Last updated 27 October 2026 · Information is general guidance, not legal advice.
Before anything leaves the house
- Secure the property and check insurance — empty homes often need different cover
- Find the will, bank statements, pension and insurance documents
- Check with the executor or solicitor before removing anything of value
- Redirect post so letters don't build up
Sorting the contents
Keepsakes
Give family members time to choose items, and agree how to handle disagreements before you start.
Documents and photographs
Go through drawers, books and pockets — important papers and cash often turn up in unexpected places.
Things to sell or donate
Furniture with fire labels, books, clothes and kitchenware can often go to charity.
Everything else
What remains can be cleared in one visit by a licensed clearance company.
Rented and council properties
If the property was rented from a council, housing association or private landlord, there may be a deadline for clearing it and returning keys. Ask the landlord for the date in writing as early as possible.
The final handover
- Take final meter readings and close utility accounts
- Photograph the empty property
- Return keys and get confirmation in writing
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a death should a house be cleared?
There's no fixed rule for owned homes, though empty properties can have insurance implications. Rented homes often have a landlord deadline.
Should we clear the house ourselves or use a company?
Many families sort keepsakes themselves and use a clearance company for the remainder, which saves several trips and the heavy lifting.