Clearing a parent’s or a relative’s home is part logistics and part grief. A plan will not make it easy, but it will make it manageable.
Start with the paperwork
Before anything leaves the house, look for wills, deeds, titles, insurance policies, tax returns and bank statements. Check desk drawers, closets, books and coat pockets. Confirm with the executor or attorney that you are authorized to remove property.
Walk through with the family
Give everyone a chance to choose keepsakes before the sorting begins. Use colored stickers so nothing is taken by mistake.
Sort the rest
- Sell: an estate sale company or an appraiser can tell you what has resale value.
- Donate: furniture, clothing, kitchenware and linens in good condition.
- Recycle: appliances, electronics and scrap metal.
- Haul away: everything that is worn out or broken.
Bring in help for the last stage
Once the keepsakes are out, an estate cleanout crew can empty the home in a day. We work room by room, set aside anything that looks important, donate what is usable and leave the house broom-clean for the agent or the landlord. Most two-bedroom homes are one or two full loads.
If you live out of town
We can coordinate with your real estate agent, work from a lockbox and send photos when the property is empty.
Disposal rules and fees change. This article is general information for San Diego County residents; check with your city or hauler for the current rules, or call us and we will tell you what applies to your load.