Clearing out after a death – compassionate help

Respectful apartment clearance by professionals

When a relative dies, the surviving relatives face the emotional and organizational challenge of dissolving the deceased's household. During this already stressful time, Akut SOS Clean would like to relieve you of the difficult task of clearing out after a death. The company takes care of the entire apartment clearance - respectfully, thoroughly and with respect for the life's work of the deceased.

What does clearing out after a death involve?

Clearing out after a death goes far beyond a normal apartment clearance. In addition to sorting, packing and transporting household goods, special circumstances often have to be taken into account. If the death was undetected for a long time, disinfection and odor removal are also carried out. Securing valuables, documents and personal memorabilia also requires careful action.

The complete service includes: viewing and sorting all household contents, securing valuables and important documents, professional disposal of furniture and household effects, final cleaning of the apartment, and, if necessary, disinfection and odor removal. The result is a turnkey handover to the landlord or for sale.

Our process – step by step

1. Free initial consultation

Wishes and requirements are discussed in a personal conversation – on site or by telephone. Are there any items that should be kept? Do memorabilia need to be secured? Is there a special case? All of this will be clarified in advance.

2. Cost estimate

After the inspection, a transparent and binding cost estimate with fixed prices will be provided - no hidden costs.

3. Viewing and securing value

Trained employees carefully inspect all household goods. Valuables such as jewelry, cash, savings books, important documents and personal memorabilia are secured and handed over separately.

4. Professional clearance

The clearance is carried out quickly and professionally. If desired, usable items will be sorted out for donations or sale. The remaining household goods will be disposed of professionally and in an environmentally friendly manner.

5. Final cleaning and handover

After the evacuation, the apartment will be thoroughly cleaned. In the event of contamination, professional crime scene cleaning with disinfection and odor removal is carried out. The apartment can then be handed over directly or prepared for sale.

Costs of clearing out after death

The costs depend on various factors:

• Studio apartment (up to 40 m²): from €800 – standard evacuation with final cleaning, without special contamination
• Two-room apartment (40–65 m²): from €1,200 to €2,500 – depending on the amount of household goods and their condition
• Three-room apartment and larger (from 65 m²): from €2,000 to €4,500 – larger apartments with extensive household contents, possibly including a cellar and attic
• Special cases with disinfection: €1,500 to €5,000 additional if disinfection and removal of decay odors are required

In many cases, the costs can be covered by the deceased's home contents insurance or the estate.

Why you should leave the clearing to a specialist company

The emotional burden of clearing out a home after death is often underestimated. Sorting through personal items, sifting through memories and the physically demanding work of clearing out can be overwhelming for loved ones.

A professional company takes this burden off your shoulders. Employees are trained to deal with such situations and treat the deceased's property with respect. Relatives can concentrate on grieving and saying goodbye while practical tasks are taken on.

Clearing out after death – note deadlines

For rented apartments, a notice period must generally be observed. The tenancy does not automatically end with the death of the tenant - it first passes to the heirs. In most cases, there is a three-month special notice period during which the apartment must be vacated and handed over.

It is recommended to start planning as early as possible to avoid unnecessary time pressure.

Frequently asked questions about clearing out after a death

How quickly can you start decluttering?

You can usually start clearing out within 3 to 5 working days of placing the order. In urgent cases, an express service is also offered within 24 to 48 hours.

What happens to valuable items?

All valuables, documents and memorabilia will be secured separately and handed over personally before evacuation. An inventory list can be created upon request.

Can individual pieces of furniture be stored?

Yes, furniture or items that are to be kept can be packaged separately and temporarily stored or delivered to a desired address.

Who bears the costs of the clearing out?

The costs are usually borne by the heir or the community of heirs. They can often be claimed through the deceased's home contents insurance or as an estate liability.