How to prepare for an estate cleanout in Ottawa
Before an estate cleanout, secure documents, valuables, and keepsakes; confirm who has authority to dispose of belongings; check for rented equipment that must be returned; decide what the family keeps, sells, or donates; then tell the cleanout crew what stays and your deadline. The crew clears everything else.
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Clearing out a loved one’s home is one of the hardest jobs an executor or family takes on. A little preparation keeps it from becoming overwhelming.
1. Confirm who can make decisions
Make sure the person directing the cleanout has the authority to dispose of the estate’s belongings, usually the executor named in the will. If family members disagree about items, settle that before the crew arrives.
2. Secure the important things first
Go through the home, or have a trusted family member do it, and remove:
- Documents: wills, deeds, tax records, bank and investment statements, insurance policies, and ID
- Valuables: jewellery, cash, collections, and firearms (which have specific legal transfer rules)
- Keepsakes: photos, letters, recipes, and anything with sentimental value
- Keys, remotes, and passwords for the home, vehicles, and accounts
Check the less obvious places: freezers, coat pockets, books, and the backs of drawers.
3. Check for things that aren’t the estate’s to throw out
- Rented equipment, such as a water heater, water softener, or medical equipment, often has to be returned to the provider
- Borrowed items from friends or neighbours
- Leased items, like a phone or cable box
4. Decide: keep, sell, donate, or clear
Sort the rest into what family members keep, what’s worth selling (an appraiser or estate sale company can help), what can be donated, and everything else. Label or photograph anything that stays.
5. Deal with what a crew can’t take
Paint, solvents, propane, and other household hazardous waste need to go to a City of Ottawa household hazardous waste collection event. Pharmacies accept unused medication and needles.
6. Brief your cleanout crew
Give the crew:
- A list or photos of what stays
- What to watch for (papers, photos, anything personal)
- Access details and parking
- Your deadline: closing date, lease end, or listing photos
Our estate cleanout service is built around exactly this: we clear the home carefully, set aside anything personal, and leave rooms swept and ready.
Related questions
How long before a closing should we book an estate cleanout?
Leave enough time for the family to take what they want first, and a buffer before the closing or lease end in case the job needs a second visit. Ask the cleanout company about their availability early.
What if we find something valuable during the cleanout?
Tell your crew what to watch for. Adel's sets aside papers, photos, and anything that looks personal or valuable for the family to review.
Can the executor manage it from outside Ottawa?
Yes. Arrange access through a realtor, property manager, or neighbour, share a list of what stays, and ask for photos when it's done.