How to Start Cleaning Up a Parent's Home After They've Moved into Aged Care

Transitioning a parent into aged care is a significant life event, filled with emotional and logistical challenges. One of the most daunting tasks can be cleaning up their home in preparation for selling it. As a real estate agent, Joanne Danckwardt of One Agency has helped many families navigate this process and transition into aged care, and is here to offer some guidance on where to start. Watch the video to learn more.

If you're ready to discover the secrets to being ready to sell your home, download our free insider secrets to being ready to sell checklist.

YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST

1. Assess the Situation

Before diving into the clean-up, take a step back and assess the situation. Walk through the home to get a sense of the scale of the task ahead. Note any areas that might need professional cleaning or repair. This initial assessment will help you create a plan and prioritize tasks.

2. Gather Important Documents

Start by collecting all important documents. This includes financial records, legal papers, medical records, and personal identification documents. Create a secure space or folder to store these items, ensuring they are easily accessible when needed.

3. Sort and Declutter

Decluttering is a critical step. Go through each room methodically, sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. It's helpful to involve family members in this process to ensure nothing valuable or sentimental is overlooked, and have everyone involved to help manage conflict between siblings. Consider renting a dumpster for large amounts of trash or hiring a professional organizing service if the task feels overwhelming.

4. Identify Valuable Items

While sorting, keep an eye out for valuable items that can be sold. This might include antiques, collectibles, jewellery, or artwork. Getting these items appraised by a professional can provide a better idea of their worth. Selling valuable items can also help cover some of the costs associated with cleaning and preparing the home for sale.

5. Handle Hazardous Materials

Be mindful of hazardous materials like old paint, cleaning supplies, or expired medications. These items need to be disposed of properly according to local regulations. Many communities offer special disposal programs for hazardous waste.

6. Deep Clean and Repair

Once the home is decluttered, it’s time for a deep clean. Consider hiring professional cleaners who can handle everything from carpets to windows. Address any necessary repairs, such as fixing leaks, painting walls, or replacing broken fixtures. These improvements can significantly increase the home’s market value.

7. Stage the Home for Sale

Staging the home can make it more appealing to potential buyers. This might involve rearranging furniture, adding fresh flowers, or even hiring a professional stager. The goal is to create a welcoming, neutral environment where buyers can envision themselves living.

8. Seek Professional Help

Don't hesitate to seek professional help throughout this process. Estate sale companies can assist with selling items, while real estate agents (like myself) can offer valuable advice on preparing the home for the market. Elder care professionals can also provide resources and support for managing the emotional aspects of this transition.

If you're ready to discover the secrets to being ready to sell your home, download our free insider secrets to being ready to sell checklist.

YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST

Cleaning up a parent's home after they’ve moved into aged care is a significant task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking it step by step and seeking the right help, you can turn a challenging situation into a manageable one. As a real estate agent, I’m here to support you through every step of preparing your parent’s home for sale, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

If you’re facing this challenging task and need professional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a network of local qualified professionals, skilled-and-reliable tradespeople and innovative and creative associates are ready and available to meet all your property related needs as part of our real estate Tradies for Hire services. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s make this transition as smooth as possible for you and your family. We can provide insights tailored to your specific market, and run you through how the process would look, including any potential obstacles that need to be navigated.

If you feel you could benefit from our experience with buying and selling, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out.  We hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions, or you know of anyone who may benefit from our real estate services, we’d love to chat. Our number is 0426 264 771. We look forward to talking to you soon.