Being an executor often means taking on a long list of unfamiliar tasks at a time of grief, and a house full of belongings is usually near the top. Our probate house clearance service is designed for executors, solicitors and estate agents who need a property emptied reliably, with minimal fuss and clear communication throughout.
Who we work with
We regularly help three groups, and we adapt how we work for each.
- Executors and family members who want a respectful, well-organised clearance without doing it all themselves.
- Solicitors and probate practitioners who need a dependable contractor to recommend to clients.
- Estate agents preparing a property for photographs, viewings or a quick sale.
Whoever instructs us, we keep the people involved informed, and we are happy to talk directly with a solicitor or agent as well as the family.
A note on the legal side
We are a clearance company, not legal advisers, so we can only offer general guidance here. Rules about what you can do with an estate's contents, and when, depend on the circumstances. For authoritative information, please see the official GOV.UK guidance on wills, probate and inheritance, and speak to the solicitor handling the estate if you have one. Many executors prefer to confirm the position, and to photograph or inventory valuable items, before any clearance begins.
Keys, access and the day itself
If you cannot be at the property, we can collect keys from your solicitor, estate agent or a neighbour and return them once the house is cleared. That removes the need for anyone to travel, which matters when executors live across the country.
We like at least 48 hours' notice, although most clients book a week or two ahead once the timeline is clear. If a sale or completion date brings things forward, call us and we will try to help. We aim to arrive at 9am, and a regular three-bedroom house usually takes about three to four hours.
We clear whatever is needed, including food from the cupboards. Where appliances have standard connections we can disconnect them, and we can lift carpets if the property is to be left bare. Our step-by-step process is set out on the how it works page.
Paperwork, valuables and keepsakes
For an estate, the contents matter as much as the empty rooms. We can sort and set aside paperwork, photographs, valuables and keepsakes, so they are kept apart for the executor to deal with. If something looks important, we will not bin it. We would always rather ask than assume.
Responsible disposal and charity donations
Executors sometimes worry about where a person's belongings end up. We sort everything. Usable furniture and goods are donated to charity or reused, metals and other materials are recycled, and the remainder goes to licensed recycling centres and waste facilities. We support Children North East, Barnardo's, St Oswald's Hospice, Butterwick Hospice, the British Heart Foundation and Mind. Whichever company you use, it is wise to check that they are a licensed waste carrier. We are happy to show our waste carrier details on request. Learn more on our responsible disposal page.
Probate properties are often empty for months and can be cold, damp or neglected. Others are full to the ceiling. Neither is a problem for us, and we deal with every house without comment. Before the day, we can confirm the date, arrival time and who is holding the keys by message, so that everyone involved, including a solicitor or agent, knows the plan. Afterwards we let you know once the house is empty and the keys are on their way back.
Pricing, coverage and related services
Our pricing is simple and covers staff wages, fuel and recycling-centre fees. Our vans each hold about 1.5 tonnes, roughly the same as four 8-yard builder's skips, and a second load costs 50% of the fee if a property needs more than one trip. Free quotes can be given from photos sent by WhatsApp, which suits executors who are not local. Details are on our pricing page.
We cover the whole of the North East, including Newcastle, Durham City, Darlington, Middlesbrough and Morpeth.
If the family needs a gentler, more personal approach, read about our bereavement house clearance. For the wider service, see full and partial house clearance. Solicitors may also find our frequently asked questions useful.
To arrange a quote, call 07898 719 509 or send photos of the property by WhatsApp. It is free, there is no obligation, and we are glad to speak with solicitors and agents directly.
