Published · Updated · 7 min read
There's no right timeline for going through a loved one's belongings. Some families need to move quickly because of a lease, a condo association, or a sale; others have time to wait. Either way, it helps to know what has to happen first and what can wait until you're ready.
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What to do first
In the first days and weeks, focus on protecting the home and the estate rather than sorting belongings. Secure the property, find important documents, and avoid giving away or selling anything until the executor or personal representative has been identified and, if needed, a Florida probate attorney has been consulted.
- Secure the home and any vehicles
- Locate the will and important financial papers
- Remove perishables and valuables at risk of theft
- Hold off on distributing belongings until authority is clear
Deciding what to keep
It's common to keep too much at first and too little later. Rather than deciding everything at once, set aside a few boxes of items you're uncertain about and revisit them in a few months. Photographs of belongings can preserve memories without keeping every object.
Sharing items with family and friends
Invite family and close friends to request items that are meaningful to them. A simple shared list, with a deadline, helps avoid misunderstandings. If there are disagreements about valuable items, the executor and estate attorney can help determine a fair approach.
Selling items of value
For furniture, art, jewelry, and collectibles with resale value, options include estate sale companies, consignment shops, auction houses, and online marketplaces. An appraisal can help you decide which route makes sense and give the estate a record of value.
Donating usable items
Clothing, housewares, furniture, books, and medical equipment can often be donated. Each organization has its own accepted-items list, and some offer pickup for larger items. Keep receipts for the estate's records and ask the estate's tax advisor how they should be treated.
Disposing of the rest responsibly
Items that can't be sold or donated should be recycled or disposed of properly. Medications can go to a take-back drop box, and chemicals, paint, and batteries can go to the county's household hazardous waste program. Shred documents with personal information once the estate no longer needs them.
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.