Clearing a loved one’s house after probate can be a daunting task to undertake during a time of loss and grieving. It often seems overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to start.
Fortunately, by understanding the process and enlisting the help of specialist probate professionals, the process can be relatively simple and stress-free.
What is probate house clearance?
Probate house clearance involves the removal and disposal of the contents of a property when the owner has passed away.
Probate clearances are the next step for you to take after the probate valuation has been passed and a probate valuation report submitted to the HMRC. In many cases, probate can take a long time to pass with complex issues to resolve along the way. Once probate has been granted, the house clearance can begin.
Clearing a house
The first step is to go through the contents of the house and identify and organise the deceased’s possessions. A professional company can help you with this process.
Unused medication should be returned to the pharmacist. Items mentioned in the will should be set aside for safekeeping and distribution. Family members should be asked to identify and collect any sentimental items. Important paperwork needs to be collected and organised.
Any rubbish or worthless items must be disposed of. If possible, any unwanted items should be donated to charity, or recycled. Many household items such as furniture can be redistributed within the community. A professional company will be able to assist you with delivering large items including furniture.
Any remaining worthless items can be transported to a landfill site to be ethically disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner which is compliant with UK waste regulations.
House contents valuation for probate
Some of the deceased’s property may have significant monetary value. Professionals who specialise in house clearance are experts in valuing property for probate. They will start by going through the contents of the house and producing a full inventory of all the items within.
The next step is for the professionals to provide you with a detailed valuation of furniture, electronics, white goods, jewellery, art and antiques. This information is very helpful, and is required for completing inheritance tax forms.
The professionals will provide an official valuation of the items on letter-headed paper to avoid any unnecessary queries from the HMRC. This documentation is required for all items valued at over £500.
If valuable items are identified that are worthy for auction, professionals will be able to make arrangements for them to be listed at an appropriate auction house. You will also have the assistance of experienced and trained valuers to make it easy for you to identify items of high-value that would do well in an auction.
How long does house clearance take?
Probate house clearances vary greatly in the time required. It all depends on the number of items the deceased has left behind and how much furniture and clutter they have amassed. In extreme cases, where there has been compulsive hoarding, the process can be quite time-consuming. However a normal house clearance with a normal amount of content can be completed in a matter of days.
For sympathetic professional advice and assistance with dealing with probate and house clearance, get in touch with our experts at Probate London by calling us on 020 8017 1029 or emailing info@probatelondon.co.uk.