A little preparation goes a long way on house clearance day. You do not need to tidy or box everything up, since clearing is our job, but a few simple steps make the day quicker and calmer for everyone. Use this checklist to get ready, whether you are clearing a family home, a rental property or a house you are about to sell.
A week or two before: plan and book
Most clients book a week or two ahead, and we ask for at least 48 hours' notice. If your timeline is shorter, get in touch anyway, as we try to help with urgent situations such as a sudden house sale, though we can never promise a particular date until we have checked the diary.
- Request a free, no-obligation quote. You can send photographs by WhatsApp on 07898 719 509 or use the quote form on our website.
- Decide whether you want the whole property cleared or only certain rooms. Our house clearance service covers both.
- Agree a date, and let us know about anything unusual, such as a loft, garage or garden shed.
Sort what you want to keep
This is the most important step. Walk through each room and decide what stays. Keepsakes, photographs, paperwork, jewellery, cash and valuables should be removed from the property or clearly set aside well before the day. If you would like us to help, we can sort and put aside these items for you, but it is far safer to check the obvious hiding places yourself first: coat pockets, books, handbags, kitchen drawers and the backs of wardrobes.
Label anything that should stay, or move it into a single room that you tell us is off limits. Clear labels prevent mistakes, particularly in busy households where several people have a say.
Check access and parking
Our vans need to get close to the property so the team can carry items out safely. Think about the following:
- Is there parking outside, or will we need to find a space nearby?
- Are there steps, narrow stairs, tight corners or a long path?
- Does a block of flats have a lift, or are there restrictions on moving items at certain times?
- If parking on the road is awkward, is there a neighbour who might be able to help?
Tell us about any restrictions in advance. In flats and terraces in busy places such as Newcastle and Gateshead, a quick word beforehand about access can save time on the day.
Utilities, appliances and the little jobs
You do not need to empty cupboards or the fridge, because we clear whatever you need, including food. If appliances such as washing machines and cookers have standard connections, we can disconnect them. We can also lift carpets if needed, so let us know if that is part of the plan. Make sure the water and electricity are on if you want us to disconnect anything, and mention gas appliances in advance so we know what to expect.
Things worth doing yourself
- Take meter readings if you are leaving the property and need a record.
- Remove anything fixed that you wish to keep, such as light fittings or curtain poles.
- Check the loft, garage and garden for items you need to retrieve.
- Note any items that are on loan or belong to someone else.
Keys, access and who will be there
If you can be present, that is lovely, as it lets you make quick decisions. If you cannot, we can collect keys from your solicitor, estate agent or a neighbour and return them once the house has been cleared. Just make sure the person holding the keys knows our arrival time. We aim to arrive at 9am, and a regular three-bedroom house usually takes about three to four hours to clear, although larger or fuller properties will naturally take longer.
If you are dealing with a very full property, our hoarding clearance service is designed to approach the job sensitively and at the right pace.
What to expect on the day
The team will walk through with you or confirm the plan by phone, then begin loading. Everything is sorted as it goes: usable items are donated to charity or reused, metals and other materials are recycled, and the rest goes to licensed recycling centres and waste facilities. If there are too many items for one van trip, a second load costs 50% of the fee, covering the extra recycling centre costs. Each van holds about 1.5 tonnes, which is roughly the same as four 8-yard builder's skips, so most homes are manageable in one or two loads.
When the job is done, the team will leave the property swept and clear, ready for its next chapter. If you would like more detail on each stage, our how it works page walks through the process,.
Looking after yourself and others on the day
Clearing a home can stir up emotions, even when the job is purely practical. If you plan to be there, bring a drink, wear comfortable clothes and give yourself a quiet spot to sit. If children or pets are at home, it is kinder and safer to arrange for them to be elsewhere while the team carries furniture in and out. Neighbours are also grateful for a friendly heads-up that a van will be outside for a few hours.
A quick final checklist
- Book with at least 48 hours' notice, ideally a week or two.
- Remove or label keepsakes, papers and valuables.
- Tell us about parking, access and any steps or lifts.
- Arrange for keys to be available if you cannot attend.
- Check the loft, garage and garden.
- Keep your phone nearby on the day in case the team has a question.
With these simple steps done, you can relax and let the team do the heavy lifting.
