Losing a loved one is never easy. Clearing their home adds another layer of difficulty. This guide offers compassionate, practical advice to help you through the estate cleanout process.
Give Yourself Time to Grieve
There's no rush. Unless there's an urgent deadline (lease ending, home sale), take the time you need before diving into the cleanout. It's okay to wait weeks or even months before starting.
Gather Important Documents First
Before removing anything, locate and secure essential documents:
- Will and trust documents
- Insurance policies
- Property deeds and titles
- Bank and investment statements
- Tax returns (last 7 years)
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
Create a Sorting System
Use these categories to organize items:
Keep
Sentimental items, family heirlooms, valuable antiques
Distribute
Items designated for specific family members
Donate
Usable items that can help others
Dispose
Broken, worn, or unusable items
Work Room by Room
Don't try to tackle the entire house at once. Start with less emotional spaces like the garage or bathroom, then work toward bedrooms and personal spaces when you're ready.
Include Family Members
Give family members the opportunity to claim items before donating or disposing. Set a deadline for decisions to keep the process moving forward.
Consider Professional Help
Estate cleanout services like GoGo Junk Removal can handle the heavy lifting—literally and emotionally. We treat every item with respect and can coordinate donations in your loved one's memory.
Our Promise
GoGo Junk Removal handles estate cleanouts with compassion. We donate usable items to Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, honoring your loved one's memory by helping others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an estate cleanout take?
It depends on the home size and amount of belongings. A typical home takes 1-3 days with professional help. We can often complete smaller estates in a single day.
What should I do with photos and personal papers?
Keep all photos and personal documents initially. You can sort through them later when you're ready. Consider digitizing photos to share with family.
Can you help with hoarding situations?
Yes. We handle hoarding cleanouts with discretion and without judgment. Our team is experienced in these sensitive situations.