Dealing with the loss of a loved one is painful. It’s difficult for the bereaved family to put on a brave face while taking care of arrangements, such as funeral and deceased estate clean up — but that’s part of life, and one has to get along.
The whole family comes together when it comes to dealing with the belongings that the departed soul leaves behind because the deceased estate clean up requires the presence and participation of every family member.
Deceased estate cleanup is just as necessary as organizing the funeral. While items of significant worth can be sold, donated or re-used by the family, the remaining junk should be cleaned up for better. If you are not sure how to go about it, the following tips will help you tackle the same with minimum discomfort.
Step 1: Taking care of the legal matters
The property may belong to one of your relatives or close friends, but it is essential to understand that everything inside was once owned by a different individual. For this reason, before even beginning the deceased estate cleanup project, it is necessary to make sure all legalities are in order.
It is also recommended to change the locks on the property as many people may have had access to the property previously. An “uninhabited house” is nothing, but an invitation to thieves and vandals and a simple change of locks can prevent several unfortunate incidents.
Step 2: Sorting personal belongings
Next task in a deceased estate cleanup project is to locate and secure the personal belongings of the deceased. Look for cash, legal documents, jewellery, art, and any other valuable possessions they might have had.
Find out if their family members want to keep any of these possessions. In case of a dispute (which is more likely than you might expect), seek legal help. Once the dispute is resolved, and the family members have claimed the belongings, it is up to you to decide the fate of the rest. The rest of the belongings can either be given to charity or be sold online or at a garage sale.
Step 3: Decide the fate of the property.
If the property is rented, the deceased estate clean up will aim at restoring the property to its former state before returning the keys to the homeowner. On the other hand, if the property is owned, and you plan to sell it, the deceased estate clean up project may be a bit more detailed. In both the cases, some things will need to be taken care of:
Furniture: If the furniture is worn out and old, it is best to sell it off or donate it to a charity.
Window blinds and floor coverings: In all probability, the window blinds are worn out. If that is the case, it is best to get rid of them. The presence of sunlight will also make the property more presentable. Similarly, if the floor coverings are damaged, get them patched up with the help of professionals.
Walls and ceiling: If needed, repair any cracks and other damages. It is also recommended to get old light fixtures replaced.
Conclusion
For getting rid of the junk, it is recommended to hire a skip bin. Another thing to keep in mind is that if the owner of the home died on the premises, you would have to disclose the same to all potential buyers.
Deceased estate cleanup projects are usually time sensitive. For this reason, it is advisable to seek professional help wherever possible.
