A Guide On Deceased Estates Cleaning
Once you lose a loved one, you may have to clear their estate to ensure their earthly belongings do not go to waste. Although deceased estate clearance could seem easy, it is not as straightforward as many could presume. The article below details some essential considerations that you should make when clearing a deceased estate.
Check If Your Loved One Had A Will
Your loved one's will could contain instructions on how they would want their estate cleared. In this case, contact their lawyer to establish if they had written a will. If this is the case, contact the executor named in the will and ask them to apply for a grant of probate. After this, they can manage the estate and transfer property to the beneficiaries.
Declutter The Property
Decluttering can significantly ease the deceased estate clearance process. For example, old furniture, electronics, and internal fixtures could be sold to scrap metal recyclers or disposed of at a landfill. As you declutter the property, create an inventory of items that you consider useful or those that can be passed on to your loved one's family members. Remember to store critical documents such as identification documents, credit cards, and asset titles. The executor will use these documents to transfer assets and cash to beneficiaries.
Consider Donations
Donate some of your loved one's items to create a lasting legacy. For example, if your loved one enjoyed participating in charities, you could donate some of their furniture to the charities that they worked with. Alternatively, you could sell some of their items and use the proceeds for a charitable cause.
Selling Tips
You will certainly need to sell some of your loved one's items. Below are some tips to help you sell these items:
- Clean the items to make them appealing. Additionally, gather crucial information about each item. For instance, ensure each piece of jewellery has a certificate of authenticity. Besides, gather receipts and warranty documents.
- If you wish to conduct a deceased estates auction, advertise the auction to friends and neighbours to ensure that the event has many buyers.
- When selling the items of e-commerce websites, take detailed photos to ensure customers understand what they are buying.
- Set reasonable prices. Remember, it will take longer to sell items whose asking price is higher than their market value.
Deceased estate clearance is not a simple task. If you do not have the time, resources, and expertise to clear the estate, engage the services of a deceased estate cleaning company. When hiring these companies, assess their reputation, experience, pricing, and terms to avoid disappointments.
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