House clearance is one of those jobs nobody really wants to think about until they have to. Usually, it means a house has got to be cleared out after someone has died, or perhaps someone is moving and can’t take everything with them. Other times, it’s just stuff building up over the years: boxes in the loft, old furniture in the garage, bits you were going to deal with “later” but never did.
Whatever the reason, it is not just about chucking stuff in a van. A proper house clearance takes time, a bit of care, and someone who knows what they’re doing. There are memories in those rooms – even if you’re not keeping the things.
Some people try to do it themselves, but it can be a lot. If you’ve got a full house to go through, it’s heavy going. You might not have the time, or maybe you live too far away. That’s why most people end up getting help with it.
When Do You Need One?
There’s no rule of thumb, but it’s usually required after someone in the family has died. Somebody has to clean out the house, and the next of kin is usually assigned to do it. It’s difficult – you’re grieving, and now you have to sort through everything they ever owned. Some keep a few things; others just want it done quickly. Neither way is easy.
You might also need a clearance if you’re downsizing – like if someone’s going into care and their old home has to be emptied. Or you’ve sold your house and need to get rid of years of built-up junk.
This can happen to a landlord, too, when a tenant disappears or leaves stuff behind. And once in a while, a person just gets fed up with the clutter and wants a clean slate.
What Happens During a Clearance?
Normally, the clearance company will request to view the premises prior to offering a quotation. Sometimes it may be in person, other times just based on photographs taken. The price depends on how much is there and how long it will take. If there is anything of value therein – old furniture, antiques, that type of thing – sometimes they might take a bit off the price.
Once it’s booked in, they’ll come round with a van and start loading. You can be there or just leave them to it, but if there’s anything you definitely want to keep, you should mark it or tell them in advance.
Most of the time, the good firms will try and recycle or give away whatever they can. A lot of it ends up going to charity shops, furniture projects, or scrap yards. Of course, some of it still has to go to the tip – broken bits, damp stuff, that sort of thing.
What Happens to the Stuff?
That depends. If it’s usable, like a clean sofa, a working fridge, or clothes in good nick, it might be donated. Some firms work with charities or secondhand places and know who’ll take what.
If there is something valuable, say, antique furniture or rare bits and pieces, some clearance teams will flag it up and let you know. Others might try to make a quick buck off it – so again, pick your company carefully.
Anything that contains personal information – bank letters, medical papers – should be shredded or otherwise disposed of properly. It’s not something you want ending up in the wrong hands.
A Word About Choosing Whom to Hire
This bit matters more than people think. Not every bloke with a van is doing it legal. Some of them take your money, drive off, and dump the lot in a field. And if the council finds it, well, guess who gets the fine.
So always check they’ve got a waste licence. Ask where the stuff goes. Get the quote in writing. If they won’t give straight answers or seem dodgy, don’t use them.
A proper CleanScene House Clearance team will show up when they say they will, do the job without fuss, and leave the place tidy. That’s it. No drama. No corners cut.
