House clearance when moving: how to clear a home before a move
Clear first, then move. You will pay to move less.
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Moving is the best time to get rid of what you no longer need. The less you move, the less you pay. A house clearance is different from a removal: a removal moves your things to a new home, a clearance takes things away to be reused, sold, recycled or disposed of.
Sort in four piles
- Keep. What you will use in the new home.
- Sell. Furniture, electricals and collectables.
- Donate. Clothes, books and household items in good condition.
- Dispose. Broken items and waste.
When to book a clearance company
- You are clearing a whole property, for example after a bereavement or when selling.
- There is a lot of bulky furniture.
- You are short of time.
Check the company
- Ask whether they hold a waste carrier licence. They need one to carry waste.
- Get a written quote with what is included.
- Ask where the waste goes.
Moving and clearing together
Some companies offer both. Ask for both in your quote. See also downsizing and moving out when selling.
Compare up to 5 removal quotes and see which companies cover your route.
Frequently asked questions
Is house clearance the same as removals?
No. Removals move things to a new home, and clearance takes things away.
Do I need a licensed company?
Removal companies that carry waste in England should be registered as waste carriers. Ask to see it.
Can clearance be done in a day?
Often yes, for smaller homes. Ask the company for an estimate.
Related guides
Why clear before you move
Everything you move costs money, takes time and needs space in the new home. A clearance before the move reduces the volume, which often means a smaller vehicle and a shorter job. It also makes packing, viewing a home for sale and the first week in a new home much easier. Starting with a sort-out three to six weeks ahead gives you time to sell, donate and dispose of things in a sensible way.
A simple plan
- Measure and decide. Know the space you are moving to.
- Sort in rounds. One room at a time, with piles for keep, sell, donate and dispose.
- Sell. Furniture and electronics can be sold online or through a dealer. Allow time for buyers to collect.
- Donate. Charity shops, furniture banks and community groups collect larger items, with notice.
- Dispose. Use your council's bulky waste collection or recycling centre, or a clearance company. See house clearance.
- Keep a record. Note what has gone, so that your final removal list is accurate.
Choosing a clearance company
- Check that it is registered as a waste carrier. In England you can check the register on GOV.UK.
- Ask for a written quote with the price, what is included and where the waste goes.
- Be careful with cash-only companies and prices that look too low.
- Keep the receipt or waste transfer note.
What to do with items of value
For antiques, jewellery, art and collections, get a valuation before you clear. Keep important documents, photographs and personal papers with you. If you are clearing after a bereavement, take your time and check who has the right to deal with the estate. This is general information, not legal advice.
Combine the clearance and the removal
If a company offers both, ask for one quote that covers the clearance and the removal, and compare it with separate quotes. See downsizing, what removal companies will not move and how to save money when you move house.
Common questions
When should I clear my home before a move?
Three to six weeks before is a good guide, so you have time to sell and donate items.
How do I know a clearance company is legal?
Ask for its waste carrier registration, check it on the official register and keep a receipt.
Can the removal company take away what I do not need?
Some companies offer this as an extra. Ask when you request quotes.
Clearing and disposal
