RosieW, sorry for your loss. A will provides some certainty as to the deceased's wishes, but although I hope that means the estate is smooth to administer, sometimes other factors come into play and complicate matters. Unless you are aware that your late mother's estate was very straightforward, if I were in your shoes I would be consulting a solicitor. Yes, it costs money, but it can relieve you of alot of administrative stress. The reason you may have been cautioned against clearing the house is that some things may be subject to particular bequests, and until probate is granted such bequests cannot be made.