House clearance involves removing all or most of the contents of a property - furniture, clothing, appliances, personal effects and general household items. It is most commonly required following a bereavement, when someone moves into care, before selling a property or during a significant downsizing.
When is a house clearance needed?
Following a bereavement
The most emotionally demanding reason. Clearing a property after someone has passed away requires a sensitive and respectful approach. Items of sentimental value need to be identified and separated before the main clearance. Relokates approaches bereavement clearances with the care the situation requires.
Moving into care
When someone moves from their home into care, the family often needs to clear the property quickly - particularly if it is being sold to fund care costs. A professional clearance manages the entire process efficiently and respectfully.
Downsizing
Moving from a large family home to a smaller property often requires clearing furniture, appliances and accumulated belongings that will not fit. A house clearance removes everything unwanted in a single operation.
Property sale preparation
Empty properties sell better and photograph better. A clearance before marketing presents the property at its best and avoids the awkward presentation of a property filled with old furniture.
What happens to cleared items?
A responsible clearance company does not simply take everything to landfill. Items in good condition are donated to local charities. Items with resale value are sold through auction or second-hand markets. Only items with no charitable or resale value are disposed of through licensed waste routes. Always ask about a company's donation and disposal policy - it is a meaningful ethical distinction.
How to choose a house clearance company
- Check they are licensed waste carriers - required by law for any company removing items for disposal
- Get a fixed price based on a physical survey, not a phone estimate
- Ask specifically about their donation and disposal policy
- Check reviews - particularly from bereavement clearances which require greatest sensitivity
Walk through the property and set aside or label anything family members want to keep before the clearance team arrives. Once a clearance begins it moves quickly - items that have not been separated can be moved before you have had a chance to review them.
Need a house clearance?
Relokates provides responsible, respectful house clearance across London, Essex, Kent and West Sussex.
House Clearance Service✆ 07359 724844