For a house clearance after a death we empty the home and hand it over as the landlord or buyer requires. We work on the instructions of the executor, the heirs or an administrator. Personal documents, photos and valuables are set aside and returned to you. The invoice can be in the name of the estate.
First things first: who gives the instruction?
The instruction comes from the executor. If there is no executor, the heirs decide together, or one heir gives the instruction with a power of attorney from the others. We therefore ask for a certificate of inheritance, a certificate of executorship or a power of attorney. An administrator or guardian can give the instruction on behalf of the client.
Be careful with selling and giving things away. Emptying and clearing up counts as managing the estate. Selling or giving away items of value can, however, count as accepting the inheritance. If you are unsure whether you want to accept the inheritance, speak to the notary first. We do not buy household contents ourselves.
How we help you
- A calm first conversation
By phone or at a viewing. You can also send photos via the request form; then you do not need to go to the home.
- Keeping and dividing
The family marks what stays. On request we take items to family members, including outside the region.
- Searching and setting aside
While clearing we watch out for papers, photos, jewellery, cash and keys. We set them aside and record them.
- Clearing and removal
Usable items go to a second-hand shop, and the rest goes, separated by type, to authorised processors.
- Handover and key
We hand over with a photo report and arrange the key handover with the landlord or estate agent.
What we keep apart
- Personal documents and paperwork, such as bank papers, insurance policies and wills
- Photos, letters and other keepsakes
- Cash, jewellery and other valuables
- Keys, cards, phones and computers. Data storage devices never go to a second-hand shop with data still on them; on request we have them destroyed securely.
Everything we find is recorded with a list and photos and handed back to you against a signed receipt. If we find anything after handover, we let you know within one working day.
Rented home: arrangements with the landlord
For a rented home the landlord usually arranges a pre-inspection and a final inspection. We agree the handover date with you, hand over empty and broom-clean and, on request, remove floor coverings. More about this on end of tenancy clearance.
What does it cost and who pays?
The clearance costs are costs of the estate. You receive a fixed price in advance; price indications per type of home are on house clearance cost. On request we issue the invoice in the name of the estate, for the attention of the executor.
Want to know step by step what to arrange after a death? Use our checklist for clearing a house after a death.
Frequently asked questions
Can you come quickly if the care home wants the room emptied?
Usually, yes. In your request, say that it is a room in a care home and when it has to be empty. We will see what fits in our schedule.
Who pays for the clearance?
The costs are charged to the estate. The invoice can be in the name of the estate, for the attention of the executor.
Can we still take things out ourselves?
Yes. Remove beforehand what the family wants to keep, or mark it. For valuables, talk to the other heirs or the notary first.
What do you do with medication and medical aids?
We hand medication over to you to take back to the pharmacy. Rented aids, such as a height-adjustable bed or a rollator, we set aside for the supplier.
Do you also sort out the paperwork?
No. We put all papers aside in boxes for the executor or the family. We do not go through them or sort out what is in them.
More about house clearance
Last updated: 19 October 2026
Need help emptying the home?
Call us or send photos of the home. We take the work off your hands, at a fixed price in advance.