Estate Settlement: Getting Started Checklist

1. Immediate priorities

The first days are about people, safety and securing the home. Most other tasks can wait.

• Notify close family members and anyone who depended on the person for daily care.
• Arrange care for pets and any dependents living in the home.
• Locate any written funeral, burial or cremation wishes and contact the chosen funeral home.
• Secure the home: lock doors and windows, and keep track of who has keys or access codes.
• Remove or safeguard visible valuables, cash, firearms and prescription medications.
• Check that utilities needed to protect the property (heat, water, power) stay on.
• Collect and hold the mail, or ask the post office about forwarding options.
• Ask the funeral home how to order certified copies of the death certificate, and how many you may need.

2. Important documents

Gather originals where you can find them, and keep them together in one secure place.

• Will, codicils and any trust documents.
• Certified copies of the death certificate.
• Property deeds, mortgage statements and vehicle titles.
• Bank, brokerage and retirement account statements.
• Life insurance policies and beneficiary information.
• Recent tax returns and any notices from tax agencies.
• Outstanding bills, loan statements and credit card statements.
• Leases, storage unit agreements and safe deposit box information.
• A list of online accounts, subscriptions and recurring payments.

3. Property and belongings

Document what is there before anything is moved, sold or given away.

• Confirm who has the legal authority to manage the estate before selling, donating or distributing anything.
• Photograph or video each room as it is today.
• Make a simple inventory of furniture, jewelry, art, collections, vehicles and tools.
• Note items specifically mentioned in the will or promised in writing.
• Set aside personal papers, photos and keepsakes for family review.
• Contact the homeowner's insurance company about coverage for a vacant home.
• Avoid throwing anything away until paperwork and possible valuables have been checked.

4. Professional services

Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, you may want help from one or more professionals.

• Talk with an estate planning or probate attorney about whether probate is required and what the executor's duties are.
• Ask a tax professional about final income tax returns and any estate tax questions.
• Consider an independent appraiser for jewelry, art, antiques or collections that may be valuable.
• If the home will be sold, talk with a real estate professional about timing and preparation.
• A senior move manager or professional organizer can help sort belongings or move a surviving spouse.

Find help: Estate Planner / Elder Law Attorney · Appraiser / Auctioneer · Senior Move Manager · Professional Organizer

5. Estate sales or liquidation

Compare more than one company and get the terms in writing before signing.

• Decide which items family members are keeping before inviting any sale company in.
• Request a walkthrough and written proposal from at least two or three estate sale companies.
• Ask how the company is paid (commission, flat fee, minimums) and what costs are deducted.
• Ask whether the company carries liability insurance and how it handles security during the sale.
• Ask what happens to unsold items and whether cleanout is included or quoted separately.
• Ask how and when you will receive the sale proceeds and an itemized accounting.
• Compare an estate sale with an auction or consignment for high-value or specialty items.

Find help: Estate Liquidator · Appraiser / Auctioneer · Consignment / Resale · Antique Dealers

6. Cleanout and property preparation

Once belongings have been sorted and sold, the home can be cleared and prepared.

• Get written quotes from more than one cleanout or junk removal company.
• Ask what is included: labor, hauling, disposal fees, donation drop-offs and sweep-out cleaning.
• Ask how the company handles donations, recycling and items that need special disposal.
• Check local rules for disposing of paint, chemicals, electronics and appliances.
• Schedule final cleaning, minor repairs or staging if the home will be listed for sale.
• Cancel or transfer utilities, insurance and services once the property is sold or transferred.

Find help: Junk Removal / Hauling · Thrift Stores