Guide · First two weeks
Secure the home after a death
Lock, insure, and inventory the home in the first week to prevent loss and protect the estate from break-ins or family conflict.
Change the locks, forward the mail, and notify the homeowners insurance carrier that the home is now vacant. Most policies suspend coverage after thirty to sixty days of vacancy, so request a vacant home endorsement. Photograph each room before any item leaves, and keep one keyholder on record.
Step by step
Change the locks
Replace at least the front door lock the first week. Past contractors, ex-partners, and former roommates may still have keys.
Forward the mail
File a USPS Change of Address to forward mail to the executor. This also protects against identity theft of pre-approved credit offers.
Notify the insurance carrier
Tell the homeowners insurer the house is unoccupied and request a vacant home endorsement. Standard policies lapse after thirty to sixty days of vacancy.
Photograph every room
Walk through with a phone camera and record each room. The video becomes evidence if items disappear before the inventory is filed.
Set one keyholder
Designate one family member to hold the key and approve every visit. A single point of access prevents conflict and missing items.
Common questions
Can heirs take items before probate?
No. Until the executor is appointed, the estate owns every item in the house. Removing belongings can be treated as conversion or theft.
Should I cancel utilities?
Not immediately. Keep heat, water, and basic electricity on to prevent frozen pipes and humidity damage during the months before the home is cleared or sold.