House clearance: compare companies for clearing a home or a room
Clearing a property after a bereavement, a sale, a tenancy or a downsize? Know how it works and what to check.
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What house clearance means
House clearance is the removal of the contents of a home, a garage, a loft or a storage unit. Reasons include selling a property, a bereavement and probate, a tenancy ending, downsizing, a renovation, or a hoarded or cluttered property. A good company sorts the contents, keeps items of value, recycles and donates what can be reused, and disposes of the rest legally. It often leaves the property broom clean.
How clearance is priced
Prices depend on the volume of items, the access (floors, stairs, parking), the time needed, whether items need dismantling, and the disposal costs. A company may quote by the vehicle load, by the room or as a fixed price after a visit. Some companies offer a lower price, or even a credit, if the property contains items of value that they can sell, but you should expect a written quote that explains this. Ask for the price in writing and what is included, such as sorting, cleaning, waste disposal fees and VAT.
Check the company is a licensed waste carrier
In England, a business that carries waste must be registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency, and you can check the public register on GOV.UK. A company that cannot show a registration is a risk, because fly-tipped waste can be traced back to the householder. Ask for the registration number and ask where the waste is taken. Keep a receipt or a waste transfer note. Rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ, so check with the relevant environment agency.
Clearance after a bereavement
Clearing the home of someone who has died is emotional and often has legal steps first. Do not clear or sell items until you know who has the right to deal with the estate, and keep papers, jewellery and personal items safe. Take photos and make a list. A sensitive company will give you time and let you choose what to keep. This is general information, not legal advice, so speak to the executor or a solicitor.
Clearing before you move
If you are moving house, clearing first reduces the volume, the cost and the stress. Sort things into keep, sell, donate and dispose. Sell or donate usable items, and book a clearance for what is left. Your removal quote will be lower for a smaller load. See house clearance when moving, downsizing guide and what to do with moving boxes after a move.
What cannot go in a normal clearance
Hazardous items such as asbestos, chemicals, gas bottles, paint, batteries and some electrical items need special handling. Ask the company what it will take and how it deals with them. See what removal companies will not move.
Combine clearance and removal
If you need some things moved to a new home or storage and the rest cleared, ask for one quote for both. Say what you need in your request and the companies can include it. See house removals and storage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does house clearance cost?
It depends on the volume, access and disposal. Ask for a written quote after the company has seen the property or photos.
Do clearance companies pay for valuable items?
Some do, or they reduce the price. Ask for this to be set out in writing, and keep anything you want to be valued separately.
Is house clearance legal if the company has no licence?
In England, carrying waste as a business needs registration as a waste carrier. Check the register and ask for the number.
Can I clear a house myself?
Yes, but it takes time and you must dispose of waste legally, for example at a council recycling centre. For a large property, a company is usually quicker.
Clearing and disposal
