Published · Updated · 8 min read
Inheriting a house often comes with a long list of decisions and very little guidance. Where do you begin? What can you throw away? What if your siblings disagree? This guide lays out a sensible order of operations, so you can move forward one step at a time.
Every estate is different. Probate rules differ by state, so if the house is part of an estate in probate, or several people share ownership, check with a Florida probate attorney before removing or selling anything.
If you’d rather hand the work to a team, see our inherited home cleanouts in Sarasota.
1. Confirm who has authority
Before anything leaves the house, make sure the person making decisions has the legal authority to do so. That's usually the executor or personal representative named in the will or appointed by the court, or the trustee if the house is held in a trust. If ownership has already passed to heirs, all owners should agree on the plan.
2. Secure the house
A vacant house needs attention right away. Change or re-key the locks, make sure doors and windows are secure, and let a trusted neighbor know the house is empty. In Florida, keep the air conditioning running at a sensible setting so humidity doesn't lead to mildew while the house is closed up.
- Re-key locks and collect all spare keys, garage remotes, and gate cards
- Notify the homeowner's insurance company that the house is vacant—coverage can change
- Keep power and air conditioning on so the home stays cool and dry
- Forward mail to the executor or heir handling the estate
- Remove perishable food and take out the trash
3. Search for important documents
Before any sorting begins, look for the papers the estate will need. These are often scattered across desks, closets, file boxes, and even books or freezers. Make a dedicated box for anything that looks important and go through it carefully later.
- Wills, trusts, and any notes about wishes
- Deeds, titles, and mortgage statements
- Bank, brokerage, and retirement account statements
- Insurance policies and recent tax returns
- Condo or HOA documents and recent association statements
- Safe deposit box keys
- Passwords, account lists, and digital devices
4. Let family choose keepsakes
Give each family member a fair opportunity to choose items that matter to them. Some families take turns; others list items and resolve conflicts with a simple rotation. Agree on a deadline so the process doesn't stall the rest of the work.
Take photos of items before they're distributed. It helps keep records straight and gives everyone a visual memory of the home as it was.
5. Identify items that may have value
Jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques, firearms, and vehicles may warrant a professional appraisal before you decide what to do with them. Firearm transfer rules differ by state, so ask the estate's attorney or a licensed firearms dealer before any firearm is transferred or sold.
6. Sort the rest: keep, sell, donate, discard
With keepsakes and valuables set aside, the remaining contents can be sorted into four groups. Work one room at a time, and start with the easiest spaces—a guest room or a linen closet—before tackling the rooms with the strongest memories.
Donation organizations each set their own rules about what they accept, and many won't take items such as mattresses, worn upholstered furniture, or older electronics. Check before you load the car.
7. Handle hazardous items separately
Paint, pool chemicals, fuel, batteries, and medications shouldn't go in the trash. Sarasota and Manatee counties both run household hazardous waste drop-off programs—check the county's website for current locations and hours. Many pharmacies and police stations host medication take-back drop boxes.
8. Clean, repair, and decide what's next
Once the house is empty, you'll see it clearly—sometimes for the first time in years. Deep cleaning and small repairs will make it ready for an agent's evaluation, listing photos, or a tenant. If you're unsure whether to sell, rent, or keep the house, seeing it empty often makes the decision easier.
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.