You don't have to figure this out alone
In the weeks after a parent dies, there are calls to make, papers to sign, and decisions that feel impossible. On top of that, someone has to deal with the house or apartment: the furniture, the photos, the jewelry box, the things that only matter because they were Mom's or Dad's.
For many families, this is where we can help the most. Senior Assist Shipping grew out of our packing and shipping stores, where we helped many families after a parent had passed. We'll handle the pickup, sorting, packing, and shipping of anything you need sent to your loved ones. During a difficult time, we will make this part a little easier.
How we help after a death in the family
- A no-cost conversation about what needs to happen, at a pace that's comfortable for you.
- A personalized quote for packing and shipping the items your family has chosen.
- Pickup and sorting so each relative's items stay together.
- Careful packing of everything from furniture to fragile heirlooms and small personal items.
- Shipping and delivery arrangements to each person's address, nationwide or worldwide.
Who should make the decisions?
When someone passes away, there is often an executor or personal representative responsible for the estate. Before items are divided and shipped, it's wise to make sure that person, and if there is one, the estate attorney, agrees with the plan. We regularly work with personal representatives and estate attorneys, and we follow the instructions of the person authorizing the work. If you're unsure who that is, the estate's attorney can usually help.
Practical steps that help in the first few weeks
- Take a breath before you start giving things away. There's rarely a reason to rush into decisions you can't undo.
- Gather wishes. Check whether your parent left a list or letter about specific items, and ask family members what matters to them.
- Keep a simple list: item, who it goes to, and their address. It becomes your shipping plan.
- Set aside small treasures. Photos, letters, recipe cards, and jewelry are easy to misplace in a busy cleanout. See our keepsake shipping page.
- Call us early. If a home needs to be cleared by a certain date, knowing that up front helps us plan.
If your family is spread out
It's common for siblings to live in different states, and for no one to live near the parent's home anymore. We help families coordinate from a distance. Read our guide for out-of-state families, and see how we handle shipments to multiple heirs.