How to prepare a Southlake home for an estate cleanout

Before anything leaves the house

• Search for important papers, keys, jewelry and photos — check drawers, closets, books and coat pockets
• Agree as a family on what each person is keeping
• Talk with the executor or attorney before removing anything of value
• Consider an appraiser or estate-sale company if items may have resale value

Mark what stays

Painter's tape on keep items, or moving them into one room, is the simplest system. Take photos of the keep room so everyone agrees.

Plan access

Let us know about gate codes or guard procedures, HOA restrictions on truck parking or work hours, and where a truck can park on a long or circular drive. If the house is vacant, confirm utilities are on so lights work during the job.

Note anything unusual

Chemicals in the garage, a piano, a safe, a gun safe or firearms, medical equipment — tell us beforehand so we can plan or exclude them.

Give yourself space

Estate work can be emotional. There's no need to make every decision at once — clearing can happen in phases.

Name one decision-maker for removal day

Keep a written removal list and give one authorized person responsibility for questions. Record any items still awaiting a family decision separately. Before work starts, review the keep areas and the released contents together so a label or verbal instruction is not misunderstood.