House Clearance Services in the UK

What to expect — step by step

• Enquire and describe the property — number of rooms, access, lift, parking, items of concern.
• Receive a fixed-price quote (most reputable firms quote without an in-person visit for properties up to 3 bedrooms).
• Agree a date — typically 2–7 days from booking, longer for probate.
• On the day, the team arrives with vans, trolleys and PPE and walks the property with you.
• Items are sorted into keep, donate, recycle and dispose — usable items routed to local charities.
• Property is left swept clean (a basic clean — deep cleans are an extra service).
• You receive a Waste Transfer Note and, if requested, a written inventory of removed items.
• Payment is taken on completion by card, bank transfer or invoice.

What affects the price

• Property size and number of rooms — the single biggest factor.
• Volume of contents — a sparsely furnished house costs much less than one packed full.
• Access — flats above ground floor without a working lift add 20–40% in labour.
• Parking — no loading bay or parking restrictions can add £50–£150 in permits or longer carrying distances.
• Hazardous items — asbestos, paint, chemicals, gas bottles all need specialist disposal.
• Heavy items — pianos, safes, cast-iron baths and large white goods.
• Garden, garage and loft contents (often forgotten in initial quotes).
• Time pressure — same-day or weekend bookings carry a premium.

Probate and bereavement clearance

Probate clearance is one of the most sensitive jobs a clearance firm undertakes. A good probate specialist will work directly with the executor or solicitor, provide a written inventory of items removed, set aside anything sentimental or potentially valuable for family review, and route saleable items to auction or charity rather than landfill where possible. Many will offset the value of antiques, jewellery, tools, vintage furniture, copper and brass against the clearance fee.

Allow at least a week's lead time, gather any keys, garage and outbuilding access in advance, and tell the firm about anything you do not want touched (a specific bookcase, a box in the loft, photographs). It's standard practice for the team to photograph each room before clearance starts so there is a record of what was present.

End-of-tenancy clearance checklist

• Book at least 3–5 days before your tenancy end date.
• Remove anything you want to keep before the team arrives.
• Take final meter readings (the property may be empty after).
• Confirm with the firm whether they include a basic sweep clean.
• Ask for a Waste Transfer Note in your name to give to the landlord or letting agent.
• Keep proof of disposal — landlords can otherwise withhold the deposit for 'rubbish removal'.