Estate Cleanout Guide
Everything you need to know about clearing out an estate in the Treasure Valley.
Estate cleanouts are never easy. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, handling probate, or helping an aging parent downsize, there's a lot to figure out. This guide walks you through the process.
What Is an Estate Cleanout?
An estate cleanout is the process of clearing out a home after someone has passed away, moved to assisted living, or can no longer manage the property. It involves sorting through belongings, identifying valuable items, donating or disposing of the rest, and leaving the property clean and empty.
When You Might Need an Estate Cleanout
After a loved one passes
Clearing the home as part of settling the estate or preparing to sell the property
Moving to assisted living
When a family member moves to a care facility and the home needs to be cleared
Probate situations
Court-ordered cleanouts to settle an estate and prepare property for sale
Family transitions
Divorce, downsizing, or other major life changes requiring a full cleanout
The Estate Cleanout Process
Assess and Plan
Walk through the property and get a sense of what's there. How many rooms? Is there a basement, attic, garage? Are there vehicles, outdoor equipment, storage sheds?
This helps you (or us) estimate time, labor, and cost.
Sort and Identify Valuables
Go through belongings systematically. Look for:
- Important documents (wills, deeds, bank statements, insurance policies)
- Valuables (jewelry, coins, antiques, collectibles)
- Sentimental items family members want to keep
- Items that can be donated or sold
This is the most time-consuming part, but it's important not to rush.
Coordinate with Family
Give family members a chance to claim items they want. Set a deadline so things keep moving. Be prepared for emotions and disagreements—this stuff happens.
Donate, Sell, or Dispose
Once valuables and keepsakes are set aside, decide what to do with the rest:
- Donate: Usable furniture, clothes, household items go to local charities
- Sell: Estate sales or consignment for higher-value items
- Dispose: Broken, unusable, or unwanted items hauled away
Final Cleaning
After everything is removed, the property should be swept clean. If you're selling, consider a deep clean or minor repairs to maximize sale price.
Common Challenges
Emotional Difficulty
Going through a loved one's belongings is hard. It's okay to take breaks, ask for help, or hire someone to handle it.
Overwhelming Volume
Decades of accumulated belongings can feel impossible to tackle. Breaking it down room by room helps.
Family Disagreements
Siblings or relatives may have different ideas about what to keep, sell, or throw away. Communication and compromise are key.
Time Constraints
If the property is being sold or there's a probate deadline, you may be working against the clock.
How We Can Help
We've helped hundreds of families with estate cleanouts in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and throughout the Treasure Valley. Here's what we do:
Estate Cleanout Timeline
How long does it take?
- • Small apartment or condo: 1-2 days
- • Standard house: 2-4 days
- • Large estate with multiple outbuildings: 5-10 days
Timelines vary based on volume, family involvement, and how much sorting needs to happen.
We're Here to Help
Estate cleanouts are tough. Let us handle the hard work so you can focus on your family.
(208) 943-5231