a time and categorizing items accordingly. Utilize cardboard boxes to sort smaller items.

Some items, like furniture, may need to be sold or auctioned, while others could be donated to charity shops. Items that are neither useful nor wanted might end up at the tip. If you are unsure about the value of an item, research it online before deciding its fate.

Even if you cannot remove items from the property immediately due to ongoing probate proceedings, you can prepare an inventory. Once probate is finalized, you can then distribute the belongings to the deceased’s family and friends.

Consider Professional Assistance

There are numerous reasons to hire professionals for house clearance, especially if the task is daunting due to the volume of possessions or emotional reasons, or if you live far from the property.

House clearance firms take on the responsibility of emptying a residence, relieving the family or friends of the burden. Brendan O’Shea, CEO of Just Clear, notes that while some attempt to undertake this task themselves, they often become overwhelmed or lack the time to do so efficiently.

“We receive calls from all over the globe,” O’Shea mentions, indicating the widespread need for such services. He adds that some clients delay the clearance because they are emotionally unable to handle the process, which can lead to anxiety.

A professional service typically handles everything from sorting and recycling to possibly moving items to an auction house. They might also manage sales on your behalf, taking a commission for their services. Cleaning the property can also be arranged through these firms.

O’Shea explains that clearing a three-bedroom house typically takes about a day and costs approximately £1,700 (plus VAT), which includes recycling, haulage, and labor costs.

Occasionally, valuable items are discovered during the clearance that the family was unaware of. For instance, O’Shea recalls finding two Picasso ceramics in a London home that later sold for £120,000. He suggests that auctioning items can reveal their true market value, which can be enlightening for those who overestimate their worth.

Due to the low entry barriers in the clearance industry, O’Shea warns that it can be challenging to find reputable companies. He advises checking online reviews and considering recommendations from local acquaintances to choose a reliable service.

Notify Relevant Agencies

Certain organizations must be informed about the death. Many local councils employ the Tell Us Once service, which notifies several government bodies simultaneously. The registrar will provide the necessary details and reference number when you register the death. This service communicates with entities like HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Passport Office, and the DVLA.

You will need the deceased’s personal information and may need to present documents such as their passport and driving license.

If the council does not use this service, you will need to contact each organization individually. You can also add the deceased’s name to the Bereavement Register to stop marketing mail and remove them from mailing lists.

Additionally, notify pension providers, banks, trade unions, mortgage providers, and healthcare providers such as the deceased’s GP, dentist, and optician. Don’t forget to inform any charities where the deceased had ongoing subscriptions.

Take Your Time

It’s important not to rush the process of dealing with a deceased person’s affairs. Insurance company L&G suggests clearing the home gradually and with a companion to avoid emotional exhaustion. Just Clear indicates that sorting through a lifetime’s accumulation can take several weeks, emphasizing the importance of allowing yourself time to mourn and reflect.

Support is available through organizations such as Cruse Bereavement Support and Marie Curie, both of which offer helplines. Citizens Advice also provides guidance on necessary actions following a death.