Estate Cleanout Checklist for Lancaster County Families

Settling an estate is emotional and exhausting. This checklist breaks the process into manageable steps so nothing important is lost.

Step 1: Secure the property

• Change locks
• Forward mail
• Notify insurance

Step 2: Locate important documents

• Will and trust documents
• Deeds and titles
• Tax returns (last 5 years)
• Insurance policies
• Photo albums and family records

Step 3: Sort possessions into four piles

• Keep (family heirlooms, valuables)
• Distribute (per will or family agreement)
• Donate (clothing, kitchenware, furniture in good shape)
• Discard (worn-out furniture, junk, expired items)

Step 4: Hire a junk removal company

A professional cleanout crew handles the heavy lifting, sorting, donation routing, and disposal — typically clearing a full home in 1–2 days.