Stepping Back Into a Loved One’s Home After Loss
The first time you unlock the door, it may feel like time paused inside. You don’t have to make big decisions today. Use this one-visit plan to steady the home, keep important things from getting lost, and make the next visit easier. If a choice doesn’t need to be made now, it goes on a list. Set a date to come back and stop there.
Your first visit, step by step (under an hour)
Arrive and look
Open a window or two, turn on lights, and take a quiet lap. Note leaks, odors, or anything that may need a vendor later. If pets are present, make sure they’re safe, contained, and have food and water.
Set two anchor spots
Document spot: one tray or folder for IDs, insurance, will/trust, deeds, and current bills.
Keepsake tray: a small bin for items you know you’ll keep. Leave everything else where it is for now.
Do a few home resets
Clear a kitchen counter and a bedside table. Bag obvious trash and recycling. Keep paths clear. This isn’t a cleanout — just enough order to breathe.
Pets (and plants), first visit
Secure and settle: Close doors/gates so pets can’t slip out; set out food, water, and a familiar item if it’s there.
Identify and note: Take a photo of collar tags; look for a vet card or medication label.
Short-term care: If no one can take the pet today, add “call a family caretaker or boarding option” to your next-visit list.
Plants: Give a quick water to obvious houseplants; note any that will need care next time.
Take doorway photos
From each doorway, snap a photo of the room. Add close-ups of anything you’ll revisit. This becomes your simple inventory.
Make a short next-visit list
Write 3–5 tasks and pick a date. Lock up and call it done.
Want a plan for visit two? We can help set the pace and coordinate local vendors for donation pickups, hauling, cleaning crews, or short-term pet care. We’re organizers, not a cleaning service; decisions stay with your family and the estate representative.
What not to decide today
No giveaways, donation runs, or online listings.
Don’t move large items or rearrange rooms.
If you aren’t the estate representative, don’t remove belongings.
If you’re the executor (or supporting one)
Confirm the point of contact. Bring a folder for the document spot. Keep a simple list of rooms and tasks. Admin steps—mail forwarding, benefits, utilities—can wait; add them to your list for later.
If you’re not the estate representative
Ask for the go-ahead before you start. Use the keepsake tray and photos to share what you saw without moving things around. Leave items in place until there’s a plan.
Need support that matches this pace?
Request Estate Support — we organize the work and coordinate local vendors.
Start a Conversation — not sure what you need yet? Send a note.
This post shares general information, not legal advice. Decisions remain with your family and the estate representative.