Dealing with a loved one’s passing is already emotional. Add to that the complex task of managing their home, belongings, and legal affairs, and it can feel completely overwhelming. One of the most challenging aspects is figuring out how to handle the deceased estate clean up process respectfully, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.

Whether you’re an executor, family member, or friend trying to lend a hand, this guide will walk you through the process of deceased estate clearing in a calm, methodical way.

And if you’re just here to make sure you’re not missing any crucial steps, you’re in the right place.

What is deceased estate clearing, really?

In simple terms, deceased estate clearing refers to the process of organising, sorting, and removing possessions from a property after someone passes away. This may involve:

1. Sorting and distributing personal belongings

2. Disposing of unwanted or unclaimed items

3. Cleaning and preparing the property for sale or handover

4. Coordinating with legal and financial professionals

If you’re handling this for the first time, it’s easy to underestimate how physically and emotionally taxing it can be.

In my case, when my aunt passed away last year, we thought it would just take a weekend. It took three weeks, not because of how much there was, but because every drawer, every photo, every item came with a memory and a decision.

Start with official steps and legal obligations

Before you touch a single box, there are some legal and administrative matters that must come first.

You’ll need to check the will (if there is one), identify the executor, and verify your legal authority to access or manage the property. Make sure utilities and services are paused or redirected. If you’re not the executor, don’t assume you can start clearing — you may need permission.

Understanding your legal obligations after death is a must. For example, certain assets must remain untouched until probate is granted. Learn more about what’s required via the Services Australia website.

It’s also wise to speak with a solicitor or the Public Trustee if the estate is large or complicated. Delays in this stage can ripple through the entire process — especially if family members are relying on proceeds from the estate.

Break the process down into manageable stages

There’s no “right” way to do it, but this phased approach can help you stay sane:

1. Secure the property

1. Change locks if needed
   2. Turn off appliances
   3. Notify neighbours or strata
   
   

2. Sort items by category

1. Important documents (passports, deeds, bank info)

2. Valuables (jewellery, art, electronics)

3. Sentimental items (photos, letters)

4. Every day, household goods
   
   

3. Involve family early

1. Create an inventory
   
   

2. Decide how items will be distributed
   
   

3. Avoid conflict by being transparent
   
   

4. Dispose, donate, or store

1. Hire a skip bin if needed

2. Donate usable items to local charities

3. Store items until decisions are final

It’s easy to become emotionally attached to items you never even cared about before. A half-used bottle of perfume or a fridge magnet might suddenly feel like a museum piece. Go gently with yourself and others.

A professional team can make this process easier. If it’s all too much to manage yourself, consider bringing in experts.

Avoid common mistakes that cost time and stress

In the middle of everything, it’s easy to rush. But here’s what I’ve seen go wrong time and again:

1. Throwing things out too quickly: Important documents or hidden valuables can get lost.

2. Not checking for outstanding debts: Unpaid bills might still arrive at the property.

3. Skipping professional valuations: Some items may be worth more than you think.
   

Also, be mindful of digital assets. Many people now store important financial and personal information online. Check computers, phones, and cloud services before deleting accounts or discarding devices.

If you’re asking yourself how to clear a house after death, the key is balance: stay practical, but don’t bulldoze through moments that matter. 

Consider bringing in the pros — it’s not a failure

You might feel like you should do everything yourself. But grieving and sorting are two full-time jobs.

Professional clearing services don’t just “dump everything.” The good ones:

1. Help you catalogue and organise with care

2. Offer options for recycling, donation, or sale

3. Clean and prep the property for the next phase

They’re also experienced at dealing with complex situations: hoarded properties, biohazard risks, or sensitive family dynamics. That kind of help can be the difference between a drawn-out ordeal and a healthy, productive closure.

I’ll be honest: hiring a team was the best decision we made. They handled logistics while we focused on memories — and each other.

If you’re still on the fence, check out a few neutral guides that offer estate cleanup tips from outside perspectives.

Final thoughts

There’s no easy way to say goodbye — or to pack up a life. But with the right approach, support, and mindset, you can turn this heavy task into something meaningful. Whether you do it slowly, with family and tea in hand, or quickly with professional help, deceased estate clearing is a chance to honour someone in a tangible way.

Make space for grief. Make space for rest. And when the moment feels right, make space in the house too.