Help Clearing a House After a Death

If someone close to you has died and their home needs sorting, a professional organiser can go through it with you. They will work at your pace, helping you decide what to keep and providing advice on what to do with those things you are ready to let go of. Members of APDO will never pressure you into letting go of something or get rid of anything without your permission.

What help is available

An organiser works alongside you, going through the home room by room. Together you sort belongings into what you're keeping, what's going to family and friends, what can be sold or donated, and what isn't needed.

They handle everything carefully, and once you've decided, they can help arrange for items to go to charities, auction houses or other suitable places. Some people want help with one room or a specific category of items. Others want someone there from start to finish.

Sorting a home, not clearing it

A house clearance firm empties a property, often in a day. That suits some people, but an organiser does something different.They will go through the home with you, supporting you with making decisions and ensuring belongings are treated with respect.

If you come across letters, photographs or papers you weren't expecting, there is time to stop and look at them. Everything can be done at your own pace and you can take all the time you need to go through your loved one’s belongings.

What to check before you start

If the house is being sold, or there's a will to sort out, some things may need to wait. Check what you're able to do before anything leaves the house. GOV.UK has a guide to what to do after someone dies, which covers this. In the meantime, an organiser can help you sort and list belongings, so you're ready when the time comes.

Though organisers cannot offer legal advice, some members may also be able to assist you in dealing with some of the paperwork and administration needed after a death. Please check the profiles of individual members in your area using our Find an Organiser tool or speak to your local organisers to see who can offer this as part of their service.

When there's a deadline

Council and housing association homes usually come with a date for handing back the keys, and a house sale brings dates of its own. An organiser can plan the work around the time you have and bring in extra help if needed.

When the family doesn't agree

It's common for relatives to want different things, or to want to go at different speeds. An organiser isn't on anyone's side. They can keep things moving, make sure everyone is heard, and set aside anything still being talked about so it doesn't hold up the rest.

Where else to find support

Going through someone's home can bring grief to the surface at unexpected moments. If you need someone to talk to, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help by phone and online. Your GP can also point you to support near you.

Find an organiser who can help

Many APDO members are able to work with clients who have experienced a bereavement, but some may be more specialised and experienced in this area than others. The search below will show you members who list Bereavement & Loss as a specialism. Enter your postcode to see who covers your area.