Why there is no set price list
We are often asked for a standard price for clearing a house. The honest answer is that two homes of the same size can be very different jobs. A tidy two-bedroom terrace with a few pieces of furniture is nothing like a two-bedroom house with a full loft, a packed garage and a back yard stacked with old timber. Rather than quote a figure that might not fit, we look at the actual job and price it fairly. Below are the things we take into account.
The main factors that affect cost
How much there is to remove
Volume is the biggest single factor. Disposal and recycling sites charge by weight and type, and a fuller house means more trips, more van space and more time loading. A rough idea of how full each room is helps a great deal. Do not forget lofts, sheds, garages, cellars and gardens, as these often hold far more than people expect.
Access and stairs
Carrying a wardrobe down a wide staircase into a driveway is quicker than taking it down three flights in a block with no lift. Narrow hallways, tight turns, steep loft ladders and long walks from the door to the van all add time. If a terraced house has a usable back lane with rear access, that can make things easier.
Parking
Being able to park close to the door saves a lot of carrying. Streets with permit zones, yellow lines or very little space can slow things down. If there is a drive, a private space or a nearby car park we can use, please let us know.
The type of items
Some things cost more to dispose of properly. Fridges and freezers, mattresses, televisions, sofas and other upholstered furniture, tyres and gas bottles often need separate handling. Paint, chemicals, asbestos and other hazardous materials need specialist treatment, and in some cases we may need to advise you to use a specialist contractor. Tell us about anything unusual so the quote reflects it.
Items with resale value
Good-quality furniture, working appliances, tools, collectables and scrap metal can sometimes have enough value to bring the overall cost down. Where that is the case, we will say so and take it into account. If an estate is involved, executors should think about whether valuable items need to be valued or sold separately before any clearance takes place.
How quickly you need it done
If you have a fixed deadline, such as a tenancy end date or a house sale completion, we will do what we can to meet it. We can often fit urgent jobs in, but very short notice may mean bringing in extra help, which can affect the price. Flexible dates usually give you the best value.
How much sorting is needed
Some clients want everything to go. Others need us to search carefully for paperwork, sort items into keep, donate and dispose piles, or leave certain rooms untouched. Careful sorting takes longer, and the quote will reflect that, but it is often time well spent.
Getting an accurate quote
The more we can see, the closer our price will be to the final bill. There are three ways to help us:
- Photos. Take a picture of each room from the doorway, plus inside wardrobes and cupboards. Include the loft, garage and garden if they need clearing.
- A short video. Walk slowly through the property on your phone, talking us through what is going and what is staying.
- A visit. For bigger or more complex jobs, we will come and look in person at no cost.
Our quotes are free and carry no obligation. If something on the day turns out to be very different from what we were shown, we will check with you first rather than carry on and add to the bill. You can read more about the process in our step-by-step clearance guide.
What is included in our price
Unless we agree otherwise, a quote from us covers:
- labour to carry out and load everything agreed
- the van and fuel
- sorting for reuse, recycling and disposal
- disposal and recycling site charges
- a final sweep of the cleared rooms
- a written record of the waste removed, if you need one
We explain how waste is handled on our page about responsible disposal and recycling.
A word on very cheap offers
If a price seems far lower than everyone else's, it is worth asking where the waste is going. Householders have a legal duty of care to give their waste solely to a registered carrier, and if it is later fly-tipped you could be held responsible. The register of waste carriers kept by the Environment Agency is free to search. A reputable clearance service should be happy to give you its registration details if you ask.
Ask us for a price
Whether it is a full house clearance, a single garage or a few large items, send us some photos on 07795 006 891 or by email and we will send back an honest quote.
