Being named as an executor can feel like a heavy responsibility, particularly when you are grieving at the same time. One of the most common questions we hear is: can I clear the house now, or do I have to wait? The honest answer is that it depends on the estate, and this guide offers general information only. It is not legal advice, so please speak to a solicitor if you are unsure about your position.
What an executor is responsible for
An executor is the person named in a will to manage the estate of someone who has died. That usually means gathering the assets, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries. The property and its contents are part of the estate, so decisions about them matter. If there is no will, a different process applies and a close relative may need to apply to act as administrator.
For the official process, GOV.UK has clear guidance on applying for probate, including who can apply and what is involved. It is worth reading before you make any big decisions about the property.
Before you clear anything
There are a few sensible checks to make before a single item leaves the property:
- Read the will carefully. It may leave specific items to named people, or give instructions about personal belongings.
- Talk to the beneficiaries. Agreeing in advance who wants what avoids disagreements later.
- Check with your solicitor. If you are unsure whether you can dispose of items yet, ask before you act.
- Secure the property. Make sure it is locked, insured and checked regularly while it is empty.
Some people also photograph each room before starting. A simple record of what the house contained can be useful for the estate and for family members who live far away.
Valuables, paperwork and keepsakes
Estates often include items worth more than they appear. Jewellery, watches, coins, antiques, artwork and collectables may need to be valued, and they can affect how the estate is dealt with. Equally, paperwork such as bank statements, pension details, insurance policies and tax documents can be vital to finalising the estate, so it should be kept until you know it is no longer needed.
When we carry out a probate house clearance, we can sort and set aside paperwork, photographs, valuables and keepsakes for you rather than removing them with the rest. You tell us what matters, and we make sure it is kept safely apart.
Working with a solicitor and estate agent
Most executors deal with at least one professional, whether a solicitor handling the estate or an estate agent preparing the property for sale. Clearing the house is often the step that connects the two, because an empty property is far easier to market and to hand over.
If you cannot visit the property in person, perhaps because you live some distance away, we can collect keys from your solicitor, estate agent or a neighbour and return them once the clearance is finished. That can take a great deal of pressure off. Our page on how a clearance works sets out what happens from first contact to the final sweep.
Choosing a reputable company
Anyone who removes waste should be a registered waste carrier, and it is wise to check that for any company you hire. We are happy to show our waste carrier details on request. It is also reasonable to ask how a company deals with the contents: whether items are sorted, donated, recycled or sent to licensed facilities. Our approach is described on our recycling and responsible disposal page.
Dealing with disagreements and difficult decisions
Families do not always agree about belongings, and grief can make small disagreements feel much bigger. As executor, you are in a position of trust, so it helps to be open and fair. Share a list of what is in the house, give everyone a chance to say what they would like, and write down what has been agreed. If two people want the same item, consider drawing lots or taking turns to choose. Where a disagreement cannot be settled, ask your solicitor for advice before anything is removed.
It also helps to be realistic about what you can manage yourself. Sorting a whole house is physically and emotionally demanding, and there is no shame in asking for practical help.
Timing and practicalities
Executors often work to deadlines, such as the end of a tenancy or a sale completing. We prefer at least 48 hours' notice, and most clients book a week or two ahead, though we will try to help if your timeline is tighter. A regular three-bedroom house usually takes about three to four hours to clear, and we aim to arrive at 9am on the day.
We can clear whatever is left, including food from the cupboards, and where connections are standard we can disconnect appliances and lift carpets if needed. If there are too many items for one van trip, a second load is charged at 50% of the fee, which covers the extra recycling centre costs. Quotes are free and without obligation, and you can send photographs by WhatsApp on 07898 719 509 to get an idea of the job.
Local help across the North East
Our teams cover the whole of the region. Whether the property is in Durham City, Hexham or a smaller village, we can arrange a visit or a photo-based quote. If you would like to see where we work, our areas we cover page lists them all.
Above all, take things one step at a time. There is no need to rush decisions that cannot be undone, and a good clearance team will work to your pace, not the other way round.
