Sorting through someone’s worldly goods, often collected over a lifetime, can be a
stressful and emotionally challenging time. CleverClear have years of experience dealing with these emotional and often stressful situations.
When someone passes away, the task of clearing out that person’s possessions usually
falls to the executor of the will who must take care to correctly distribute any specific
items referred to in the will. The local authority must be contacted for help if there is no
will and no funds are available for the clearance.
There are a number of legal, practical and emotional issues to deal with when clearing a
deceased person’s house and this guide will hopefully help you through the process.
Obtain the Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate
This should be done before you even start to clear the house. A grant of probate will be
needed – typically by the executor of the will – to access the deceased’s bank accounts
and sell any assets including property. This is only required if the person has left a will.
Where there is no will, letters of administration are required.
You may need to value the estate, which includes all assets and liabilities, for
inheritance tax purposes. This will involve taking time to conduct a thorough
walkthrough of the home and any additional buildings such as a garage, workshop or
garden shed and assessment of all the deceased’s possessions and assets.
Family Members
In many cases, it is down to family members to take care of a house clearance after a death
especially those who are beneficiaries of the will or who may have a personal interest in
the belongings of the deceased.
When family members are involved in a house clearance after a death, emotions can often get the
better of them so it can be a good idea to decide beforehand who is to take on the task.
All belongings should be sorted through and any bequests separated out and brought to
the attention of the executor of the will for safekeeping. It may be helpful to keep
records of items removed.
The Practicalities
Items should be sorted into categories – items to keep or distribute to beneficiaries of
the will, to donate to charities, or to discard.
The valuation of belongings may require some to be sold to settle any debts or to
distribute among beneficiaries of the will.
The final stage of the house clearance involves cleaning the property and getting it
ready for sale or returning to a landlord for re-rental and this also includes making sure
the property complies with all legal and safety requirements.
Why Consider A Professional House Clearance Company
Clearing out a deceased person’s home can be a stressful and upsetting time, and
emotions can sometimes boil over. This is why it can be beneficial to consider hiring a
professional house clearance such as CleverClear to help take the heat out of the
situation. A professional company can be engaged by either the executor or
administrator of the estate or by the family themselves.
Their services can include sorting, packing and where stipulated disposal of items and
this can be particularly helpful if the house is cluttered or if the executor or family
members are unable or unwilling to do it themselves.
How to Choose the Right House Clearance Company
Firstly look for local companies who can reach you quickly if necessary. CleverClear
covers the Greater Manchester area for example. CleverClear can provide a quick
quote and timeframe for the services offered including explanations of how CleverClear
handle and dispose of items they remove. Ultimately, we have proven expertise in these
areas and are fully licensed. CleverClear works hard to recycle, reuse, and donate any items, reducing landfill and giving new life to unwanted goods. CleverClear always makes sure to leave the property empty, swept, and hoovered, so it is ready to be sold, which is the case in many situations.
Contact CleverClear today for a quotation.
