Can I Clean Out the House Before Probate Is Opened?

You can and should secure and preserve the home, but you should not start distributing or disposing of the contents before a personal representative is appointed. Until the court grants authority, no one has the legal right to give away, sell, or divide the decedent's belongings, and doing so can create disputes among heirs or even personal liability.

What is reasonable before appointment

• Remove perishable food and trash and stop anything that could damage the home.
• Secure valuables, cash, jewelry, and important documents in place.
• Take dated photos and a rough inventory of the contents.
• Keep the utilities and insurance active.

What to hold off on

Wait until Letters are issued before donating furniture, distributing keepsakes, or hauling items to auction. Once appointed, the personal representative can arrange a proper clean-out, and the estate can often pay for it. If items have real value, have them appraised so the estate is protected.

General information, not legal advice.