How to dispose a deceased friend's belongings in her empty flat - family abroad

[advicespls]

Firstly, want to say sorry for posting it here. It's a very particular request and I'm not sure where otherwise to get advice.

A friend of mine passed away last year. Her family is abroad and unable to carry out any disposal activities.

I've been assisting in a few admin things. So they came to me to ask how to dispose her belongings. I don't think there's anything collectable or valuable other than usual household stuff. The family is going through legal procedures and will receive the probate in due course. Then they plan to sell the flat.

I have no idea how to suggest, apart from I don't think they can manage to sell anything without someone taking time to do it (I wouldn't want to get involved.)

Does anyone know how to handle in a situation like this please?

Honesty, don't get involved in this. This has the potential to backfire on you. Do you know for definite that your friend blackmailed them or is it just them telling you.

At most I would tell them that their are services available in the Uk that do House Clearances and that they should google to find a firm nearby. Do not give them the name of a particular firm as that puts a level of responsibility on you if someone later is looking for something/damage is done etc.

@Almahart Thanks for highlighting "because they are not aware of the impact on you". They have been careful but unfortunately the situation just inherently involves too much. Was happy to help when I can, but also have been obliged to set a boundary.

Just looked up chat history, the brother himself is the executor currently. They just don't know anyone around who can do it and be trusted, especially after the fallout with the original one.

@purplecorkheart , thanks. I have no intention for getting more involved, especially it's about property and money.

Good advice about being careful with recommendations.

@msbevvy it sounded so sad, the experience with your mutual friend's house.

I do have fear and concern if nobody is at presence for the clearance. But still I wouldn't want to get involved in person.

I used to volunteer in a charity shop. We were told to check books for hidden money.

I found an auction house which did house clearances and also recycled as much as they could, so that felt much better than everything getting dumped. We did get some money when some furniture was auctioned as well.

@maslinpan Thanks. Do you mind sharing their name please?

We used a house clearance company for my mother's flat. As others have said, charities like BHF will only take certain items.

Whichever company the family decide to use, someone will have to be there to let them into the property and lock up afterwards - who do they have in mind to do that?

@catofglory I would hope the agent can assist. They've already started with estate agent for selling the flat late on.

If there is someone local recommended who does de-cluttering they may be interested in taking on some of the work. If they were given specific instructions to "decide what you think is of sentimental value and put it in pre-arranged storage, but arrange for disposal of everything else" they may do it. Obviously that would be a fee, plus you'd have to pay for the clearance as landfill prices are huge. Alternatively I guess that person (usually women!) could arrange an "open day" type sale one Saturday and see if they could get rid of as much as possible for eg £1 per item.

But if they want to monetise the situation and genuinely need to recoup the cash, it makes most sense for one or two of them to travel to the flat and at least establish what is saleable and remove any items of sentimental value before turning the rest over to a house clearance firm.

They are taking you for a mug. Theyll get the proceeds of the flat once sold so that would cover cost of a flight for the brother.

It does sound they should fly over to sort it out, or just let go of any idea of monetising the belongings.

@advicespls no problem, they were Criterion, based in London which may or may not be useful. I would also look at Emmaus, a homeless charity which does house clearances.

Absolutely. It's their call, and the executor's responsibility. You're right to politely decline to get any further involved.

Where about in the country are you! I know a fab place that does house clearances in Cornwall

After everything you’ve said, I really wouldn’t get involved at all from now on. Even recommending someone (as an act of helpfulness) could backfire. They can use google, email and the telephone as well as you can so let them sort it out.