Tips for Cleaning the Space After Someone’s Death

Cleaning a home after a loved one has passed is often a challenging and emotional task. Not only is there a sense of loss, but the physical act of cleaning can feel overwhelming during such a difficult time. Whether you are handling the cleanup yourself or considering professional help, here are some helpful tips to navigate the process of cleaning a home after someone’s death.

1. Consider Your Emotional State

Before diving into cleaning, it’s important to acknowledge and understand your emotional state. The task can bring up strong emotions, and it’s okay to take your time. If the space is emotionally charged, consider pausing for moments of reflection, or ask a trusted friend or family member to assist. Sometimes, getting through the first few steps is the hardest part.

2. Start with Personal Belongings

The first step in cleaning a deceased person’s space is to gather and sort through their personal belongings. This includes clothes, papers, jewelry, photographs, and sentimental items. These personal belongings will likely require special care, either in terms of preservation or in deciding what to keep or donate. If you feel uncertain about what to do with certain items, taking time to make decisions is vital. Donate what you can, store what’s important, and dispose of what is no longer necessary.

3. Consider House Cleaning Services

Once you’ve dealt with personal items, the next step is deep cleaning. This is where house cleaning services can be extremely helpful. Professional cleaners can ensure that the home is thoroughly sanitized and cleaned, especially when there might be specialized cleaning required. Whether you’re looking for general house cleaning or a more thorough deep clean, these services can ease the burden and allow you to focus on other aspects of estate management.

4. Seek Deceased Estate Clean Up Services

In some cases, cleaning a home after a death may require more than just standard cleaning—it may involve a comprehensive overhaul. This is where seeking deceased estate clean ups can make a significant difference. These services are designed to handle all aspects of estate clean-up, including removing large amounts of belongings, cleaning hazardous areas, and sometimes even conducting biohazard cleaning if the situation calls for it. Deceased estate clean ups are especially useful if the home has been unattended for a while, or if the cleaning task feels too overwhelming to tackle on your own.

5. Clear Out the Kitchen and Bathrooms

The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most important spaces to clean thoroughly. Since they are high-traffic areas, they can harbor bacteria and germs. For the kitchen, clean out all expired food, disinfect counters, appliances, and cupboards. The bathrooms will require the same level of attention, especially to avoid lingering odors. Clean all surfaces, scrub the floors, and disinfect toilets and sinks to ensure the space is hygienic.

6. Assess the Condition of the Home

Take stock of the overall condition of the home. Are there areas that need repair or fresh coats of paint? Are there carpets that need to be replaced or deep cleaned? This is also the time to address structural issues and any necessary maintenance. Handling these tasks can add to the emotional toll, so consider seeking professional help if needed. It can also be beneficial to make a list of repairs or updates that need to be addressed in the future.

7. Dispose of Unwanted Items

After sorting through personal belongings, you may find yourself with many items that are no longer needed. While it might be tempting to hold onto these things, it’s important to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. You can donate, recycle, or discard unwanted possessions. If you’re unsure whether something has sentimental value, it might help to ask other family members or friends for their input.

8. Take Care of Yourself

Cleaning a home after someone’s death can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. Remember to take breaks, drink plenty of water, and eat well. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals, as the process can be draining. Taking care of your own well-being ensures that you’re in the best position to handle this challenging time.

9. Consider Professional Organizers

If the home is particularly cluttered or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work, professional organizers can help. These experts can assist in sorting, packing, and organizing items to make the process less stressful. This is especially useful if you’re managing the estate remotely or need to clear out a large amount of items in a short amount of time.

Conclusion

Cleaning a space after someone’s death is never easy, but with the right approach, it can be managed. Whether you choose to seek help from house cleaning services, deceased estate clean ups, or other professionals, it’s important to go at your own pace and allow yourself the necessary time to heal. Taking small, manageable steps will make the process feel less daunting, and remember, it’s okay to ask for help.