Clearing an apartment after a death – calmly and methodically
Clearing a loved one's home is physically and emotionally exhausting. Take it in phases, respect legal deadlines, and protect the things that carry memory.
Do not rush
First, secure documents (will, insurance policies, bank books, keys) and photograph each room. Those photos help later with probate, insurance and family discussions.
Ending the tenancy
Switzerland: extraordinary notice under art. 266i CO with legal notice period to the next usual term. Germany: special right of termination within one month after learning of the death (§ 564 BGB), three-month notice. UK: a periodic tenancy can be ended with one month's notice; check the contract. Co-habiting partners often have succession rights.
The 4-box method
- Keep – mementos, papers
- Distribute – to family
- Donate / sell – Oxfam, Emmaus, charity shops
- Dispose – bulky waste, recycling centre
Work room by room. A two-bedroom flat takes 3–7 full days. Plan breaks and helpers.
Hiring a clearance company
Get 2–3 written quotes. Indicative rates: £25–£50 per sq m or a flat fee per room. Avoid « free in exchange for contents » offers — valuable items often vanish.
Handover
Repaint if required, take meter readings, count keys and sign the inventory line by line with the landlord present.
Wegbegleiter
the Wegbegleiter app includes room-by-room checklists, model termination letters and addresses for charity shops and councils.
Frequently asked questions
- Who pays rent until termination?
- The estate. If the estate is insolvent, heirs can refuse the inheritance within the legal deadline.
- How much does a clearance cost?
- CH: 3,000–10,000 CHF. UK: £800–£3,000. DE: €1,500–€6,000.
- What about furniture nobody wants?
- Charities (Oxfam, Salvation Army, Emmaus) often collect free of charge. Damaged items go to the recycling centre.
- Do all heirs need to agree?
- Yes for anything affecting the estate. Document every decision in writing.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
Checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.