An estate clean out goes smoothest when you work in phases: confirm who has authority, secure valuables and papers, let family choose keepsakes, sell or donate what has value, then haul away the rest. Rushing to the hauling step is the most common mistake, because important papers and heirlooms can end up in the trailer. This checklist walks through each phase with Phoenix-area donation and disposal options.
Before you touch anything: executor authority, documents, keys
Before anything leaves the house, make sure the right person is in charge. In most cases that is the executor named in the will or a court-appointed personal representative. If a trust holds the home, the trustee usually makes the calls.
- Confirm who has legal authority over the estate and the house.
- Gather the will, trust documents and any letters from the court.
- Collect every key, garage remote and gate code, and change the locks if too many copies are out there.
- Keep the utilities on until the cleanout is done. You will want power for lights and air conditioning, especially from May through September.
- Notify the homeowners insurance company that the home is vacant and ask whether that changes your coverage.
- Forward the mail so bills and account statements reach the executor.
If the home is a rental and the person was a tenant, the landlord's rules and Arizona's abandoned property process also come into play. Our Arizona landlord's guide to move-out cleanouts covers that side.
Phase 1: secure valuables, papers, photos
Do a careful walk-through before any sorting begins. People tuck cash, jewelry and documents in surprising places.
- Look in drawers, closets, coat pockets, books, freezers and under mattresses.
- Gather financial records: bank and brokerage statements, tax returns, insurance policies, titles and deeds.
- Set aside IDs, passports, birth and marriage certificates, and military records.
- Collect photos, home videos, letters and other items that cannot be replaced.
- Lock up firearms, jewelry, coins and collectibles, or move them to a safe place.
- Photograph each room before you change anything, which helps if questions come up later.
Phase 2: family keepsakes (a fair process)
Dividing belongings is often the hardest part emotionally. A clear, fair process prevents hurt feelings.
- Set a date when every heir can attend in person or by video call.
- Let each person tag the items they want with colored stickers or a shared list.
- Take turns choosing, round-robin style, so no one claims everything first.
- Settle disputed items by drawing lots, assigning values, or letting the executor decide.
- Set a deadline for people to pick up their items, and ship what you can for those who live far away.
Phase 3: estate sale, consignment or online selling
Once family picks are out, decide what is worth selling.
| Option | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Estate sale company | Full houses with furniture, collectibles and tools | The company takes a commission; you may wait weeks for a date |
| Consignment shop | Quality furniture, art, jewelry | Payment comes only when items sell |
| Online marketplace | A few higher-value pieces | Takes time to list, answer messages and meet buyers |
| Specialty buyer | Coins, firearms, vehicles, musical instruments | Get more than one offer |
Ask any estate sale company what happens to items that do not sell, and whether they leave the house empty or leave that part to you.
Phase 4: donate (Phoenix pickups and what they refuse)
Donating keeps usable items out of the landfill and helps local families. In the Phoenix area, St. Vincent de Paul says its pickups are free within greater Phoenix. According to StorageCafe, pickups are typically curbside or from an open garage with no stairs, and are booked a few days ahead, so check the details with them when you schedule.
Charities often refuse some items. According to StorageCafe, charities commonly turn down mattresses, sleeper sofas and stained or odorous upholstery. Call ahead before you load anything up.
Our guide on how to get rid of a couch in Phoenix covers more donation and resale options for furniture.
Phase 5: haul the rest (trailer vs crew)
Whatever is left goes to the transfer station, the landfill or a recycler. You have a few ways to get it there.
- City bulk trash: Phoenix bulk pickup is by appointment only, with up to 4 appointments per household per year, a 10 cubic yard pile limit, and items set out no more than 7 days early. See our Phoenix bulk trash guide and confirm current rules on the city's page.
- Haul it yourself: Phoenix residential customers get one free load of up to 1 ton per calendar month at a city transfer station with a city services bill and ID. A dump trailer rental lets family load at their own pace over a few days.
- Hire a crew: a junk removal crew loads and hauls everything, which helps when family lives out of town or the house is full. For homes in the northeast Valley, see junk removal in Scottsdale.
Large items often need their own plan. Our furniture removal and appliance removal services handle heavy pieces, and garage cleanouts are often a separate job of their own. Set aside paint, chemicals and batteries for the city's household hazardous waste program.
What an estate cleanout costs
Estate cleanout pricing depends on several factors, so quotes vary widely from one home to the next.
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Volume of belongings | The biggest driver; a full house costs more than a few rooms |
| Heavy items | Pianos, safes, appliances and hot tubs add labor |
| Access | Stairs, long walks to the truck and HOA rules slow the work |
| Sorting | Crews that search and sort take more time than haul-only crews |
| Disposal fees | Transfer station and landfill charges go into the total |
| DIY vs crew | A dump trailer costs less but takes your time and labor |
For our pricing, call or request a free quote with a description or photos of the home.
Printable checklist
Use this list to track progress from start to finish.
- Confirm the executor or trustee and gather legal documents.
- Collect all keys, remotes and codes; change locks if needed.
- Keep utilities on and notify the insurance company.
- Forward mail to the executor.
- Photograph every room before sorting.
- Search for and secure cash, jewelry, firearms and documents.
- Set aside photos, letters and irreplaceable items.
- Hold a family day for keepsakes with a fair selection process.
- Set a pickup deadline for family items.
- Arrange an estate sale, consignment or online sales.
- Schedule donation pickups and confirm what each charity takes.
- Set aside paint, chemicals and batteries for hazardous waste disposal.
- Book bulk trash, rent a dump trailer or hire a crew for the rest.
- Do a final sweep of the attic, garage, sheds and yard.
- Clean the home for sale, rental or return to the landlord.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an estate cleanout take?
It depends on the size of the home and how much needs sorting. A small apartment may take a weekend, while a full house with an estate sale can take several weeks from start to finish.
Who is responsible for cleaning out a deceased person's house?
Usually the executor or personal representative of the estate, or the trustee if a trust owns the home. This is not legal advice, so confirm your role with an attorney before removing anything.
What should you not throw away when cleaning out an estate?
Keep financial records, tax returns, titles, deeds, insurance policies, IDs, photos and anything the executor may need to settle the estate. Search pockets, drawers and books carefully before anything is hauled away.
How much does an estate cleanout cost?
Cost depends on the volume of belongings, heavy items, access and whether you hire a crew or rent a dump trailer. Call or request a free quote for our pricing.