Before asking anyone to clear the property
Confirm who is authorised to make decisions for the estate. Family members, executors, solicitors and property owners may have different roles, and a clearance provider should not be expected to resolve disagreements between them.
Set aside wills, financial papers, deeds, keys, photographs, jewellery, cash, digital devices, medication and anything with sentimental importance. If several people are involved, use one agreed list of items that must remain.
Personal documents and possessions found during the work
This is one of the most important questions to ask a prospective provider: what happens if the team finds paperwork, photographs, money or an object that appears significant? The answer should be agreed before work starts.
A sensible arrangement might be a clearly labelled keep area or sealed container for items found during sorting. KindClear will not advertise this as a standard service until each participating provider confirms its procedure in writing.
Valuation is not the same as a guaranteed sale
An auction estimate, an open-market valuation and a valuation prepared for probate can serve different purposes. The appropriate route should be confirmed with the auctioneer, solicitor or estate professional involved.
Items may look old without having strong demand, while overlooked objects can sometimes merit a closer inspection. Condition, maker, provenance, fashion, transport and selling costs all matter. No proceeds should be promised before a qualified person has assessed the contents.
When family members cannot attend
Many estates are managed from another town or country. In that situation, agree who will provide access, who approves the quotation, which possessions must remain and what evidence the provider will supply when the work is finished.
Photographs can be useful, but they should not contain private documents, identifiable personal information or unnecessary images of a deceased person's home. The level of photographic reporting must be agreed with the provider and family.
Questions to ask before accepting a quotation
The best answer is a specific process, not simply a promise to be compassionate or careful.
- Who will attend the property and who supervises the team?
- How will personal papers and uncertain items be handled?
- Is auction or specialist valuation available before removal?
- What happens to items suitable for donation or reuse?
- What receipt or completion evidence will be supplied?
- Is the quoted price fixed, and what circumstances could change it?