The short answer
Not with the whole house. Start with what is dangerous or valuable, and set aside anything the executor may need. Then go one room or one category at a time.
Some adult children describe clearing taking far longer than they expected. It can go faster when a few people share the work. Some medical equipment may belong to a supplier, and some leftovers need a hazardous waste drop-off.
This chapter explains how things usually work in the United States. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and the rules where you live may differ. Before you act on anything here, check it with one of the people named at the end of the chapter.
What to do
- Ask the executor, if there is one, what must stay in the house until the estate allows.
- Start with medicines and firearms, and leave any firearm where it is until you have asked the executor and a lawyer.
- Set aside papers, mail and anything about money in one box.
- Pick one room or one category for each visit.
- Book haulers or a dumpster for what is left.
- Take photos of anything you are unsure about.
What can wait
- Sentimental decisions, until the practical ones are done. The box of things you can't decide about yet can wait in a closet, or go home with you.
- Reading every letter and sorting every photo.
Who can help
Your local solid waste or environmental agency can tell you where hazardous waste and batteries go. A hauler can take most of the rest.
A professional organizer can plan the stages with you. If you are the executor and unsure what can leave the house, a probate lawyer can say.
The rules, phone numbers and web addresses in this book were checked against the agencies’, courts’ and organizations’ own pages in October 2026. Where a rule differs by state, the book names one state as an example. Check anything you rely on with the office itself.
From Book 4: Their House
This page has the short answer and the closing lists from chapter 7. The full chapter explains, in plain words, what exists, what to ask, and who can answer. The book covers months 3 to 15 after the death.
Questions near this one
Other questions on related subjects, from this book and the others.
- How do we divide belongings without a war? Book 5, Siblings and the Estate
- Why are we fighting when we always got along? Book 5, Siblings and the Estate
- What is worth selling, and what is an estate sale? Book 4, Their House
- What do I do with photos and papers I cannot throw away? Book 4, Their House
Hear when Their House is out
A short note when each book is out. Five or six emails a year at most. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.