Losing someone dear to you brings deep sadness – and the responsibility of managing their belongings can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve been appointed to handle your loved one’s estate or are simply trying to bring order to their home, it’s natural to feel uncertain about where to begin. Taking small, organised steps can make a difficult process gentler. Below, we share eight practical and compassionate tips to help you declutter after death while protecting memories that matter most.
8 Tips for Handling a Loved One’s Estate
1. Secure your loved one’s property
Before starting the decluttering process, take steps to safeguard the home and personal information.
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Change the locks immediately to prevent unwanted visitors — it’s impossible to know who may still have keys.
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Forward all mail to your address to protect sensitive information and deter potential theft.
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If you have access to your loved one’s email account, set up an auto-reply letting senders know you’re handling their affairs, and enable forwarding to your own email. This will help you track digital bills or financial notices.
For valuable belongings or important paperwork, consider placing them in a secure storage unit with controlled access. Amy’s Attic Self Storage provides alarmed, password-protected spaces throughout Central Texas.
2. Gather financial and legal documents
Sorting through paperwork early helps you manage estate responsibilities later. Search desks, drawers, and boxes for:
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A will or trust documents
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Passwords and login details
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Property deeds and insurance policies
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Bank and investment statements
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Tax records and social-security information
Keep these in a clearly labelled folder or lockbox for your solicitor or executor.
3. Take your time and allow space for grief
Grief can cloud judgment and make decision-making difficult. Whenever possible, give yourself a few weeks before beginning major decluttering tasks. Approach the home in short sessions rather than long, draining days. Allowing time to process memories can reduce regret and make emotional decisions easier.
According to the American Psychological Association, allowing yourself time and space for grief supports emotional healing during estate decisions (American Psychological Association, 2023).
(Harvard reference: American Psychological Association (2023) ‘Coping with Grief and Loss’. Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/grief/)
4. Identify and appraise possessions
Make a list of valuables before sorting:
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Jewellery, art, antiques, and collectibles
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Family heirlooms or vintage furniture
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Sentimental items such as letters, clothing, or photos
If you believe something may hold financial or historical value, obtain an appraisal before selling or donating it. Also, check off-site locations like a bank safety-deposit box, workplace, or storage unit. Bring legal proof such as the will or death certificate to gain access.
5. Set goals and realistic timelines
It helps to create a simple schedule. For example:
| Area | Time frame | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Two hours per day for 2 weeks | Begin with less sentimental items |
| Bedrooms | 3-hour sessions across a month | Keep a “memory box” for special finds |
| Garage / attic | Weekend sessions | Label items clearly: keep, donate, discard |
Planning prevents burnout and keeps the decluttering after death process manageable.
6. Ask for help and emotional support
Don’t try to handle everything alone. Invite family and friends to assist — not only with sorting but also for emotional comfort. Loved ones can share memories, help decide who keeps specific items, and offer a more objective perspective when letting go becomes hard.
If disputes arise over belongings, consider drawing lots or agreeing on item value exchanges to keep the process fair.
7. Sort belongings into categories
Once you’re ready, divide everything into four key groups: keep, donate, sell, and discard.
Keep
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Set aside items with strong sentimental value or everyday usefulness.
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Offer relatives the opportunity to choose one or two mementos before you begin.
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If you have limited space, consider photographing sentimental objects or transforming them — for example, turning a shirt into a pillowcase.
Throw away
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Dispose of worn, broken, or perishable items.
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If parting feels difficult, ask a trusted friend to help you stay objective.
Sell and donate
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Sell valuable pieces (jewellery, antiques, or collectibles) through reputable online platforms or antique dealers.
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Host a yard sale for smaller items and donate unsold goods to a favourite charity.
8. Store meaningful belongings safely
If there are possessions you want to keep but can’t yet accommodate — such as furniture, photo albums, or heirlooms — place them in a clean, climate-controlled storage unit to preserve their condition. Amy’s Attic Self Storage offers modern, monitored units across Central Texas, ideal for estate storage and transitional periods.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you wait to clean out a loved one’s house after death?
There’s no set rule. Many families wait several weeks to months, depending on emotional readiness and legal timelines for estate settlement.
What should you avoid when decluttering after someone dies?
Avoid rushing decisions, discarding paperwork before reviewing it, or selling valuables without professional appraisal.
How can self-storage help during the estate process?
Temporary storage provides a safe environment for belongings while you manage estate details or wait to distribute items among relatives.
What’s the best way to decide what to keep?
Keep items that evoke meaningful memories or serve a purpose in your life. Photograph the rest to preserve memories without clutter.
Amy’s Attic Self Storage – here to help
At Amy’s Attic Self Storage, we understand that decluttering after the death of a loved one is not just about clearing space — it’s about honouring a legacy. Our friendly and professional staff across Central Texas locations can help you select the right unit for your needs. With 24/7 surveillance, electronic gate access, and climate-controlled options, you can rest assured your loved one’s belongings are protected while you take the time you need.
When the moment feels right, let Amy’s Attic Self Storage help you store, protect, and preserve what matters most.
