A house clearance involves the systematic removal of unwanted items from a domestic property, often in preparation for sale, renovation, or simply to declutter. It includes everything from furniture, appliances and carpets to jewellery, artwork and other personal belongings, indeed even garden waste!

The process typically begins with an assessment of the property to identify which items need to be cleared. If a loved one has passed away or moved into care, this task can be even more daunting.

It is crucial to ensure that any and all items of value are identified and appraised before appointing a clearance company, especially if the property forms part of an estate. Not only could hasty decisions be negligent, but there could be serious ramifications with HMRC down the line as well as significant distress for involved parties.

When the clearance of a property arises due to the passing of a loved one, the most prudent approach will be to seek the services of a reputable auction house or an independent valuer who can attend the property and point out items with a reasonable market value. This formal valuation allows beneficiaries to make informed decisions regarding which – if any – items they would like to keep.

Many of us are guilty of “putting things away safely”, only to forget where that “safe place” is…if the deceased was anything like this, a thorough search through all possessions is highly recommended. Cash stored away between the pages of a book or magazine, chests of drawers with a hidden compartment containing a hoard of gold coins, an old sock housing an antique diamond bracelet, there are endless places where treasures could be hidden. Gathering every piece of paper, correspondence, receipt, bill, passports and other documentation is also a worthwhile chore. These can be kept together in a safe place in the event they are needed during the probate process.

When the assessment is complete, the auctioneer can then remove any suitable valuables for sale before the house clearance team comes in. Keep in mind that many auction houses will be able to recommend a house clearance company.

A professional house clearance team will organise and sort through the remaining items. They may categorise them into those that can be reused, recycled, donated to charity, or disposed of responsibly. It’s important to note that reputable clearance companies prioritise environmentally friendly practices by ensuring that as much waste as possible is recycled.

The actual clearance process can vary in duration depending on the size of the property and the volume of items being removed. It is worth asking about time scales and costs before the clearance begins. If the value of items cleared from the property exceeds the cost of the clearance, many companies will pay the difference to the estate/individual. After clearing out unwanted possessions, many services also offer cleaning options to leave the space tidy and ready for its next use.

Overall, a house clearance not only helps in creating a more organised living environment, it also provides peace of mind and support during what can often be an incredibly emotional time.