Losing a loved one is overwhelming—and knowing what needs to be done next isn’t always clear.
For families across Perth, managing a deceased estate often means balancing legal steps, personal decisions, and clearing a property.
This simple checklist will help you move forward without feeling stuck.
1. Secure the property
Start by making sure the home is safe and secure.
This includes:
- Locking all doors and windows
- Collecting spare keys
- Ensuring valuables are not left exposed
- If the property is vacant, it’s worth checking in regularly.
2. Locate important documents
Before removing anything, find key paperwork such as:
- The will
- Insurance documents
- Bank details
- Property ownership records
- Keep these in a safe place—you’ll likely need them early in the process.
3. Notify relevant organisations
You’ll need to inform:
- Banks
- Utility providers
- Government services
- Insurance companies
- This helps prevent ongoing charges and keeps everything in order.
4. Take your time sorting personal items
This is one of the hardest parts.
Go through:
- Photos and keepsakes
- Personal belongings
- Items with sentimental value
- There’s no need to rush—once things are removed, they can’t be recovered.
5. Identify what stays, goes, or gets donated
A simple way to approach this is:
- Keep – important or sentimental items
- Donate – usable furniture and household goods
- Remove – damaged or unwanted items
This step makes the final clear-out much easier.
6. Plan the property clear-out
Once everything is sorted, you can organise removal.
Depending on the situation, this might involve:
- A few bulky items
- Or a full property clear-out
- Many families choose to get help at this stage to avoid multiple trips and added stress.
7. Prepare the property for its next step
After the home is cleared, it may need:
- Cleaning
- Minor repairs
- Styling for sale or handover
This is often when the property starts to feel “ready” again.
A recent example in Salter Point
We recently assisted with a deceased estate in a retirement village unit in Salter Point.
As the family worked through the checklist—sorting belongings and preparing for removal—they mentioned a missing lanyard of keys they hadn’t been able to find.
During the clear-out, we located the keys among items that could have easily been discarded.
It’s a small detail, but it highlights why taking care during this process—and having the right help—matters.
You don’t have to do everything alone
Handling a deceased estate is a lot for anyone.
Getting support can:
- Save time
- Reduce stress
- Help avoid costly mistakes
- Even bringing in help for the final stages can make a big difference.
Need help with a deceased estate in Perth?
At ne: junk removal, we help families across Perth clear homes, units, and retirement village residences with care and efficiency.
If you’re not sure where to start, reach out—we’ll guide you through the next steps.