Clearing a property as part of an estate
Being named as an executor often lands a long list of jobs on one person, and emptying the house is usually one of the biggest. The property may need to be cleared before it can be sold, before a rented home is handed back, or simply to stop it sitting full and empty through a Teesside winter. We help executors, administrators, solicitors and families get that job done in an orderly way.
A few general points about probate
We are not solicitors and this is not legal advice, but these general points are useful to know in England:
- Probate is the legal right to deal with a person's property, money and possessions after they die. GOV.UK explains how applying for probate works and when it is needed.
- Executors can usually arrange for a house to be cleared before the grant of probate comes through, which can save time later.
- However, items of value form part of the estate. They should not be sold or given away without thinking about the estate, the will and any beneficiaries.
- If you are unsure, speak to the solicitor handling the estate before booking. GOV.UK also has guidance on dealing with the estate of someone who has died.
How we work with executors and solicitors
Many executors live miles from Middlesbrough, and some never set foot in the house. That is fine. We can collect keys from whoever holds them, whether that is a neighbour, an estate agent or the solicitor's office, and we put everything in writing so the estate has a clear record of what was agreed and when.
- Quote. We visit, or view photos and a video, and send a written, no-obligation quote to whoever is responsible for the estate.
- Agree the list. You tell us which items beneficiaries want, which may need valuing first, and anything that must stay for a later inventory.
- Clear and sort. We empty the property room by room, separating goods for reuse, materials for recycling and waste for disposal.
- Return finds. Paperwork, photos, keys, jewellery and anything that looks valuable are boxed and handed to the executor or solicitor.
- Confirm. We sweep through and send photos showing the empty rooms.
What to keep back for the estate
Before a clearance, executors often find it helps to remove or flag:
- wills, deeds, bank and building society papers, and share certificates
- pension, insurance and tax letters, including anything from HMRC
- jewellery, watches, coins, stamps and collections
- artwork, antiques or furniture that might need a professional valuation
- vehicle documents and spare car keys
- anything named in the will as a gift to someone
If you have not had the chance to search the house, we will set aside any papers or items like these that turn up during the job. We would far rather hand back an extra box than risk losing a document the estate needs.
Where the contents end up
Nothing goes straight into one big pile. Sound furniture and household goods are kept apart for charities and reuse projects, so a dining set or a decent bed can find a new home. Scrap metal, electrical items, fabrics and cardboard are separated and sent off for recycling, and whatever is left over is disposed of properly. Because the person arranging a clearance carries legal responsibility for where the waste ends up, executors may wish to search for us on the government register of waste carriers first. Our recycling and disposal approach sets out how sorting works.
Getting the property ready for what comes next
Once the contents are gone, an empty home is much easier to value, market or hand back to a landlord. If the property is rented, our tenancy handover clearances may also be relevant, and families who are still grieving might prefer to read about our compassionate bereavement clearance. For a sense of what shapes a quote, see how we price a job, or send us the property details and we will come back to you.
