House clearance, with clear decisions about every item
A property may need to be cleared after a move or bereavement. Start by agreeing which belongings will be kept and who is authorised to decide about the rest.
- Keep, move or remove
- One contact for decisions
- Agree where belongings will go
- Handover based on the agreed work
What to share with your request
- The address, access arrangements and preferred handover date.
- An overview or photos of the rooms and remaining belongings.
- Destinations for items that will be kept.
- A specific description of the required final condition.
Separate belongings to keep from items to remove
Use a list or labels for items going to another address, into storage or for removal. Keep documents, photographs and personal belongings separate until the decisions are clear.
Emptying a property and preparing it for handover are different tasks. Describe the condition required by the owner or landlord and have the work specified separately. Cleaning and work on floors or walls are not automatically part of a clearance.
Keep decisions connected to the work
- 01
Appoint a contact
Have one person collect decisions and communicate changes. Identify undecided items before anything is removed.
- 02
Confirm each destination
Specify what stays and what goes to which location. Discuss disposal and any additional work separately.
- 03
Check the agreed handover
Review the rooms against the tasks in the assignment. Note outstanding points before handing the property over.
House clearance questions
Can some belongings be delivered to family?
Include that in your request. Identify the items and delivery addresses so the additional journeys can be discussed.
Will everything be thrown away?
Destinations need to be agreed beforehand. Removal of all belongings is not assumed. Clearly identify anything to be kept.
Can you meet a landlord’s handover requirements?
Share the requirements before making an arrangement. The work and its feasibility need to be assessed; a landlord’s approval cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Set out the clearance you need
Share photos of the rooms and describe what should stay, move or be removed. Include the required handover condition.