Winding up a deceased estate during this emotional time of losing a loved one can be very difficult to face, as well as time-consuming. The items left in the estate may well include a household of possessions that are normally of sentimental as well as have a monetary value.
Leaving these possessions in an empty property could pose a security risk as they may be subjected to theft. So these possessions need to be secured while the estate is wound up by the executors.
A self storage unit at Stop & Store Grimsby is an option to be considered for household storage while this process runs its course. You will be able to store these items in a secure environment for as long as you need to.
What happens in the case of a Deceased Estate?
The first step is to obtain a grant of probate. This is a letter of administration that gives the executor of the estate the authority to deal with this matter. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Once the grant of probate has been received it can take between 6 to12 months to tie up all the loose ends. This is a long time to wait, and its critical that all the deceased person’s possessions are safe.
There are procedures to be followed in dealing with the deceased person’s possessions before you can dispose of them. If you are appointed the administrator or the “executor” then the responsibility lies with you to wrap up the estate. This is a tough thing to do under the circumstances particularly if the deceased was a close family member.
Here are some of the steps that need to be completed.
Sorting out a Deceased Estate
There are steps you can take as the administrator while waiting for the process to unfold. These will save you unnecessary delays down the line.
There is always a lot of sorting out to do, deciding which items can be disposed of after family members have collected those that they are entitled to through the will, or which have been bequeathed to them.
Valuables and Personal Belongings First
We understand that dealing with the possessions of someone who has died is a job that needs to be approached with sensitivity and understanding. It’s very difficult to empty a house full of personal belongings of someone you were emotionally attached to.
Decide what belongings have value, either monetary or sentimental, to you and your family. Separate household goods that need to be divided amongst family members and other beneficiaries. These items can be packed up and taken to self storage to be stored safely. As you can’t dispose of anything yet, as administrator you should have the interim authority to rent household storage and make sure everything is stored securely.
Sort and Store the Household Storage
As the disposal of goods cannot be carried out until the process is completed, these items can be packed up and stored at a household storage facility, ready for the time when you can act.
- Pack up small items and any collections first in labelled boxes. Next on your list are clothing items that can be packed according to which you want to keep, donate, or dispose of either to local charity shops or used clothing shops.
- Kitchen goods will need to be sorted through and packed up using the same criteria as the clothing.
- Books are heavy and take up space but can also be packed up and donated or sold through secondhand book outlets.
- Garden equipment, tools and implements can be boxed up for storage or for sale in a garage sale at a future date.
- For the larger items of furniture and appliances, family members will most likely know which items they are inheriting, and these can also be stored in a self-storage unit until the estate is wrapped up.
Once done, you will have a lot of space cleared to make cleaning up the house easier. Carry out minor repairs in order to get it ready for putting it on the market if selling the house is part of the plan.
Why Use Household Storage for a Deceased Estate’s Possessions?
- Keeping items in storage will ensure their safety from theft. An empty property is always vulnerable to vandalism, but the goods and belongings will be safe.
- Your family members and other beneficiaries of the possessions they are expecting to inherit will be relieved that you have taken the route to secure the goods in a self storage unit.
- Safeguard valuable items such as jewelry, antique furniture, pictures, and photographs of personal value in a storage unit to ensure that they are not stolen or damaged.
- By securing items that you may wish to sell, you could even use your household storage unit as a platform to sell your goods by taking photographs and arranging sales times as they will be under one roof for easy viewing.
As the legally appointed person you will have to make many important decisions. One of the most important will be the storage service provider you choose. Our company Stop & Store Grimsby serves the areas of Grimsby and surrounds. We are in the business of self storage and we can assist you for any household storage needs during any life changing events you may find yourself dealing with. Here you can safely store all the items while clearing out the deceased’s residence.
Stop & Store Grimsby
Life may deal you a blow when someone you love dies and you are required to sort out their estate. You will be worried about the safekeeping of possessions left behind. Well, look no further than a self storage unit at Stop & Store Grimsby as a great option to secure them. Our clients have easy access to units and are reassured that the possessions are safe and secure. Our facility is open seven days a week for your convenience.
In addition, there are always deals offered by Stop and Store Grimsby, offering you a cost-effective option while carrying out this difficult part of the estate-wind up.
Contact us on 01472 563120 for more information.