Published · Updated · 6 min read
An estate cleanout has a lot of moving parts, and it's easy to lose track of what's been done. Use this checklist to keep the work organized, whether you're clearing a house or condo in Sarasota yourself or working with a team.
If you’d rather hand the work to a team, see our estate cleanouts in Sarasota.
Before the cleanout
- Confirm the executor, personal representative, or trustee has approved the work
- If the estate is in probate, check with a Florida probate attorney about timing and distribution
- Secure the home and notify the insurer that it's vacant
- Ask the condo or homeowners' association about move-out rules, gate access, and elevator bookings
- Collect important documents and set them aside
- Give family members a deadline to choose keepsakes
- Photograph rooms and notable items for the estate's records
- Arrange appraisals for items that may have value
- Make a written keep list of anything that must not be donated or discarded
- Decide on a target date based on the listing, lease, or closing
During the cleanout
- Work room by room and label boxes clearly
- Keep a 'review later' box for anything uncertain
- Check pockets, books, drawers, and freezers for cash, keys, and papers
- Separate donations, recycling, hazardous items, and trash
- Confirm donation organizations' accepted-items lists before drop-off
- Keep donation receipts for the estate's records
- Set aside items for shipping to family who live far away
After the cleanout
- Walk through every room, closet, attic, garage, lanai, and shed
- Deep clean the home
- Complete minor repairs before an agent's evaluation or listing photos
- Adjust utilities, insurance, and mail forwarding as needed
- Hand off keys, gate cards, and access to the agent, buyer, or tenant
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. For decisions about an estate, consult the estate’s attorney or a qualified professional.