Families · Executors · Solicitors

Bereavement & Probate Clearance Glasgow

Emptying the home of a person you loved is painful, practical work that rarely comes at a convenient moment. We take it on calmly and patiently, keeping back what matters and doing nothing without your say.

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A member of the Jettison office team who helps families arrange bereavement clearances Call for a quote0333 880 6800

Clearing a loved one's home

Handled with care, at the pace that suits you

When someone dies, their home often needs to be cleared at a time when the family has the least energy to do it. There may be decades of belongings, a house sale or tenancy to deal with, and relatives who live far away. It is a practical job, but it is never only a practical job.

Our crews have cleared many homes after a bereavement across Glasgow and the west of Scotland. We work quietly and respectfully, take instructions from the family or executor and look out for documents, photographs, jewellery and keepsakes as we go. We can clear a whole house in one visit, or work room by room over several weeks, and we leave the property clean and ready for the sale, the handover or the next tenant.

  • Everything cleared at once, or a little at a time if you prefer
  • Documents, photos and mementoes kept back for the family
  • Discreet, respectful crews who follow your instructions
  • Good quality items donated to local charities
  • Direct liaison with executors, solicitors and estate agents
  • Clear quotes, invoices and photographs for estate records
  • Property left swept and ready for sale, handover or a new tenant
  • Not sure where to start? Read who clears a house when someone dies

Probate in Scotland

Bereavement clearances, explained

In Scotland the legal side of an estate works a little differently from the rest of the UK. These are the questions families ask us most often.

Probate and confirmation

Probate is the term used in England and Wales. In Scotland the equivalent is confirmation, granted by the sheriff court, which gives the executor authority to deal with the estate. People search for both terms, and we clear homes for executors at every stage. Our article on executry clearances explains the process in more detail.

Before confirmation is granted

Some things can be done straight away, such as securing the property and removing perishable food. Selling or giving away items of value before confirmation can cause problems for the person doing it. If you are unsure, read clearing a house before confirmation in Scotland and speak to the solicitor handling the estate.

Valuables and keepsakes

Wills, bank books, rings, banknotes, old photographs and letters are often tucked away where nobody would think to look: between the pages of a book, in a handbag in the wardrobe or in the pocket of a coat. Our team checks as it goes and sets anything personal or potentially valuable aside for the family. Read what happens to valuables found during a clearance.

Council and rented homes

If the person rented their home from the council or a housing association, the tenancy may need to be ended within a set time, and rent can continue until the keys are returned. Our guide on clearing a council or housing association home after a death in Glasgow explains what to ask the landlord.

Donations and reuse

Many families find it easier knowing that furniture, clothes, books and household goods are going to a good home. We take items in good condition to local charities and reuse projects, and recycle as much of the rest as we can.

You do not need to be there

If you live far away or would rather not be at the property, we can collect keys from a solicitor, estate agent or neighbour, follow a list of what to keep and send photographs as we work. See clearing a house when you live far away.

Related services

Other ways we can help

Executry clearances

What an executry clearance involves when you are handling an estate in Scotland.

Find out more

Unattended death clearance

Careful clearances alongside specialist cleaners when someone has died alone at home.

Find out more

House clearances Glasgow

Full clearances of Glasgow homes for families, sellers and anyone moving on.

Find out more

Void property clearance

Rented homes emptied so the tenancy can be ended and the keys returned.

Find out more

How it works

How a bereavement clearance works

  1. 1

    A gentle first conversation

    Tell us about the property, what needs to be kept and any dates set by the solicitor or landlord.

  2. 2

    A clear quote

    We visit or use photos to give you a fixed quote, and nothing is moved until you agree.

  3. 3

    Careful clearance

    We follow your list, set aside keepsakes and papers and keep you updated as we go.

  4. 4

    Ready for the next step

    The property is left swept, with photographs and paperwork for the estate records.

Areas we cover

Bereavement clearances across Glasgow and beyond

  • the West End
  • the Southside
  • the East End
  • North Glasgow
  • Bearsden
  • Milngavie
  • Bishopbriggs
  • Kirkintilloch
  • Newton Mearns
  • Giffnock
  • Rutherglen
  • Cambuslang
  • East Kilbride
  • Paisley
  • Renfrew
  • Clydebank
  • Hamilton
  • Motherwell

Guides for families

Who clears a house after a death Who pays for the clearance Council tax on an empty house What to keep from a parent's house When a parent moves into care Help with a hoarded home Donating furniture in Glasgow

All house clearance services

Questions

Bereavement clearance FAQs

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Does anyone from the family have to come along?
Only if you would like to. Plenty of families arrange for a solicitor, estate agent or neighbour to let us in, give us a list of things to hold back and follow progress through the photos we send. You are welcome to be there instead if that feels right.
What happens to items of value?
Items that look personal, important or worth something are put to one side for the family or executor to go through. Those decisions are yours, not ours, so none of it leaves the property until you say so.
Can the clearance be finished by a fixed date?
Yes. Sales, tenancy end dates and lease surrenders often come with a deadline. Mention it when you first call and the clearance will be booked to finish ahead of it.
Who pays for the clearance?
In most cases the cost is met from the estate, often by the executor once confirmation has been granted. Our guide on who pays for a house clearance after a death in Scotland explains the usual arrangements, and we can invoice the executor or solicitor directly.
Can you clear a home that is in a difficult condition?
Yes. Some properties are very full, neglected or hoarded, and our teams are used to this. We will never make you feel judged. If someone died at home and was not found for some time, our unattended death clearance service works alongside specialist cleaners.
Do you keep clothes and furniture out of landfill?
Yes, wherever we can. Good quality furniture, clothing, books and household items go to local charities, and much of the rest is recycled at our depot.

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Talk to Us About a Bereavement Clearance

Call For a Quote: 0333 880 6800

Get a Quote 0333 880 6800