Estate Cleanout Checklist

Before You Start: Important First Steps

• Confirm you have legal authority to handle the property (as personal representative, trustee, or heir with clear title)
• Secure the property — change locks or confirm access codes are known only to authorized people
• Notify insurance carrier that the property is vacant (vacancy rules vary by policy)
• Take a thorough walkthrough with a camera or phone — document the property's current condition
• Make a list of all family members who need to be involved in decisions about belongings
• Identify any items that may have legal significance: wills, trusts, deeds, financial documents, safe deposit box keys

Phase 1: Secure Important Documents & Valuables

• Will and any codicils (amendments)
• Trust documents
• Property deed(s)
• Vehicle titles
• Bank and financial account statements
• Insurance policies (life, home, auto, health)
• Tax returns (recent years)
• Safe deposit box keys and location information
• Social Security card and passport
• Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Military records (if applicable)
• Outstanding bills and financial obligations

Phase 2: Sort Belongings into Categories

The most efficient approach is to make decisions by category, not by room. Set up a system with clear zones or labels:

• Family Keep: Items specific family members are claiming
• Donate: Usable items for charity
• Estate Sale: Items of value to be sold (if doing an estate sale)
• Recycle/Dispose: Items that can't be donated or sold
• Undecided / Hold: Items requiring more discussion

Checklist by Area

Master Bedroom:

• Clothing and shoes — donate wearable items
• Jewelry — document and secure valuable pieces
• Personal care items — typically dispose
• Bedding and linens — donate if in good condition

Living Areas:

• Furniture — keep, sell, or donate
• Artwork and decor — document valuable pieces
• Books and media — donate or dispose
• Electronics — sell or recycle

Kitchen:

• Small appliances — donate if working
• Cookware and dishes — donate
• Food — dispose of perishables and expired items

Garage and Storage:

• Tools — sell or donate
• Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals) — proper disposal required
• Seasonal items — donate or dispose

Phase 3: Coordinate Removals

• Schedule donation pickup with local charities (call ahead — many require scheduling)
• Coordinate estate sale company if applicable
• Arrange junk removal for items that can't be donated
• Handle hazardous material disposal (paint, chemicals, batteries) through proper channels
• Schedule final cleaning after all items are removed

Phase 4: Final Walkthrough

• Document property condition with photos after cleanout
• Check all closets, crawl spaces, attic, and garage for remaining items
• Ensure all utilities are addressed (keep on for showings, or transfer/cancel as appropriate)
• Confirm mail forwarding is set up
• Notify any remaining service providers (lawn, pool, etc.) of the change in ownership/status

Tucson-Area Donation Resources

For estate cleanouts in Tucson and Pima County, these organizations accept donations and may offer pickup:

• Goodwill of Southern Arizona
• St. Vincent de Paul Society — Tucson
• Salvation Army — Tucson
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (accepts building materials and home furnishings)
• Local libraries (books, in many cases)

For items of particular value, consult with an estate sale professional before donating.