What is the process for an estate cleanout after someone dies?

Step-by-step process for estate cleanout after death

Step 1: Secure the property

Within days of the death:

• Change locks if needed
• Forward mail
• Maintain utilities (heating in winter, security)
• Inform insurance of vacant status
• Check on the property weekly during winter (frozen pipes)

Step 2: Notify probate attorney

If the deceased had real estate or substantial assets, a probate attorney files the case in Kane County or DuPage County Circuit Court (depending on residence). The executor is formally appointed.

Step 3: Inventory assets

The executor inventories the estate’s assets: bank accounts, investments, real estate, vehicles, personal property. For probate cases, this is filed with the court. Even for non-probate estates, an inventory helps the family.

Step 4: Document and appraise valuables

Items potentially worth more than $500 each should be photographed and documented. Items worth more than $1,000–$5,000 should be appraised. Common categories: jewelry, antiques, fine art, collectibles, vehicles, firearms, electronics less than 5 years old.

Step 5: Family selects sentimental items

Family members select items they want to keep. Photo albums, jewelry, heirlooms, items specifically requested. Best done with all involved family members present (or by phone) to avoid disputes.

Step 6: Estate sale (optional)

If there’s value in the remaining contents, an estate sale company holds a sale in the home (typically a weekend event). The estate sale company prices items, manages the sale, and remits proceeds minus their commission (usually 25–35%).

Skip the estate sale if: contents are not particularly valuable, the family doesn’t want strangers in the home, or the timeline doesn’t support it.

Step 7: Junk removal cleanout

Junk Nurse clears the remaining contents. Donatable items go to Hesed House, Furniture Bank, Habitat ReStore. Recyclables go to appropriate processors. Everything else to disposal. Typically 1–2 days for a 3-bedroom home.

Step 8: Prepare property for listing or transfer

After the cleanout, the property is ready for listing photos (if selling) or for transfer to the heir (if keeping in the family). Deep cleaning, small repairs, and possibly staging follow.

Timeline expectations

For Illinois probate cases: 6–12 months from death to property listing is typical. For non-probate or small estates: 2–4 months. For uncontested situations with no probate requirement: as fast as 6–8 weeks.

The cleanout is rarely the bottleneck. Probate, family coordination, and estate sale scheduling usually take longer.