Losing someone close to you is never easy. Between the emotional toll and the sudden mountain of “admin,” it’s common to feel completely overwhelmed—especially when it comes to dealing with their home and belongings.
In the industry, we call this the Probate Process, but to most people, it’s just a very long to-do list. Today, we’re breaking down how the “contents” side of probate works, so you can move forward with confidence.
What exactly is a “Probate Valuation”?
When someone passes away, the government needs to know the total value of their estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. This isn’t just the house; it includes the “chattels”—the furniture, jewellery, art, and even the car.
Getting a professional valuation is vital. If you estimate too low, you could face issues with HMRC later; estimate too high, and you might pay more tax than necessary. We can provide official, written reports that meet all legal standards, giving you one less thing to worry about.
3 Tips for a Stress-Free Clearance
1. Don’t throw anything away (yet!)
It’s tempting to start bagging up “junk,” but you’d be surprised what holds value. That dusty vase in the attic or the old watch in the drawer could be a key asset for the estate. Let an expert look first.
2. Look for the “Paperwork Trail”
Before the clearance starts, we always recommend a thorough search for life insurance policies, share certificates, or even a hidden “letter of wishes.” Our team is trained to spot and set aside these vital documents during the clearing process.
3. Choose “Eco-Friendly” over “Quick Fix”
A professional clearance shouldn’t end at the tip. At Pack It and Go, we take pride in our community. We sort items into:
• Auction: For items of value.
• Donation: For quality items that can help local Chorley charities.
• Recycle: For everything else, ensuring we stay as green as possible.
We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you just need some advice on where to start or you need a team to handle the entire house from top to bottom, we’re only a phone call away.
We’ll handle the heavy lifting; you focus on the memories.
