Clearing out the family home after the death of a parent or their move to residential aged care is never just a practical task. It is an emotional process, often complicated by grief, sentimentality and long-standing family dynamics. When siblings don’t agree on who should get what, the experience can quickly shift from a moment of remembrance to a source of serious conflict.
Bob Morton, cofounder and director of The Property Clearance Company, Australia’s leading provider of property clearance services, said these situations are far more common than people realise and bringing in an independent third party can be the smartest way to protect family relationships and honour the legacy of a loved one.
“Emotions are raw and what might seem like a small disagreement can become a major source of tension,” Morton said.
“That’s why we always recommend bringing in an external expert who can handle the entire clearance process fairly, respectfully and professionally.
“Having to deal with the difficult job of clearing a home after a parent passes away or moves to residential aged care can split families even more at a time when they are already at breaking point. Handing over this job can be both liberating and family saving.”
Independence and objectivity is key
Morton explained that the most important aspect of property clearance and sale is to ensure there is transparency and fairness.
The most critical thing you can do when a parent passes and the home needs to be cleared and sold is to involve an independent third party who can liaise with everyone and ensure things are managed professionally and openly.
“It is a difficult time and emotions run high. An objective third party expert can take away a lot of the stress,” Morton said.
“Their role is to provide a complete home clearance service, including inventory management, removal coordination, donation and recycling, pre-sale preparation and importantly, independent valuation of items.”
Dealing with item values
“One of the biggest issues we see when families are in conflict is around the value of certain items,” Morton said.
“People often disagree not just on who gets what, but on how much things are actually worth. We provide clarity by arranging professional valuations. That way, everyone knows exactly what’s at stake, and if items need to be sold, families can make informed decisions based on accurate market expectations.”
Ensuring everything is captured
By removing guesswork and emotion from the process, Morton said families can avoid the risk of resentment, delays and even legal complications.
“Our approach ensures transparency,” Morton said.
“It helps avoid the perception that someone is benefiting unfairly or making decisions behind closed doors.
“The creation of an inventory is also essential as this provides clarity around what items were in the home, where they went and how they were managed. Everything is recorded and tracked.”
Morton noted that clearing a typical family home costs from as little as $5,000 and that small investment can make a world of difference.
“When you consider the emotional and financial toll of family disputes, that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and preserving relationships,” he said.
With demand growing across Australia, Morton believes more families will come to see professional home clearance not as a luxury but as an essential step in a difficult time.
“Every item has a story, but not every story has to end in conflict,” he said.
“With the right help, clearing a home can be done with grace, fairness and dignity.”
