How a house clearance works, step by step
Here is what happens from the moment you get in touch to the moment we hand back the keys, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
Five simple steps
Get in touch
Call, text or email and tell us a little about the property: where it is, roughly how much needs to go, any stairs or access issues, and when you would like the work done. There is no pressure and no obligation at this stage.
Free survey or photo quote
For many jobs, a handful of photos or a short video of each room is enough for us to price the work. For larger homes, or where things are hard to judge, we arrange a visit at a time that suits you or your key-holder.
Agree a date
Once you are happy with the quote, we fix a day that works around you, a solicitor, a letting agent or a tenancy end date. We confirm in writing what is being cleared, what is staying and how we will get access.
Clearance day
We arrive with enough people and van space for the job, protect floors and doorways where needed, and work through the property room by room. Anything marked to keep is left alone, and any papers or personal items we find are set aside.
Sweep-up and paperwork
When the rooms are empty we sweep through and do a final walk-round with you or your contact. Items are taken for reuse, recycling or disposal, and we can provide a written record of the waste we have removed for your files.
A clear process, from start to finish
Most people only clear a house once or twice in their lives, so it is natural to feel unsure about how it all works. Our approach is simple and the same on every job, whether we are emptying a spare bedroom in Acklam or a full family home in Marton. The five steps above give the outline. Below, we explain a little more about each stage and what you can do to help it go smoothly.
Before we arrive
Telling us about the job
The more we know at the start, the more accurate our price will be. Useful details include the number of rooms, whether there is a loft, garage or shed, which floor a flat is on, and whether parking is easy. If there are bulky things such as a piano, a large wardrobe or a fridge freezer, mention them too. Do not worry if you are not sure about everything; we can fill in the gaps when we look.
Photos, video or a visit
Photos work well for smaller jobs. Stand in a doorway and take a picture of each wall, and open a cupboard or two so we can see what is inside. A slow video walk-round on your phone is even better. If the property is large, very full, or you simply prefer to meet in person, we will come and look. You or a key-holder can show us round, and we will talk through what you want to happen.
Setting things aside
Before clearance day, please remove or clearly label anything you want to keep. A few coloured stickers, a closed room or a note on the door all work well. If you are an executor, it is sensible to check with the solicitor or other beneficiaries before items leave the house. GOV.UK has helpful guidance on applying for probate and dealing with an estate.
On the day
We aim to arrive at the agreed time and start with a quick walk-round to confirm the plan. Then we work methodically, usually starting with the rooms furthest from the door so the route out stays clear. Heavy items are carried carefully, and we take extra care on stairs and in narrow hallways.
As we go, we sort. Furniture and household goods in good condition are put to one side for reuse. Metal, wood, cardboard and electrical items are kept apart for recycling. Anything left goes for disposal. Our page on how we handle reuse and recycling explains where things end up.
If we come across letters, bank statements, photographs, cash or jewellery, we stop and put them in a safe place for you. It happens more often than you might think, especially in homes that have been lived in for decades.
After the clearance
Once every room is empty, we give the floors a sweep and check cupboards, loft hatches and outbuildings one last time. If you are on site, we walk round together. If not, we can send photos of the finished rooms. We can also give you a written note of the waste we have taken away, which can be useful for landlords, executors and businesses who need a record.
Who we often work with
Many jobs are arranged by someone other than the homeowner. We regularly fit around:
- families clearing the home of a relative who has died or moved into care
- executors and solicitors managing an estate
- landlords and letting agents preparing a property to relet
- people who are downsizing or moving abroad
If you need a particular kind of help, our pages on clearing a home after a bereavement and clearing rented property at the end of a tenancy go into more depth. If you would like to understand cost before you call, see our explanation of clearance pricing.
Ready to start?
Ring 07795 006 891 or email hello@middlesbroughhouseclearance.co.uk with a few details and, if you can, some photos. We will reply with a free quote and answer any questions you have. You can also use our contact page to send a message.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a house clearance take?
A single room or garage can often be cleared in a few hours. A typical two or three bedroom house is usually done in a day, while larger or very full homes may need two days. Access, stairs and how much sorting is needed all play a part. We will give you an idea of timing when we quote.
Can you quote without visiting?
Yes, for many jobs. Clear photos or a short video of each room, plus details of any loft, garage or outbuildings, are often enough for an accurate price. If the photos leave too much guesswork, we will suggest a visit so that the quote you get is one we can stick to.
What should I keep aside before you arrive?
Anything you want to keep or that may matter to an estate: documents, photographs, jewellery, keys, items promised to family and anything of sentimental value. Label or remove them before the day. If you are short of time, tell us and we will watch out for papers and personal items as we work.
Do you clean the property afterwards?
We sweep the floors and leave the rooms tidy and empty, but we do not offer a deep or professional clean. If a landlord or buyer needs the property cleaned to a set standard, you may want to book a cleaner for after we have finished.
Can someone else let you in on the day?
Yes. Many clearances are arranged with a neighbour, solicitor, letting agent or relative holding the keys. We agree the access details and the list of what stays in advance, and once the work is done we lock up and return the keys however you have asked.
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Ready for a free, no-obligation quote?
Send a few photos or tell us about the property and we will come back to you with a clear price.