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.

Quick Overview: What to Expect from a Deceased Estate Clean Up

If you’re short on time, here’s the summary:

• Deceased estate clean ups go far beyond basic house cleaning. They often involve decluttering, rubbish removal, deep sanitisation, asset sorting, and even pest control.
• The cost typically ranges from $500 to $5,000+, depending on property size, hoarding levels, and what’s required (e.g. biohazard handling, skip bin hire, storage).
• Professional teams can help with sorting valuables, removing furniture, clearing hazardous materials, and restoring the property for resale or rent.

Want to dive deeper? Keep reading to learn what’s really involved—and how to choose the right help.

What’s Actually Included in a Deceased Estate Clean Up?

A full-service deceased estate clean up typically includes:

General Cleaning and Deep Sanitisation

• Vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and surface cleaning
• Disinfection of kitchens, bathrooms, and high-touch areas
• Removal of perishables and spoiled items

Pro Tip: If the property has been unoccupied for some time, deep sanitisation is critical—not just for appearance but for health and hygiene.

Furniture and Appliance Removal

• Removal of outdated, broken, or no-longer-needed items
• Transport to donation centres or waste depots
• Coordination of skip bins or council collection

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.

Decluttering and Rubbish Removal

• Sorting through general household clutter
• Organising paperwork, photos, and sentimental belongings
• Responsible disposal of old items (e-waste, batteries, etc.)

Did You Know? Some services offer document recovery, helping locate important legal or financial papers amid the clutter.

Hazardous or Biohazard Clean Up

In some cases—especially if the person passed away alone or the property has degraded—there may be a need for:

• Sharps or medical waste removal
• Biohazard remediation (e.g. bodily fluids, mould)
• Pest infestation control

These jobs require certified cleaners with specialised protective gear and disposal procedures.

Repairs, Yard Work, and Presentation

Not always included, but often available as optional extras:

• Lawn mowing, pruning, and garden tidy-ups
• Basic repairs (e.g. broken locks, light fittings)
• Interior touch-ups to prepare for sale or lease

This can help increase the market value or rental readiness of the property without engaging a full renovation team.

How Much Do Deceased Estate Clean Up Services Cost?

Pricing depends on the size, condition, and complexity of the job. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Tip: Always request a detailed quote and ask if GST, dump fees, and transport are included to avoid surprises.

Quick Guide: Navigating a Deceased Estate Clean-Up

The Situation

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.

Common Challenges

• How do I know what to keep or throw away?
• What if I find something important too late?
• How can I clear everything without feeling like I’m throwing away memories?

How to Solve It

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.

Why It Works

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.

FAQs: Deceased Estate Clean Up Services

How long does a deceased estate clean up take?

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.

What happens to the belongings removed?

That’s up to you. Most services offer:

• Donation to charity
• Family storage or transport
• Ethical disposal of waste
   You can ask for an inventory or photo log of items being removed if you want to double-check before disposal.

Is this the same as hoarder clean up?

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.

Do I need to be present during the clean up?

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.

Can the cost be covered by the estate?

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.

Conclusion

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.