When a loved one passes, handling their affairs can feel overwhelming—especially the physical clean-up of their home. Beyond the emotional toll, many families are left wondering: what exactly does a deceased estate clean up service include, and how much does it cost?
This blog post breaks it all down—from what services you can expect to the real-world pricing involved—so you can make informed, stress-free decisions at a difficult time.
If you’re short on time, here’s the summary:
Want to dive deeper? Keep reading to learn what’s really involved—and how to choose the right help.
A full-service deceased estate clean up typically includes:
Pro Tip: If the property has been unoccupied for some time, deep sanitisation is critical—not just for appearance but for health and hygiene.
Many families prefer to keep some furniture or heirlooms. Clean-up teams can work alongside you to respectfully separate items to keep, donate, or discard.
Did You Know? Some services offer document recovery, helping locate important legal or financial papers amid the clutter.
In some cases—especially if the person passed away alone or the property has degraded—there may be a need for:
These jobs require certified cleaners with specialised protective gear and disposal procedures.
Not always included, but often available as optional extras:
This can help increase the market value or rental readiness of the property without engaging a full renovation team.
Pricing depends on the size, condition, and complexity of the job. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Service Level | Estimated Cost Range | What’s Included |
Basic Clean-Up (Small Unit) | $500 – $1,000 | General clean, clutter removal, light sanitisation |
Standard House Clean-Up | $1,000 – $2,500 | Furniture removal, declutter, deep cleaning |
Hoarder or Biohazard Clean-Up | $3,000 – $8,000+ | Pest/biohazard control, heavy debris, specialised labour |
Add-Ons (Skip Bin, Repairs) | $200 – $1,000 (each) | Bin hire, yard clean, touch-up repairs |
Tip: Always request a detailed quote and ask if GST, dump fees, and transport are included to avoid surprises.
You’ve just inherited or taken responsibility for a loved one’s property. It’s filled with belongings, many of which are sentimental, but you also know it needs to be cleared quickly for sale or rental. You’re overwhelmed, short on time, and not sure where to start.
1. Start with zones: Tackle one room at a time—don’t try to sort the entire house in one go. Professionals can help create a “triage” plan.
2. Use colour-coded labels: Mark items with “Keep,” “Donate,” or “Discard” labels. This helps avoid confusion, especially if multiple family members are involved.
3. Bring in compassionate help: Deceased estate clean-up teams are trained to work respectfully with grieving families. Many offer guidance without pressure.
4. Photograph before discarding: For sentimental items you don’t have space to keep, taking a photo can help preserve the memory without the clutter.
This approach balances emotional sensitivity with practical action. It ensures important items aren’t lost while helping you move forward—physically and emotionally.
Need help with a deceased estate clean up? Reach out to a trusted local service that understands the care required.
It depends on the property size and contents. A small unit may take 1 day, while a large, cluttered home can take 3–7 days. Add time if you need pest control, skip bins, or multiple family members involved in decision-making.
That’s up to you. Most services offer:
Not quite. While there can be overlap, deceased estate clean ups are typically more structured and emotional in nature, involving heirloom sorting and often legal considerations. Hoarder clean ups may involve more extreme conditions and safety protocols.
No, but it can help. Many families choose to be there for sentimental sorting but leave the heavy lifting and disposal to professionals. If you’re interstate or overseas, some companies can manage everything remotely with video walk-throughs.
In many cases, yes. If the estate has funds available, clean-up expenses can be claimed before distribution to beneficiaries. Always check with the executor or solicitor handling the estate.
Deceased estate clean up services do more than just clear out a property—they ease a burden during a difficult and emotional time. Whether you need help sorting through memories, removing bulky furniture, or preparing a home for sale, a professional team can provide structure, sensitivity, and efficiency.
By knowing what’s included and understanding the costs upfront, you’ll feel more confident making decisions that honour your loved one while protecting your time, energy, and wellbeing.
Need support with a deceased estate clean up? Look for a team that combines compassion with practical expertise—and don’t hesitate to ask questions before you book.
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