Sometimes the stuff just has to go. Perhaps you’re clearing out a lot of things to prepare for a move. At other times, bereavement or loss can prompt the need for house clearance. Whatever the cause, when you need to get rid of many things all at once, a house clearance service is your best bet.

How does house clearance work?

HOUSE CLEARANCE BASICS

The house clearance company takes away the designated items and tries to do three things with them:

1. The best result for you and the house clearance firms is to sell the items. The house clearance company will buy the items from you and sell them to a shop, an auction house, or directly to customers.
2. The next best thing occurs when house clearance companies take items to local recycling centers. A good clearance company registers with the environment agency and has a permit to recycle items locally.
3. Finally, if neither of those options is available, then the house clearance company will take the items to a registered waste facility.

The house clearance firm should take away all the waste items, rubbish, furniture, light bulbs, and things you no longer want. You should be left with a clean house or room.

HOW DO HOUSE CLEARANCES WORK ON THE DAY?

We can break the house clearance process down into three phases: before, during, and after. Each phase has just a few important details to keep in mind.

• Before the house clearance, you should compare firms. Try to look for house clearance services that have an excellent reputation. You can look for details such as a VAT registration number, a waste collection registration, and a working telephone number. These sound simple, but they separate the good firms from the cowboys.
• Before the house clearance, take time to remove anything you want to keep. Antiques, photos, jewelry, ornaments, and other personal effects might have sentimental value for you. Box them up and keep them for a while. You can always donate them to charities later if you choose.
• During the house clearance, the firm should remove the designated items. They should remove any waste, furniture, and rubbish you have designated. Appliances, such as fridges, freezer, and TVs, can also be removed. Some firms may use a skip during house clearances to collect things to take to the tip.
• During the house clearance, note the firm’s phone number and ensure they are a qualified waste carrier. Unscrupulous waste carriers dump furniture and rubbish. You could be liable for any fly-tipping penalties if your belongings are dumped illegally.
• After they finish the property clearance, you can check the resale value of your goods and ensure you receive the correct funds owed you, if any. It’s also polite to leave reviews with your opinion about the business and service you received.

This rough plan should see you through your house clearance.

Most people only require a house clearance once or twice in their lives. This leaves many questions. Here are some top questions and answers.

DO HOUSE CLEARANCES TAKE EVERYTHING?

Yes, a good house clearance firm should take everything. They can take household goods to a recycling center or to a landfill for disposal. Household items can be sold to a charity shop instead of recycling.

There may be a need for specialists if the removal is unique. The quote and sale of many antiques might require a specific expert. Hazardous materials might need a specific solution and the work of specialists to clear correctly.

However, the general answer is yes, house clearances take everything.

HOW CAN I EARN MONEY FROM HOUSE CLEARANCE?

It is possible to get paid for house clearance. If selling on your old items or disposing of the belongings of a deceased loved one is too difficult for you, then house clearance businesses can do this job for you. They will dispose of the negatives – clutter, recyclables, and junk – for a fee. They can also sell positives – valuable content – to shops for payment. If the value of the positives is greater than the amount needed to dispose of the negatives, then you will get paid.

Ensure you get a quote and information before the job about the prices of the items. Any valuation will help you later if there is a problem.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE A HOUSE CLEARANCE?

You can follow the plan outlined above. There may be a few other factors such as:

• Probate valuations in the case of a will or estate.
• Solicitors’ fees may be incurred if legal issues arise.

Other than these issues, our before, during, and after plan should help you get started. The most important thing is to look for testimonials and recommendations to guide you to an organization you can trust.

DOES BHF CHARGE FOR HOUSE CLEARANCE?

It depends on what you are clearing. If all your items are eligible for resale in their shop, then your house clearance may be free. If BHF has to send some or many of your material to the recycling center or tip, then you will be charged for this. You can read their guide for more information.

HOW CAN YOU SPOT THE COWBOYS?

Many service industries are plagued by cowboy firms who promise the moon but deliver rubbish. Sadly, some of these exist in the world of removals. Here are a few ways to spot them:

• Great firms have permits as waste carriers, insurance to safeguard your property, and full-sized Luton vans to collect your belongings.
• Great firms will give you a quote, offer an invoice, accept payment by bank transfer, and have a privacy policy.
• Great firms show respect for you and your home by their consideration for your neighbors, equipment, and vehicles. They won’t make a mess or leave a mess.

If you come across a firm lacking in one of these, take it as a warning. Just look elsewhere to find a reputable company.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW?

The basic idea of a house clearance is really straightforward: you arrange for someone to collect all the stuff. They collect it and dispose of it on your behalf. If it is valuable, they may pay you. If it is not valuable, then you will pay them for disposal. The process doesn’t have to be complicated.

You should keep a few things in mind, though:

• The firm is acting on your behalf. If they dispose of items illegally, you have full liability for any charges.
• Get multiple quotes from different companies. Costs vary and you might find a good deal by shopping around.
• Anyone can turn up with a van and some guys. Try to look for reputable companies for the right price.

SUMMARY

House clearances are simple in principle but can be difficult in practice. Professional service will ensure you have a good experience and your needs are met.