When someone passes away, it can be quite challenging for their loved ones faced with clearing their property. Often, a home has accumulated years of memories, possessions and items, and it is understandable that a family will want to begin the process of emptying a property swiftly. Here we discuss the best way to deal with emptying property after the death of a loved one.
Can You Empty a Property Before Probate?
It is usually fine, in most cases, to remove items and even sell items from the deceased’s property before probate is granted. That said, you should keep a record of any money made from sales in case beneficiaries, family members or HMRC require the information later.
An accurate valuation of all assets must be carried out, especially when an estate is near the inheritance tax threshold. This means that the sold items could make a difference to the estate’s worth. This will include all furniture, personal possessions, antiques and collectables. If an executor begins clearing a property carelessly, it could trigger disputes, penalties and even investigations. All of these things can cause a considerable delay in the probate process. This is why you should seek professional advice if you are unsure of your legal duties when dealing with a loved one’s estate. It is natural to want to distribute gifts to the beneficiaries named in the will, but doing so incorrectly could do more harm than good.
The Benefits of Using a Probate Property Clearance Company
Using a professional clearance company, such as National Clearance, ensures things are dealt with swiftly, efficiently, carefully and legally. It also removes the emotional weight that a loved one has when sifting through their family member’s possessions. The time it takes to complete will differ depending on the size of the property, the condition of the property and belongings, and the types of items that need to be removed. For example, a clean and well organised home will be cleared much quicker than a neglected home. Hoarding is common for people who live alone, and the severity of this often does not come to light until they have passed away. In these cases, clearance will take longer and may even need biohazard equipment. This is another benefit of using a clearance company; they will know precisely what is required and remove doubt, obligation and emotional ties from the job.
Contact National Clearances on 0203 9859552.