How to Clean Out a House After a Loved One Passes Away

Quick answer: Take it one step at a time. First secure the house and find important documents, then let family choose keepsakes before anything is removed. Sort the rest into keep, donate, sell and haul away. Once the family has taken what they want, a junk removal crew can clear out the furniture, appliances and everything left, including the garage, shed and yard, so the home is ready to sell, rent or hand back.

Clearing out the home of a parent or loved one is hard. It is emotional, it often comes with deadlines, and there can be a lifetime of belongings to go through. Here is a step-by-step approach that families around Chapin, Columbia, Irmo and Lexington can use.

1. Secure the home and take a breath

Lock up, check that utilities are handled, and give yourself some time. Unless there is a deadline from a landlord, sale or court, you do not have to do everything at once.

2. Find important papers first

Before anything is moved or thrown out, look for wills, deeds, titles, bank and insurance documents, tax records, keys and passwords. Check drawers, closets, file boxes and even books and coat pockets. If an estate attorney or executor is involved, check with them before removing items.

3. Let family choose keepsakes

Give family members a chance to choose photos, heirlooms and sentimental items. Setting a date and a simple process, like taking turns, can prevent hard feelings.

4. Sort the rest

Go room by room and sort into groups:

• Keep: items family members are taking
• Sell: furniture or collectibles worth selling
• Donate: usable clothing, household goods and furniture
• Haul away: everything else

Colored tape or sticky notes make it clear to everyone, including the cleanout crew.