Estate cleanout checklist
The order of operations matters more than the effort: secure documents and valuables first, sort with clear zones, and only then bring in a crew. Here's the first section — the full room-by-room version is below.
Before anything else — secure these
- Will, trust documents, and any letters of instruction
- Deeds, vehicle titles, insurance policies, tax returns
- Bank, investment, and utility account statements
- Keys — house, vehicles, safe deposit, storage units
- Cash, jewelry, firearms, and items named in the will
- Photos, letters, and keepsakes family members have asked about
When you're ready to hire: find cleanout companies in your city, check the cost guide first, and if you're the executor, read what to know before clearing the house.