Your Job – Commercial Clearance

This page explains what goes into a commercial clearance once you have been quoted. It covers offices, shops, storage areas and commercial units. For a general description of the service, see our Commercial Clearance page.

We survey the contents and the building

Before we decide what crew, vehicle and equipment are needed, we survey the contents and the building. The contents tell us how much there is and what type of material it is. The building tells us how it has to get out: the doors, corridors, lifts and loading areas it has to pass through.

Tools and equipment

Commercial work often needs more than a van and a team. Depending on the job, we bring:

• Screwdrivers and hex keys
• Suitable cutting tools and saws
• Trolleys
• Heavy-duty lifting equipment where needed

Why things may need dismantling

A desk, racking bay or large cabinet may have to be taken apart before it will fit through a door, goods lift or loading area. Items that were assembled in place, or delivered before a doorway was fitted, often cannot leave in one piece. Dismantling takes time and equipment, and we allow for it in the quote.

Access and site arrangements

• Loading bay bookings. Whether the bay has to be booked, for what time and for how long.
• Lift limits. The size and load limit of any goods lift or passenger lift. See Your Job – Flat Clearance for how lifts and building rules affect a job.
• Site opening hours. When we can get in, and when we have to be out.
• Security arrangements. Keys, codes, passes, alarms and who lets us in and locks up.
• Working around other people. Staff, customers and other contractors who may be on site while we work.

What stays, what goes, and what is fixed

We agree what stays and what goes. We also need to know whether anything is fixed to the building, or has to be disconnected by the appropriate trade first, such as fitted electrical or plumbed-in equipment, shop fittings or signage. We do not disconnect items that need a qualified trade. If something has to be disconnected before we start, that needs to be arranged in good time.

Confidential paperwork and data-bearing equipment

Please identify confidential paperwork and data-bearing equipment in advance, such as computers, servers, hard drives, phones and filing. That lets us agree arrangements with you before the day, rather than deciding on site. If we find something we think may be confidential, we set it aside and ask.

What affects the work and the quote

• Access times. Narrow windows, early or late hours, or a bay that is only free for a short slot.
• Weights. Racking, metal cabinets, safes and stock are far heavier than they look.
• Mixed materials. Metal, wood, plastic, electrical items and glass may need separating, and some cost more to dispose of. See why disposal costs vary.
• Handover deadlines. If the unit has to be empty by a set date, such as the end of a lease, agree it with us at the start, so we can plan the days around it.

What to tell us beforehand

• What is staying, what is going and what is fixed to the building
• Loading bay, lift and parking arrangements
• Site opening hours and security arrangements
• Whether staff, customers or other contractors will be on site
• Confidential paperwork and data-bearing equipment
• The handover deadline, and anything that must be disconnected first

Ready to go ahead?

Arrange a free survey or call us on 0151 733 3355. You can also go back to Your Job to see the other services.