Your Job – House Clearance

This page explains what happens on a house clearance and what affects the time it takes. It sits alongside the quote we have sent you. For a general description of the service, see our House Clearance page.

The early start

We aim to arrive as early as the agreed arrangements allow, so that we get the full day on the job. That often means the school run and morning rush hour, with residents' cars still parked outside. If you or the property's key holder can tell us the earliest time we can get in, we plan the day around it.

Parking and carry distance

Before we lift anything, we look at where the van can go. Loading at the front door is quick. If we have to park further along the road and carry everything down the street, every load takes longer, and a long carry can add real time to a large job. It is one of the biggest reasons two properties of the same size can take different amounts of time.

What we check at the survey

• Parking restrictions outside and nearby, including permits, time limits and bays
• Gates and paths, and whether the van can pull up close to the door
• Steps, both at the front of the property and inside it
• How far we have to carry things between the rooms and the van
• Stairs, narrow doorways and landings that bulky furniture has to get through

If you can send photographs of the front of the property and any awkward access, that helps us survey it more fully. You can arrange a free survey or call us on 0151 733 3355.

When we arrive

We unload our equipment and prepare the work area first, protecting what needs protecting and making a clear route to the van. We then work through the property in order, clearing the clutter and separating the contents as we go, so that items for reuse, items for recycling and items for disposal are not mixed together.

Valuables and personal items

A drawer, envelope or box that looks like rubbish can hold photographs, paperwork, jewellery or other valuables. If there is something you are hoping we will find, tell us before the day, and say where you think it might be. Anything of this kind that we come across is set aside and kept safe for return to you. See also Valuables & Personal Items.

Charity and reuse

Suitable items are sorted for charity where they are accepted. Reuse keeps usable items out of the waste stream and reduces what has to be disposed of. We take the expected savings in waste processing into account at the survey and quote, and pass them on to you. For more, see our charity donations.

What can change the job

• Dismantling bulky furniture. Wardrobes, beds and large units that will not fit through doors or round corners have to be taken apart first, which adds time.
• Restricted access. Limited parking, a long carry, steps or a narrow stairwell all slow the work.
• Items added after the survey. If more is added to the job after we have surveyed, such as another room, the loft or the garage, tell us as early as you can so we can confirm the effect on the quote.

Ready to go ahead?

Arrange a free survey or return to Your Job to see the other services.