In the weeks following your loved one’s passing, you’ll likely need to clean out their home. This is especially true if you inherited the property and plan to sell it. While this process can be emotional, you can get the job done quickly with the right approach. From donations to trash removal, the following are some simple tips for handling matters efficiently.

How to Begin Cleaning Out a Loved One’s Property?

1. Manage Logistics First

Before you start cleaning out any items and handling trash removal, look for important documents and place them in a file. This can include titles to any property, tax documents, or financial statements. Also, reroute their mail to your own address and change the locks, since you don’t know who might have a copy—be it a family friend, service provider, or dog walker.

2. Divide Sentimental Items

If your loved one had a will, take this time to divide personal possessions according to their wishes. You might also have to make decisions as a group about sentimental objects. For example, if your parent passed away, you and your siblings may have to find a compromise for who gets which pieces of jewelry or antique furniture. 

3. Donate & Sell

You will also need to decide what to sell and donate. Some families will have an estate sale and donate the remaining items rather than having to take objects to separate consignment stores and charities. If you are feeling overwhelmed with this task, it might be helpful to clean out each room one at a time and divide objects into piles. 

4. Rent a Dumpster

As much meaning as you might attach to all items your loved one owned after their passing, cleaning out any property inevitably means discovering unwanted items. Whether it’s a chair missing a leg or worn-out bedding and towels, a dumpster rental can speed up the trash removal process—especially for bulkier pieces. Cleansing the home of unnecessary clutter is also likely to secure more interest from potential buyers.

If you are cleaning out a loved one’s home, Lone Star Containers can provide dumpster rentals for your trash removal needs. Located in Kerrville, TX, this company offers 20, 30, and 40-yard roll-off containers for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Once you fill the dumpster, their team will take care of the disposal. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (830) 257-0062 to schedule service.