What to Do When You Inherit a Packed House
When you inherit a house full of things, it's a meaningful experience – but it can also be a difficult one. In some ways, it's a link to a loved one, and a house full of treasured memories; in other ways, it can be hard to handle all the things that belong to them. It's important to have a plan for how to handle a packed house – whether you want to move in, sell the house, or just free up some extra space. Here's a guide to what to do when you inherit a house full of belongings.
Step 1: Assess the Contents & Create an Inventory
When you inherit a house, your first step is reviewing the belongings you've inherited along with it. Separate everything into groups like "keep," "sell," "donate," and "throw away." Any sentimental belongings or heirlooms that are passed down through generations can go in the "keep" pile. You can sell or donate good-condition furniture or appliances you no longer need. If you don't want to end this process with a house just as packed as when you started, be honest about how much each item is worth and how useful it is.
If you're not sure about some things, you can always put them in storage temporarily to give yourself more time. This is where a dependable storage facility like StaxUP Storage can be helpful – our facilities all offer month-to-month storage unit rental, so you can cancel at any time. If you inherit a packed house, you can store some of your belongings in one of our safe and flexible options until you decide what to do with them. This gives you some breathing room.
Step 2: Declutter & Create a Plan for Each Room
It's hard to clean out an entire house, but breaking the job up into smaller, more doable steps can help. Take it one room at a time and start with the ones you have the least emotional ties to. You can start by going through your kitchens, basements, and garages, which usually have fewer belongings. Carefully pack up valuables, make sure boxes are clearly marked, and sort things as you go.
Step 3: Address Emotional Challenges
Going through the things that a loved one left behind can be very upsetting. You might find belongings that bring up memories, good and bad alike. Allow yourself time and space to grieve and remember as you go through this process. Putting some things in storage for now might help if you can't bear to part with them or have them in line of sight at all times. If you take some time, you'll have the chance to come back to these items again when you're mentally prepared to make decisions about them.
Support from family members is also very helpful. Get siblings or other loved ones to help you sort things so that you can share memories and divide up the work. Remember that if the emotional toll gets too much, trained counselors or support groups can help.
Step 4: Use Self Storage for Better Organization
Self storage can be a helpful resource for cleaning out a family home. You can store anything from antique furniture to boxes of memories in a storage unit. At StaxUP Storage, all of our units are clean and safe, with different facilities having units available in a variety of sizes. Whether you're storing the contents of entire rooms or just a box or two, you'll be sure to find a unit that's your perfect fit. With climate-controlled and drive-up options, and fenced facilities with gated entrances, your belongings are sure to be safe and sound.
Step 5: Decide on the Future of the Property
Once the house is cleaned out and organized, it's time to decide whether you'll move in, rent out, or sell. If you decide to move in, store any excess belongings until you can make the place your own. To get the house ready to rent, you need to clean and stage it thoroughly; storing non-essential items safely away from the house can make this process easier. A house that is clean and organized is more appealing to buyers, which can help get it sold faster and for a higher price.
StaxUP Storage makes these changes easier by letting you choose how long you'd like to rent your unit. You can store your things for as long as you need to, which gives you time to learn more about the property.
Step 6: Choose Professional Assistance
Don't be afraid to get help from a professional if the process seems too hard. Professional estate sale experts can help you sell valuable things, and professional organizers can help you get rid of clutter quickly and objectively. Donation centers or charities in your area can help you get rid of good-condition things so they can help people in need. These services free you up to spend your time and energy on more important things.
Step 7: Take Care of Legal and Financial Details
When someone inherits a house, they often have legal and financial duties to fulfill. Consult a lawyer to ensure you properly transfer property titles and take care of any estate debts. A financial advisor can help you with taxes, sale proceeds, or the costs of keeping or renting out the property. Addressing these issues at an early stage can prevent unexpected issues later on.
Step 8: Make Space for New Beginnings
As the house gets cleaner, you'll grow your own peace of mind. The first step is understanding your priorities, what you can discard, and what you can donate or sell. If you end up with furniture and belongings that you need to store, keep in mind that we have both short-term and long-term options available. Our storage facilities can adapt to your changing needs as you move on to the next part of your life, whether you're holding on to sentimental or seasonal things.
