Clearing a property as an executor
Being named as an executor, or becoming an administrator when there's no will, can feel like a lot of responsibility. Alongside dealing with banks, utilities and paperwork, there's usually a house full of belongings to sort out before it can be sold, let or handed back.
We take care of the physical clearance and work in a way that fits around the wider process of dealing with the estate. We aren't solicitors and can't give legal advice, but we can explain in plain terms how a clearance usually fits in.
When can the house be cleared?
In general, you can usually arrange a full clearance once you have the authority to deal with the estate. For many people, that means a grant of probate, or letters of administration if there was no will. GOV.UK has a clear guide to applying for probate if the process is new to you.
The value of the estate has to be estimated as part of the process, so items of value such as jewellery, antiques, artwork or collections may need valuing for probate first. If a solicitor is handling the estate, speak to them before anything significant is removed. They can tell you what is needed, and when.
Some smaller tasks, such as clearing perishable food or making the property secure, often happen sooner. Again, check with the solicitor if you're unsure.
How a probate clearance works
- Get in touch. Tell us about the property and where you are in the process. We can usually visit to give a free, no-obligation quote, or quote from photos.
- Agree what to keep aside. Let us know about items left to particular people in the will, anything that has been valued or still needs valuing, and anything family members would like. We can keep aside paperwork, photos, keepsakes and valuables you ask us to look out for.
- Clear the property. We sort as we go, so anything reusable is donated or recycled where possible and the rest goes to licensed facilities.
- Hand back the keys. We sweep the property clean and return the keys to you, your solicitor or the estate agent, as agreed.
Paperwork matters
Homes often contain documents that are important to the estate: bank and building society statements, share certificates, Premium Bond records, pension letters, insurance policies and sometimes an older copy of a will. We set aside any paperwork we come across so it can be checked by you or the solicitor, rather than disposing of it.
Working with solicitors and estate agents
If a solicitor is administering the estate, we're happy to deal with them directly, take instructions on keys and access, and keep everyone up to date. Where the property is going on the market, we can work to the estate agent's timetable so the house is empty and swept in time for photographs or viewings.
If you live some distance away, perhaps in another part of the country, it can help that we're local. We can collect keys, let you know when the clearance is finished and pass the keys on to whoever needs them next.
Related help
If you're also coming to terms with the loss yourself, you may find our page on clearing a home after a bereavement reassuring. For properties that simply need emptying, our house clearance service explains how we work, and for lofts holding decades of belongings, see our loft clearance page.
Estates across Northallerton and the surrounding area
We clear estate properties throughout Northallerton and the nearby market towns, including Thirsk, Bedale, Stokesley and Richmond, as well as Dales villages around Leyburn and lower Wensleydale. Wherever the property is, get in touch with us and we'll talk you through the next steps.
