Cleaning Out a Deceased Person's Home

Where do you start?

Start by securing the property, not sorting belongings. If the home will be unoccupied, change the locks (especially if you are unsure who has keys), verify that homeowner's or renter's insurance is still active, and remove perishable food. The sorting can wait. The security cannot.

There is no legal deadline to clean out a home in most cases. Exceptions include rental properties with a lease expiration, or situations where the executor needs to sell the property quickly to settle debts. If neither applies, take whatever time you need.

Set aside a few hours per visit rather than trying to finish in one marathon session. The process is physically and emotionally exhausting, and working in short blocks leads to better decisions about what to keep.

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What documents should you find first?

Before sorting household items, locate and secure every legal and financial document you can find. These are essential for settling the estate, and losing them creates costly delays.

Check the obvious places first: filing cabinets, desk drawers, safes, and shoeboxes in closets. Then check less obvious spots like books (people tuck documents between pages), freezers, and taped envelopes under furniture.

Documents to pull immediately:

• The will and any trust documents. Look for the most recent version. If you find multiple copies, a probate attorney can determine which is valid.
• Tax returns from the last seven years. The IRS can audit estates, and these are needed for the final tax filing.
• Property deeds, car titles, and mortgage paperwork. You will need these to transfer property and vehicles.
• Bank and investment account statements. These help identify accounts that need to be closed or transferred.
• Insurance policies (life, health, homeowner's, auto). Life insurance policies are time-sensitive.
• Birth certificate, marriage certificate, Social Security card, military discharge papers (DD-214). Keep these permanently.
• Passwords and digital account information. Check for a password manager, a written list, or saved logins on their computer.

Keep all originals in a secure location. Scan copies as backup, but do not destroy the paper versions.

For more on ordering the certified copies you will need, see how to get death certificates.

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How do you handle prescription medications?

Do not leave prescription medications in an unoccupied home. Controlled substances like opioids and benzodiazepines should be disposed of through a DEA-authorized collection site or pharmacy take-back program. Other medications can be mixed with coffee grounds or cat litter and placed in household trash.

The safest disposal options:

• DEA-authorized collection sites. The DEA maintains a search tool to find permanent drop-off locations near you. Many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) have take-back kiosks.
• DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events. Held twice a year, usually in April and October.
• FDA flush list. A small number of especially dangerous medications (certain opioids, fentanyl patches) are recommended for flushing if no take-back option is available. The FDA maintains the current list.
• Household disposal. For medications not on the flush list, mix them with coffee grounds or cat litter, seal in a container, and place in household trash. Remove or black out personal information on the labels.

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How do you sort everything else?

Work room by room with four categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Label boxes or bins clearly and make sorting decisions as you go rather than piling everything into "maybe" boxes. Photograph valuable items before moving them, especially if the estate is going through probate and the court may need an asset inventory.

Keep: Items with genuine sentimental value to you or other family members, plus anything with legal or financial significance.

Donate: Clothing, furniture, kitchenware, and household items in usable condition. Organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and local shelters accept most household goods. Some will pick up furniture.

Sell: Antiques, jewelry, collectibles, art, and quality furniture. Get appraisals before selling anything that might be valuable. Estate sale companies handle large volumes and typically charge 25% to 35% of the sale proceeds.

Discard: Broken items, worn-out clothing, expired products, and anything with no resale or donation value. Rent a dumpster for large cleanouts, typically $300 to $500 for a 10-yard container.

Photograph valuable items before moving them. If the estate is going through probate, the executor may need an inventory of assets for the court.

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What about sentimental items?

You do not have to keep everything. Most people find that a small number of meaningful items (handwritten letters, photographs, a favorite watch or mug) carries far more weight than boxes of generic belongings they will never open. The goal is to be selective about what truly matters.

If you cannot decide on an item, take a photo of it. The photo preserves the memory without filling your home with boxes you will never open.

For items multiple family members want, discuss it early. Waiting until emotions are raw and the house is half-packed leads to conflict.

Items that most people wish they had kept: handwritten letters, photographs, recipe cards, small personal objects (a watch, a ring, a favorite mug). Items that most people regret hauling home: bulk furniture that does not fit, boxes of generic clothes, outdated electronics.

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What if the home needs to be sold?

If the property is part of the estate and needs to be sold, the executor handles the sale after receiving court authority (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration). Until the sale closes, keep homeowner's insurance and utilities active to protect the property and prevent damage.

Until then:

• Keep homeowner's insurance active. An uninsured property exposed to damage or liability puts the estate at risk.
• Keep utilities running (electricity, water, heat in winter) to prevent pipe bursts and maintain the property's condition.
• Do not make major renovations without consulting the executor or an estate attorney. The estate, not you personally, owns the property.

The timeline for selling depends on the probate process, which varies by state. In some states, the executor can sell property relatively quickly. In others, court approval is required, which adds months.

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When should you hire help?

If the home is large, heavily cluttered, or you simply cannot face it alone, professional services can handle the entire process. Estate sale companies sort, price, and sell contents for a percentage of proceeds. Junk removal services handle large-volume disposal. Professional organizers who specialize in estate cleanouts can manage the project from start to finish.

• Estate sale companies will sort, price, and sell the contents. They typically take 25% to 35% of proceeds.
• Junk removal services (1-800-GOT-JUNK, local operators) handle large-volume disposal. Expect to pay $200 to $600 depending on volume and location.
• Professional organizers who specialize in estate cleanouts can manage the entire process. Rates vary, typically $50 to $100 per hour.

If the home belonged to a hoarder or has biohazard concerns (animal waste, mold, structural neglect), hire a specialized cleaning company rather than attempting it yourself.

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-21