A Guide for Executors: How to Manage a Deceased Estate Clearance Efficiently

Being named the executor of a loved one’s estate is an honor, but it is also a significant responsibility. Amidst the grief and emotional processing, you are tasked with the administrative and logistical challenge of closing a chapter of someone’s life.

One of the most daunting tasks executors face are deceased estate house clearances - sorting through a lifetime of possessions, furniture, and memories to prepare a home for sale or transfer.

At Just Junk Removals, we understand that this isn’t just "cleaning up." It is a sensitive process that requires patience and respect. To help you navigate this difficult time, we have put together a guide to managing a house clearance efficiently and compassionately in Melbourne.

Trying to tackle a whole house at once is overwhelming. Instead, go room by room using the Keep, Donate, Discard method (often called the Traffic Light system).

🟢 Green: Keep

These are items of high sentimental or financial value that family members wish to retain. It helps to have family members "claim" items early to avoid disputes later.

🟡 Yellow: Donate or Sell

These are items that are in good condition but aren't needed by the family. This might include general kitchenware, books, clothes, or furniture that is too good to throw away.

• Tip: Be realistic about selling items. Hosting a garage sale or listing 50 items on Facebook Marketplace takes a lot of time and emotional energy. Donation is often a smoother path.

🔴 Red: Discard (Rubbish Removal)

This is often the largest pile. It includes broken furniture, old mattresses, worn-out carpets, garden waste, appliances that no longer work, and general clutter that has accumulated over decades.

3. The Challenge of Removal

Once you have sorted the items, the physical reality sets in. How do you move a heavy oak wardrobe? How do you dispose of an old fridge legally?

Many executors assume they need to hire a skip bin. However, skip bins can add to the stress:

• You have to do the heavy lifting yourself.
• They sit on the property (often requiring council permits).
• Neighbours often take advantage of the space to dump their own rubbish.

4. The "Hands-Off" Solution: Professional Estate Clearance

When you are emotionally drained, the last thing you want to do is break your back hauling furniture. This is where a professional service becomes a vital resource.

At Just Junk Removals, our Deceased Estate Clearouts service is designed to be completely hands-off for you.

How we help Executors:

• We Do The Lifting: You don't touch a thing. Point to the items that need to go, and our uniformed team handles the rest.
• Respect & Discretion: We know this is a sensitive time. We work quietly, respectfully, and efficiently.
• Eco-Friendly Disposal: We sort the load on our end. We recycle metal, e-waste, and timber, and donate usable goods to charity partners where possible, minimizing what goes to landfill.
• Speed: We can often clear a full house in a single day, allowing you to meet settlement deadlines or get the property on the market faster.

5. Preparing the Property for Sale

If the end goal is to sell the property, a clear house is non-negotiable. Real estate agents in Melbourne consistently advise that decluttered, empty spaces sell faster and for higher prices. A clear home allows potential buyers to envision their own lives in the space, rather than being distracted by old furniture.

We can even help with the exterior—clearing out overgrown sheds, removing old garden furniture, and sweeping up the garage to boost curbside appeal.