When someone passes away, managing their estate is one of the most emotionally and logistically demanding tasks for their loved ones. A big part of this responsibility involves sorting through the person’s possessions, which often means a full deceased property cleaning job. It’s not just about emptying a house — it’s about navigating grief, decisions, and sometimes, complicated legal obligations.
Having been through it myself after my grandfather passed, I can tell you it was nothing like a regular clean-up. You’re not just tidying up — you’re sifting through decades of memories, personal items, legal documents, and sometimes even hidden surprises. Here’s what you can expect when facing a deceased estate clean-up, and how to do it with care and clarity.
Understand the scope before you start
Every estate is different. Before diving in, take a step back and assess:
- - The size and condition of the property — Is it a small flat or a multi-room house with a garage and shed?
- - Volume of possessions — Hoarding, antiques, or just a typical household?
- - Time constraints — Do you need it cleared for sale or settlement?
Some properties might be in good shape with minimal contents, while others might be time capsules packed to the ceiling. Doing a walkthrough helps you understand what services you might need, whether it's skip bins, cleaning professionals, or help from family.
Also, take note of external elements like sheds, under-house storage, or locked areas. These often get overlooked until the last minute and can add hours — or days — to your timeline. Outdoor areas can sometimes be even more labour-intensive than interiors.
Know your legal responsibilities
Before touching anything, check if probate or other legal processes are required. In Australia, beneficiaries usually can’t distribute or dispose of estate contents until legal ownership is transferred.
The government has guidelines for handling deceased estates, especially around notifying services, accessing financial accounts, and preparing for probate. Ignoring these steps can cause disputes or legal issues later on.
Also, be cautious with what you discard. Certain documents may look unimportant (like old utility bills or tax receipts), but they could be needed for the executor or accountant. If unsure, keep it or digitise it.
Make a plan: keep, donate, toss
When you do begin, structure is your friend. The classic three-box method (Keep, Donate, Discard) works wonders.
What worked for me:
I brought in coloured sticky notes and labelled larger items for clarity — green for keepsakes, yellow for possible donation, red for rubbish. It gave the family visual cues and avoided confusion or arguments. We also set up a shared Google Drive folder to photograph sentimental items for remote relatives to weigh in.
Here are some useful rules of thumb:
- - Keep: Sentimental items, legal documents, valuables.
- - Donate: Usable clothing, books, and household items.
- - Toss: Broken furniture, outdated tech, expired food/meds.
Depending on the items found, some families also opt to hold a garage sale or use online marketplaces to rehome things responsibly. This can also help offset the cost of clean-up services.
Don’t underestimate the emotional toll
This is the part people rarely prepare for — the emotional wallop. Sorting through someone’s home is like walking through a living memory. You’ll stumble on things that make you laugh, cry, and sometimes shake your head.
Grief can also surface as tension. Not everyone in the family will agree on what should be kept or tossed. Try to schedule breaks, include support people, and let the slower-moving family members have time.
You might also come across letters, photos, or forgotten items that open up stories you'd never heard. It’s bittersweet, but it can also be a kind of healing.
If it becomes too overwhelming, don't push yourself to power through. Grief doesn’t follow a straight line, and neither does clean-up. Be kind to yourself. There’s no "right" speed.
Hire help when needed
Some estates are simply too large or distressing to handle alone. That’s when professional deceased estate cleaners come in. They can help with:
- - Bulk rubbish removal
- - Deep cleaning (especially if the property is neglected)
- - Biohazard disposal
- - Preparing the property for sale or inspection
Just make sure the team you hire understands sensitivity. This isn’t just another clean — it’s a farewell.
If you're unsure where to start, ask the provider if they offer a walk-through quote or consultation. Many services are flexible and can tailor a package to meet your situation, whether it’s full removal or just support in the trickier parts, like hazardous waste or pest control.
Think long-term: the estate clearing process
Beyond cleaning, think about the follow-up:
- - How will the property be secured?
- - Who is responsible for ongoing maintenance?
- - Are there items that need valuation?
You’ll also want to consider staging or minor renovations if the property is going on the market. For a more in-depth breakdown, see estate clearing process. Keeping a checklist or spreadsheet of what’s been done (and what still needs attention) can keep the entire family aligned and reduce miscommunication.
Embrace the chance to declutter with compassion
Finally, this process can teach us all something about our own homes. What do we leave behind? What legacy do we create in our things?
If you’re helping someone clear out, or preparing your own home, consider the idea of decluttering after death — a way to ease the burden for future loved ones.
Some families use this opportunity to begin legacy planning of their own, inspired by the process. It’s not morbid — it’s mindful.
Final thoughts
There’s no perfect way to handle a deceased estate clean up. Every family is different, every loss is personal, and every home tells its own story. But with the right planning, some compassion, and a bit of help, the process can become not just manageable — but meaningful.
Take it one room at a time. Breathe. And remember, you’re honouring a life by doing this right.