Use the first visit to protect family belongings, record the property, and separate decisions from physical cleanout work.
Photograph rooms before moving contents
Take a simple record of each room, closet, garage, attic, basement, and outbuilding. Include locks, utility conditions, and visible damage.
Collect documents and personal items
Secure records, photographs, jewelry, keys, medication, mail, and anything with clear personal significance before creating a removal pile.
Choose one contact for instructions
Several family members can participate in decisions, but the crew needs one authorized contact during the estimate and cleanout.
Mark the scope by room
Label each area as keep, undecided, or approved for removal. Close off undecided rooms when possible so the boundary is physical and easy to follow.
Use this on the walkthrough
First-walkthrough record: room photos; key and utility notes; protected documents; keep area; undecided area; approved removal rooms; authorized contact.
Local and safety guidance was checked during editorial preparation. Review the primary source before acting because programs and acceptance rules can change.
Need help with inherited property cleanout?
Review the service boundaries and estimate factors before you call.
View Inherited Property CleanoutPlan a walkthrough