Dealing with Personal Belongings

Sorting through a loved one's personal belongings is emotionally difficult. It is just one part of the wider process — see our guide on what to do when someone dies for the full picture. There's no rush - take your time and don't feel pressured to clear everything immediately.

What does the will say?

Check the will first. It may include:

• Specific gifts of particular items to named people
• A general gift of "personal possessions" or "chattels" to someone
• Instructions about what should happen to everything else

If there's no will

Personal belongings form part of the estate and pass according to intestacy rules - usually to the spouse or closest relatives.

Dealing with specific gifts

If the will leaves specific items to named people, the executor should:

• Make a list of all specific gifts
• Locate each item
• Contact beneficiaries to arrange collection or delivery
• Keep records of what's been distributed

Valuing belongings

For probate purposes, you need to value personal possessions. For most household contents:

• Be realistic - secondhand value is usually low
• Clothing, everyday furniture, and household items rarely have significant value
• Get professional valuations for antiques, art, jewellery, or collections
• Keep evidence of valuations

Options for belongings

• Family: Offer items to family members first
• Charity shops: Good for clothing and household items
• Auction: For valuable items or large quantities
• House clearance companies: For clearing a whole property
• Specialist dealers: For collections (books, stamps, coins, etc.)

Sentimental items

Some items have sentimental rather than monetary value. Consider:

• Photographs - could copies be made for different family members?
• Letters and documents - these may be precious family history
• Small mementos - even inexpensive items can be meaningful
• Ask family members if there's anything specific they'd like

Take your time

Unless there's a pressing reason (such as needing to sell a property), there's no deadline for clearing belongings. Many people find it helpful to deal with things gradually, or to ask family members or friends to help.