A gentle guide to probate and bereavement house clearance

Clearing the home of someone who has died is one of the hardest jobs a family faces. This guide covers the practical steps so you can take them one at a time.

Before anything is cleared

• Check with the executor or solicitor that the property can be cleared.
• Take out personal papers, photographs, keepsakes and anything the family wants.
• Look for documents such as bank statements, bills and policies, which the executor may need.
• Note any items of value so they can be dealt with separately.

Sorting what remains

Good clearance work sorts as it goes. Items that can be donated to charity or recycled are kept out of waste wherever possible. Families have told us this matters to them.

Access and keys

Arrange keys for the clearance day and let neighbours or the building porter know. If the property is a flat, check whether the lift needs booking.

Leaving the property ready

Once the contents are gone, a clearance clean leaves the property presentable for an estate agent, a buyer or a landlord. The whole job can be done in one booking.

Going at your pace

There is no right speed. Some families want everything done in a day; others want to come back to the property several times. Tell us what you need.