The First 72 Hours Estate Guide

The loss of a parent, grandparent, or loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Unfortunately, grief doesn’t pause the responsibilities that follow.

You may suddenly find yourself responsible for securing a home, locating important documents, making dozens of phone calls, and deciding what comes next.

Step 1 — Secure the Property

• Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
• Collect all house keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes.
• If keys are missing or security is questionable, hire a locksmith to rekey or replace the locks.
• If a window or door has been damaged, contact a handyman or emergency board-up service to secure the property.
• Turn on exterior lights or place them on timers.
• If the home will be vacant, notify the homeowner’s insurance company.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on the property.
• Remove newspapers, flyers, and packages that signal the home is vacant.
• Consider installing a temporary security camera if the house will be empty for an extended period.

Step 2 — Take Care of Immediate Needs

• Arrange care for pets.
• Remove perishable food from the refrigerator and freezer.
• Adjust the thermostat to protect the home while conserving energy.
• Verify utilities remain on if needed for security or cleanup.
• Forward mail or place it on hold with the post office.
• Check for overflowing trash, water leaks, or other maintenance issues.

Step 3 — Locate Important Documents

• Will or trust documents.
• Life insurance policies.
• Social Security information.
• Birth and marriage certificates.
• Military discharge papers and veteran records.
• Property deeds.
• Vehicle titles.
• Mortgage information.
• Bank and investment records.
• Safe deposit box information.

Step 4 — Document Everything

• Photograph every room before moving anything.
• Photograph valuable items.
• Record serial numbers on firearms, electronics, or collectibles.
• Make notes about damage or maintenance issues.
• Start a notebook or digital folder to track expenses and conversations.

Step 5 — Don’t Throw Anything Away Yet

Before filling the first trash bag…

• Check dresser drawers.
• Look inside books and photo albums.
• Search coat pockets and purses.
• Examine file cabinets and desk drawers.
• Open safes and lockboxes.
• Check attics, basements, garages, and storage buildings.
• Ask family members whether there are sentimental items they’d like identified before sorting begins.

Many families have unknowingly discarded jewelry, cash, stock certificates, military medals, rare collectibles, and irreplaceable family photographs.

Step 6 — Determine What Has Value

Items often worth professional review include:

• Jewelry.
• Coins.
• Firearms.
• Antique furniture.
• Artwork.
• Vintage toys.
• Sports memorabilia.
• Watches.
• Musical instruments.
• Collectible glassware or china.
• Power tools and woodworking equipment.
• Farm equipment and outdoor machinery.

Step 7 — Build Your Team

You don’t have to handle everything alone. Depending on the situation, consider contacting:

• Estate cleanup specialists.
• Estate sale companies.
• Online auction professionals such as Everything But The House (EBTH).
• Professional appraisers.
• Estate attorneys.
• Certified Public Accountants or tax professionals.
• Real estate agents experienced in estate properties.
• House cleaners.
• Junk removal companies.
• Movers.
• Locksmiths.
• Handymen.
• Electricians.
• Plumbers.
• Roofers.
• Lawn care or landscaping services.
• Dumpster rental companies.

Step 8 — Protect Yourself

• Save every receipt.
• Keep copies of invoices.
• Document every item sold.
• Track donations for possible tax purposes.
• Keep a written record of major decisions.
• Never feel pressured into accepting the first offer for valuables or real estate.

Step 9 — Before Selling the Home

• Confirm who has legal authority to sell the property.
• Complete needed safety repairs.
• Deep clean the home.
• Remove personal belongings.
• Discuss pricing with a trusted real estate professional.
• Consider whether minor improvements could increase the home’s value.

Most Importantly…

• There is no deadline for grieving.
• Families matter more than furniture.
• Memories deserve more care than deadlines.
• Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
• One phone call to the right professional can save weeks of stress.

Our goal is simple — to help families find trusted local professionals when they need them most. Whether you’re looking for estate cleanup specialists, auction services, movers, locksmiths, handymen, real estate professionals, attorneys, or other estate-related services, we’re building a directory designed to connect families with experienced people who understand that this is more than just cleaning out a house. It’s helping preserve a lifetime of memories while making the next steps a little easier.