Estate Cleanout Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for Oregon Families

Clearing out a loved one's home is one of the hardest things a family goes through. It is not just a logistical challenge — it is emotional, exhausting, and often overwhelming. Every drawer holds memories, every closet tells a story, and the sheer volume of a lifetime's possessions can feel impossible to sort through.

We understand. At Otesse, our estate cleanout team has helped over 300 Oregon families through this process, and we approach every job with patience and respect. This guide is designed to give you a clear, step-by-step path through the process so you can focus on what matters most — honoring your loved one's memory and taking care of your family.

Take this at your own pace. There is no wrong way to grieve, and there is no deadline that matters more than your well-being.

Before You Start: Emotional Preparation

Before diving into the logistics, it is important to acknowledge the emotional weight of this work. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• There is no rush. Unless there is a pressing lease or sale deadline, give yourself and your family time. Starting too soon after a loss can make the process feel more painful than it needs to be.
• You do not have to do this alone. Ask family members, close friends, or your faith community for help. Even having someone there for moral support makes a difference.
• Take breaks. Sorting through a loved one's belongings is emotionally and physically draining. Plan for shorter work sessions (3 to 4 hours) with breaks built in.
• It is okay to keep things. You do not have to get rid of everything. Keep what brings you comfort. You can always revisit those decisions later.
• Photographs help. Before you donate or remove items, take photos of rooms and meaningful items. These become treasured records of your loved one's space.

Recommended Estate Cleanout Timeline

A complete estate cleanout typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the home, the amount of belongings, and how many people are helping. Here is a suggested timeline:

For larger homes or estates with extensive collections, add additional time. Do not try to compress a naturally difficult process into a single weekend.

Step 1: Secure the Property

Before anything else, make sure the property is secure and safe to work in.

• Change locks if you are unsure who has keys
• Check utilities — Ensure electricity, water, and heat are still on (you will need them during the cleanout)
• Check for immediate hazards — Expired food in the refrigerator, tripping hazards, pest issues, or structural concerns
• Inform neighbors — Let them know the family will be in and out of the property over the coming weeks
• Redirect mail — Contact USPS to forward mail to the appropriate family member or executor
• Cancel recurring deliveries — Newspapers, subscription boxes, and similar services

Step 2: Gather Important Documents

Before any items leave the property, do a thorough search for important documents. These are commonly found in:

• Filing cabinets and desk drawers
• Nightstand drawers
• Closet shelves and shoeboxes
• Between book pages (check before donating any books)
• Kitchen junk drawers
• Safe deposit box (contact the bank for access procedures)

Documents to look for:

• Will, trust documents, and estate planning papers
• Life insurance policies
• Property deeds and titles (home, vehicles)
• Bank account and investment records
• Tax returns (keep at least 7 years of records)
• Social Security information
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Military service records (may be needed for veteran's benefits)
• Vehicle titles and registration
• Loan and debt documentation
• Insurance policies (home, auto, health)
• Passwords and digital account information

Place all documents in a single secure container and bring them to the executor or attorney managing the estate.

Step 3: Identify Valuables and Heirlooms

Walk through the entire property and identify items that have monetary or sentimental value before the sorting process begins.

Items to Assess

• Jewelry — Check every drawer, box, and container. People hide jewelry in creative places.
• Art and antiques — If you suspect items have significant value, consult an appraiser before donating or selling.
• Collections — Coins, stamps, vintage items, or hobby collections may have value beyond what is apparent.
• Firearms — Oregon law requires specific handling. Secure any firearms and contact a licensed firearms dealer or local law enforcement for guidance on transfer or disposal.
• Cash — Check coat pockets, envelopes, books, mattresses, and freezers. It is surprisingly common to find cash hidden throughout a home.
• Family photographs and videos — These are irreplaceable. Set them aside early for the family to sort through together.

Getting Appraisals

For items of potential significant value, consider hiring a professional appraiser. In Oregon, the Appraisers Association of America and the International Society of Appraisers can connect you with qualified professionals. An appraisal is especially important if the estate is subject to estate tax or if family members need to divide assets fairly.

Step 4: Coordinate with Family

This is often the most delicate step. Different family members may have different attachments to different items, and emotions run high during this time.

Tips for Family Coordination

• Schedule a family walkthrough before any sorting begins. Let everyone spend time in the home and identify items they would like.
• Use a fair system for distributing keepsakes. Options include taking turns choosing items, using a lottery system, or having the executor assign items based on the will or family discussion.
• Set clear deadlines. Agree on a date by which family members need to claim their items, or they go to donation/sale.
• Communicate openly. Disagreements are normal. If tensions are high, consider having a neutral third party (family friend, mediator, or estate professional) help facilitate decisions.
• Ship items for distant family. If family members live out of state, offer to box and ship items rather than asking them to travel to Oregon for pickup.

Step 5: Sort Room by Room

With documents secured, valuables identified, and family items claimed, it is time to sort the remaining contents. The room-by-room approach prevents overwhelm and gives you a sense of progress.

The Four-Category System

For each room, sort items into four categories:

1. Keep — Items a family member wants or the estate needs to retain
2. Donate — Usable items in decent condition
3. Sell — Items with resale value worth the effort of selling
4. Remove — Everything else (junk removal)

Room-by-Room Approach

Kitchen: Start with perishable food (discard expired items). Keep quality cookware if wanted. Donate usable small appliances. Remove everything else.

Bedrooms: Check all drawers, closets, and under beds thoroughly before sorting. Clothing in good condition can be donated. Check pockets before donating clothing.

Living and dining rooms: Furniture in good condition is highly donatable. Test electronics before deciding on donation vs. removal.

Bathroom: Discard all medications properly (use a pharmacy take-back program). Discard personal care items. This room usually goes quickly.

Garage and basement: These spaces often hold the most volume. Watch for hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, gasoline) that require special disposal. Tools in good condition are very donatable.

Attic and crawl space: Check for stored valuables, but also be cautious of pest damage, mold, or structural issues. These spaces are best handled last.

Step 6: Handle Donations

Oregon has excellent donation options, and donating usable items honors your loved one by helping others in the community.

Oregon Donation Resources

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

• Portland area: Multiple ReStore locations accept furniture, appliances, cabinets, building materials, and more
• Eugene: The Lane County Habitat ReStore on West 1st Avenue accepts similar items
• Free pickup available for large donations — schedule online or by phone
• Provides a tax-deductible donation receipt

St. Vincent de Paul

• Locations throughout the Willamette Valley: Eugene, Springfield, Corvallis, Albany, Salem
• Accepts furniture, clothing, household items, and appliances
• Some locations offer pickup for large items
• Provides donation receipts for tax purposes

Goodwill Industries

• Drop-off locations in virtually every city along the I-5 corridor
• Accepts clothing, household items, books, small electronics, and furniture
• Tax-deductible receipts available at drop-off

BRING Recycling (Eugene)

• Accepts building materials, reusable goods, and hard-to-recycle items
• A great option for items other organizations will not take

Books: Powell's Books in Portland buys used books. The Eugene Public Library and Salem Public Library accept book donations for their annual sales.

Clothing: In addition to Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul, consider dress-for-success programs for professional clothing, and local shelters for warm clothing and coats.

Step 7: Sell Items of Value

If the estate contains items worth selling, you have several options:

Online Sales

• Facebook Marketplace — The most active platform in Oregon for furniture, appliances, and household items
• Craigslist Portland, Eugene, or Salem — Still effective for larger items
• OfferUp — Good for smaller items and electronics
• eBay — Best for collectibles, antiques, and specialty items with national demand

Estate Sales

If the estate has a large quantity of sellable items, consider hiring an estate sale company. They handle pricing, advertising, staffing, and cleanup. Oregon estate sale companies typically charge 25 to 40 percent of total sales as commission. For a home with substantial contents, an estate sale can generate $2,000 to $15,000+.

Consignment

Quality furniture and clothing can be placed on consignment at local shops. Antique malls in the Portland and Eugene areas are good options for vintage and antique items.

Step 8: Remove Remaining Items

After family items are claimed, donations are arranged, and sellable items are handled, you are left with everything that needs to go. This is where professional junk removal makes the biggest difference.

A professional estate cleanout crew can typically clear a full home in one to two days. They handle:

• All heavy lifting and loading
• Sorting remaining items for any last donation or recycling opportunities
• Hauling everything to appropriate facilities
• Sweeping and basic cleanup of cleared rooms

Step 9: Final Cleaning and Property Handoff

Once the home is empty, a final cleaning prepares it for sale, rental, or handoff:

• Deep clean all rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms
• Clean or replace carpets (consider professional carpet cleaning)
• Touch up paint if needed for selling
• Handle any necessary repairs
• Cancel remaining utilities when the property is ready to hand over

Oregon Probate Considerations

If the estate is going through probate, there are important legal considerations that affect the cleanout timeline:

• Wait for executor appointment. In Oregon, only the court-appointed personal representative (executor) has legal authority to distribute or dispose of estate property. Do not remove items from the home until the executor is officially appointed.
• Inventory requirements. Oregon probate requires filing an inventory of estate assets with the court within 60 days of the executor's appointment. Document items of value before they leave the property.
• Creditor claims period. Oregon law provides a four-month creditor claim period after the Notice to Creditors is published. Items may need to be retained or their disposal documented during this period.
• Tax implications. Consult an Oregon estate attorney or CPA about potential estate tax implications. Oregon has its own estate tax with an exemption threshold lower than the federal level.
• Small estate affidavit. If the estate is valued under Oregon's small estate threshold, a simplified process may apply, allowing faster property disposition.

When in doubt, consult an Oregon estate attorney before disposing of significant estate property.

When to Hire Professional Help

You do not have to do everything yourself. Consider hiring professionals when:

• The volume is overwhelming. A full three-bedroom house can contain 7,000+ individual items. That is a lot for a family to sort alone.
• You live far away. If you are managing the estate from out of state, a professional team can handle the physical work.
• There is a timeline. If the property needs to be cleared for sale or lease, professionals can work faster and more efficiently.
• Physical limitations. Heavy furniture, appliances, and boxes require physical strength. Do not risk injury.
• Emotional difficulty. Sometimes having a compassionate but neutral team handle the physical removal is easier than doing it yourself.

Estate Cleanout Costs in Oregon

Professional estate cleanout costs in Oregon depend on the size of the home and the volume of items:

These costs include labor, hauling, disposal fees, and basic broom-clean cleanup. For more detailed pricing information, see our junk removal pricing guide.