Clearing an estate can be a difficult practical task

When someone passes away, family members or executors may eventually need to clear the property. This can involve many years of furniture, household belongings, clothing, paperwork, personal possessions and stored items.

The clearance is often one part of a much larger process, and it can be difficult to deal with the practical side while also making decisions about personal belongings. Our role is to discuss the physical clearance clearly and help make the practical arrangements as straightforward as possible.

We can discuss what needs to be cleared, which areas are included, what must remain and how access to the property will be arranged.

Before the clearance

Identify important documents
Separate photographs and sentimental items
Remove jewellery and personal valuables
Agree which belongings should remain
Consider access and keys
Discuss the required timescale

For families and executors

What is involved in a probate property clearance?

Every estate is different. Some properties may contain relatively little furniture, while others have accumulated belongings over decades. There may be several rooms, loft spaces, garages, sheds or other storage areas to consider.

Before arranging a clearance, it is important to establish what needs to be retained. This is particularly important with family photographs, personal correspondence, legal paperwork, financial records and sentimental belongings.

Furniture and household contents

Once the items that need to remain have been identified, the remaining furniture and household contents can be discussed as part of the clearance. This may include beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs, sofas, kitchen contents and general household possessions.

Storage areas and outbuildings

Probate properties can also have garages, sheds, lofts or other storage areas containing belongings. If these areas need clearing, include them when describing the property so the full scope of the work can be considered.

Preparing the property for its next stage

Once the estate's belongings have been dealt with, the property may need to be prepared for cleaning, maintenance, valuation, sale or another stage of the estate process. A completed clearance can form an important part of that practical preparation.

Our process

A clear process for a sensitive situation

1. Discuss the circumstances

Tell us about the property, where it is located and what you believe needs to be cleared. We can discuss the practical requirements without assuming that every estate is the same.

2. Identify what remains

Explain which belongings, rooms or documents need to remain so that the scope of the clearance is understood before work is arranged.

3. Arrange the clearance

Once the requirements, access and quotation have been discussed, a suitable arrangement can be made for the property clearance.

Who can arrange a probate clearance?

The person contacting us may be an executor, family member, landlord or another person responsible for making practical arrangements for the property. If you are arranging a clearance on behalf of somebody else, simply explain the circumstances when you contact us.

If several family members are involved, it is helpful to establish which items are being retained before the clearance begins. This can prevent uncertainty about belongings that have personal or family significance.

Questions about probate clearance costs

There is no single price for an estate clearance because every property and quantity of contents is different. The size of the property, amount of contents, access and additional areas can all affect the work involved.

Contact us with the property postcode and as much information as you have. We can then discuss the requirements and quotation.

Discuss a Probate Clearance

Probate Clearance in Bodmin

Before & After Probate Clearance