How to prepare for a house clearance
Whether it is probate, a move or a tenancy ending, a little sorting beforehand makes the day easier and cheaper.
Clearing a house is often done at a difficult time, and it is easy to feel you have to deal with everything yourself first. You do not. But a few things done in advance make the clearance quicker, cheaper and less stressful.
Before we come
- Take out what you want to keep. Photos, paperwork, jewellery, anything sentimental. Put it in one room or one clearly marked pile. Anything not marked, we will assume is to go.
- Look for paperwork and valuables in the obvious hiding places. Books, coat pockets, under mattresses, kitchen drawers, the loft. We check as we go and set aside anything that looks important, but it is better done by family.
- Decide about the good furniture. Items in good condition can go to charity partners, and we will take them there. If you would rather sell something, do that before the clearance day.
- Tell us about access. Parking, steps, narrow stairs, a loft hatch without a ladder. None of it is a problem, but knowing in advance means we bring the right team.
- Arrange keys. You do not need to be there. We can collect keys from a solicitor, agent or neighbour and send photos when the property is empty.
On the day
We work room by room, sorting as we go: charity, recycling, and general waste. Carpets, curtains and light fittings can stay or go as you prefer. We sweep through at the end so the property is ready for the agent or the next tenant.
Afterwards
You get a waste transfer note for your records, which executors and letting agents often need, and a note of what went to charity. The fixed price we agree beforehand is what you pay.