When a loved one passes away, clearing a home is often one of the last tasks to be completed. This can be an emotional and overwhelming process, especially if you don't know where to start. Cherished memories can weigh heavily on you while emptying the house. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about clearing a house after death, including where to start, what you can do yourself, and where to find help.
When to empty a house after death?
When should you clean the house? A room in a hospice sometimes needs to be emptied within 24 to 48 hours after death. You have approximately five days for a care room, and the notice period applies for a rental home.
In these situations, you hardly have time to decide which items to keep and which not. Do you need more time to think about what you want to do with the assets? Then you can store the household items temporarily. ZSM House Clearance has flexible, clean and safe storage spaces. If your loved one leaves behind a home of their own, you can start cleaning up when you are ready.
Step-by-step plan for emptying the house
View a step-by-step plan for emptying a loved one's home below:
Step 1: Take time to grieve
Before you start clearing out the house, it's important to take time to grieve. Losing a loved one is an emotional and stressful experience, and it can be difficult to know where to start clearing out their belongings. Try to give yourself time to grieve before you begin.
Step 2: Plan what happens to contents
Before you start clearing the house, it's important to make a plan. Make a list of the rooms that need cleaning and determine what should be done with the deceased's belongings. It's also a good idea to decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away.
Step 3: Start with the most personal items
It can be difficult to decide where to start clearing the house. A good place to start is with the deceased's most personal items, such as photos, jewelry, and clothing. Divide, throw away or sell items is a difficult task. These items are often the most emotionally charged with precious memories and it can be helpful to clear them out early in the process. It is also important to know which items the blood relatives inherit.
Step 4: Gather help and support
Clearing a house after a death can be a big task. If you or heirs responsible its important to gather support from friends and family members who can help with it cleaning up the house. If the deceased's home is very full or you don't know where to start, it can also be helpful to seek professional help.
Step 5: Consider hiring a professional service
If the deceased's home is very full or you don't know where to start, it may be helpful to hire a professional service to help clear the house. There are many companies that specialize in clearing houses after a death, and they can help with everything from sorting belongings to disposing of items.
Step 6: Make an inventory of assets
It's a good idea to take an inventory of the deceased's belongings before you begin clearing out the house. This can help determine what should be kept, what can be donated, and what should be thrown away. It can also be useful in dividing the inheritance and settling tax matters.
Step 7: Distribute items and sell valuables
Now it's time to sort the deceased's belongings. Distinguish between items that should be kept, donated, sold or thrown away. It can be helpful to label and categorize these items to keep the process organized.
Step 8: Get professional help for appraisal and sale
If there are valuable possessions or antiques that need to be sold, it is useful to seek professional help for appraisal and sale. This can ensure that the assets are sold at a fair price and that you don't get ripped off by unreliable buyers.
Step 9: Arrange the disposal of items
When you have finished sorting items, it is time to throw or dispose of the items. This can be an extensive job and it is important to know where to take the items. If necessary, seek professional help to help you dispose of the items.
Step 10: Clean the house
When the house is empty, it's time to clean it and make any repairs. This can help you sell or rent the house faster. Make sure the house is in good condition before handing it over to the new owner or tenant.
Clear your home with professional evacuators
Clearing a house after death can be an emotional and stressful process, but it can also help with grieving and closing a chapter. By making a plan, gathering help and calling in professional help if necessary, the process can be clear and structured. A professional clearance company will not only clear the house, but will also, for example, remove the carpet, return the house in its original condition and dispose of certain items.
Request a free quote
Would you like to know what the costs are? emptying a house after death? Then request a free quote. This is completely without obligation and you are not committed to anything. By requesting a quote you will get a better idea of the costs and services we can offer you.
Do you have any questions or would you like advice before requesting a quote? Then you can always call us on 070-2116102. You can also send us an email at: info@zsm-woningontruiming.nl. We will then respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.
Help Center
How long does it take on average to empty a house after death?
Clearing a house can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the house and the number of items that need to be cleared.
Can I clear the house myself or should I call in professional help?
It depends on the size of the house and the number of items that need to be cleared. If the house is very full, it may be useful to seek professional help.
What should I do with the deceased's valuables?
It can be useful to seek professional help for the valuation and sale of valuable assets. If you want to keep the items, you can put them in storage or have them appraised for insurance.
Can I donate items to charities?
Yes, many charities accept donations of items. It is important to check what items are accepted and whether there are any guidelines for donations.
Do I need to clean the house after it has been emptied?
Yes, it is important to clean the house and make any repairs before handing it over to the new owner or tenant. This can help you sell or rent the house faster.
Can I call on professional help to dispose of items?
Yes, there are companies that specialize in the disposal of items. This can be useful if you don't know where to take the items or if you have a large amount of items.
Should I keep evidence of what was thrown away or donated?
It's a good idea to keep evidence of what's been thrown away or donated, especially if it's valuables. This can be useful when dividing the inheritance and arranging tax matters.
Should I hire a lawyer to clear the house?
It depends on the complexity of the situation and whether a will has been drawn up. In some cases it may be useful to hire a lawyer to help arrange the inheritance and clearing the house.
How can I deal with the emotions while emptying the house?
Emptying a house after death can be an emotional process. Try to give yourself time to grieve and gather support from friends and family members. It can also help to consult a professional who specializes in grief processing and guidance.
Should I make an inventory of the deceased's belongings?
Yes, it is a good idea to take an inventory of the deceased's belongings before you begin clearing out the house. This can help determine what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. It can also be useful in dividing the inheritance and settling tax matters.
