Clearing out an inherited home: a printable checklist

Six steps, in the order most families do them. Print it, put it on the fridge at the house, and check things off as you go. The full explanation of each step is in the guide, how to clear out an inherited home before selling.

Prints on two pages, without the site menus.

1. Secure the house

Lock up and write down everyone who has a key.
Call the homeowners insurance company. Ask how the policy defines a vacant house and whether you need a vacancy endorsement.
In cold months, keep the heat on or have the plumbing winterized.

2. Set aside papers and valuables

Pull out mail, bank and tax papers, deeds, titles, wills and account statements.
Pull out keys, jewelry, cash and photos.
Put everything in one box or one room, and tell every crew to skip it.

3. Check with the personal representative

Confirm the Probate and Family Court has appointed the personal representative. Hold off on removing anything of value until then.
Photograph and list anything that might have value. The personal representative files an inventory with the value of each item within 3 months of appointment.
If an attorney is helping with the estate, bring them in before you book a crew.

4. Decide what is sold, donated or hauled away

Mark items worth selling for an estate sale. Ask whether cleanup of leftovers is included.
Mark usable furniture and household goods for donation. See where to donate household items by county.
Plan a cleanout or junk removal for the rest.
Get written quotes. Use the questions to ask a cleanout company and the cost guide.

5. Follow the disposal rules

Mattresses can't go in the trash in Massachusetts. Look up your town in the town disposal rules table.
Large appliances, CRT TVs, textiles and scrap metal are also banned from the trash. Ask your hauler where each one goes.
Mercury items, like old thermostats and fluorescent bulbs, have to be recycled or handled as hazardous waste.

6. Finish broom clean

Check the purchase and sale agreement. It usually requires the house to be broom clean and empty of personal property at closing.
Walk every room, closet, cabinet, the basement, attic, garage and any shed.
If you are out of state, ask the crew to send photos when they finish.

Notes and phone numbers

More help

Sources: MassDEP, Waste Disposal Bans; M.G.L. c. 21H, § 6I (mercury-added products); M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-715 (what a personal representative may do); M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-706 (inventory within 3 months). General information, not legal advice. From Estate Home Directory.