Short answer: Usually yes. Under Iowa probate rules, a personal representative (executor or administrator) may use estate money — including proceeds from the sale of estate property — to pay reasonable costs of administration. That generally includes necessary expenses such as junk removal, cleanup, and removal of personal property when those costs protect estate value or allow distribution. However, the representative must follow Iowa law, keep clear records, and sometimes obtain court approval before selling certain assets or spending large sums.

Detailed answer — how this works under Iowa law

When a person dies, the personal representative has a duty to gather assets, preserve them, pay valid debts and expenses, and then distribute the remaining estate to heirs or beneficiaries. Iowa’s probate statutes (see Iowa Code chapter 633) govern these duties and give the representative authority to act for the estate. You can read the statutory chapter here: Iowa Code Chapter 633 (Decedents’ Estates).

What counts as an estate expense?

Typical allowable administration expenses include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Reasonable attorney and accounting fees related to administration
• Inventory, appraisal, and appraisal fees where required
• Taxes and creditor claims
• Costs to preserve or prepare estate property for sale — including boarding, repairs, cleanup, junk removal, and secure storage

Junk removal and personal property cleanup generally fall under costs to preserve and prepare assets for sale or distribution. If removing debris or household items makes a property marketable or prevents waste or liability, the expense is commonly appropriate.

Using sale proceeds

If the representative sells estate property (real or personal), the proceeds normally become part of the estate’s funds. Those funds may be used first to pay administration expenses and valid creditor claims before beneficiaries receive distributions. Keep in mind:

• Proceeds must be deposited into an estate account and tracked.
• Payments should be reasonable, documented with receipts or contracts, and directly related to estate administration.
• If the sale was of property specifically bequeathed to a beneficiary (a specific devise or bequest), using those sale proceeds to pay general estate expenses can raise conflicts. The representative should consult the will and consider court guidance if needed.

When do you need court approval?

Court approval may be required or recommended in these situations:

• Large or unusual expenses (e.g., very costly cleanouts or environmental remediation)
• Sales of significant estate assets that are not clearly authorized by the will or statute
• Disputes among beneficiaries about selling property or using funds
• When the personal representative is unsure whether an expense is reasonable or properly chargeable to the estate

Seeking a court order (often by filing a petition in the probate court) gives the representative protection from later challenges by beneficiaries or creditors.

Examples (hypotheticals)

Example A: An estate includes an older house filled with junk. The representative hires a cleanup crew for $2,000 to prepare the home for sale. The representative sells the house, deposits proceeds into an estate account, and pays the cleanup cost from those proceeds. This is typically acceptable.

Example B: A representative sells a collectible car that a will specifically leaves to a child without first getting that child’s consent or a court order, then uses the proceeds to pay general estate expenses. This can lead to disputes because the asset was a specific bequest.

Record-keeping and transparency

To avoid disputes, do all of the following:

• Get written estimates or contracts for cleanup and removal.
• Keep receipts and invoices for all expenses.
• Document the business reason for each spending decision (e.g., “cleanup required to sell property” or “hazardous debris removal for safety”).
• Communicate with beneficiaries about major decisions and expenses.

Practical steps for a personal representative in Iowa

1. Review the will and any court orders to confirm powers and limits.
2. Check for statutory authority in Iowa Code chapter 633 and local probate rules; when in doubt, consider a short court petition for authority.
3. Obtain multiple bids for cleanup or removal whenever practical.
4. Deposit sale proceeds in a dedicated estate bank account before paying expenses.
5. Prepare an itemized accounting for the estate showing receipts and how proceeds were used.

For a starting point in the statutes, see: Iowa Code Chapter 633 (Decedents’ Estates). For court procedures and local forms, check the Iowa Judicial Branch website for probate filings in the appropriate county.

Helpful Hints

• Always put estate sale proceeds into a separate estate account, not a personal account.
• Get written bids and keep all receipts for cleanup, removal, and storage.
• If the property is a specific gift under the will, pause before selling and consider asking the court for direction.
• Communicate with beneficiaries early about necessary cleanups to reduce surprises and disputes.
• Consider getting a limited court order approving major expenses — it protects the representative from later claims.
• When environmental hazards or large-scale remediation is needed, consult an attorney and the court promptly.