The passing of a loved one can be a trying time, and the work isn’t done for family members even after the funeral services are over. After all, someone is left responsible for the estate cleanup—most often the children of elderly parents. Though going through your loved one’s home can prove a logistical challenge, the following guidelines will make the process a little easier.

3 Essential Estate Cleanup Tips

1. Go Room by Room

Cleaning out an entire house can feel daunting. To make everything easier, work on one room at a time. This will give you a greater sense of progress as you see changes occur in each room. You can also enhance this sense of progress by starting in rooms that don’t have as many sentimental items, such as a bathroom or garage.

2. Separate as You Go

As you sort through items in each room, be sure to separate everything by category. Make separate piles for items you plan to keep, donate, and throw away. Be mindful of potentially valuable items, such as furniture and jewelry, when going through these piles. It could be worthwhile to hire an appraiser to determine if such items are worth selling.

3. Check Everywhere

Financial documents, jewelry, and other valuables are often hidden in unexpected places. When going through a loved one’s home, you must be as thorough as possible. Even coat pockets or bathroom medicine cabinets could be hiding something important. Conducting a thorough check will ensure you don’t overlook a particularly valuable or sentimental item.

If you need help with a loved one’s estate cleanup, contact Red’s Hauling Service. Serving Chicago, IL, for over 15 years, their friendly team offers affordable prices on garbage removal and house cleanouts, while also purchasing antiques to ease the cleanup process. To learn more about their cleanup services, visit them online, or call (773) 616-0979 to request a free estimate.