Where’s the job?

Overview

• Residential house clearance involves the effective removal, sorting and disposal of unwanted items, furniture, and general debris from a property. It is ideal for decluttering estates, dealing with inherited properties or preparing for a sale.

• Skill level: 3 / 5 (requires good organisation, basic manual handling and decision-making skills).

• Typical duration: 1 – 3 days dependent on property size and volume of items.

Safety First

• Wear suitable protective equipment such as gloves, safety boots and masks when handling debris or potentially hazardous materials.

• Always practise safe manual handling techniques – lift with your legs, not your back – and use lifting aids where necessary.

• Be cautious of sharp objects, broken glass or residual chemicals that might be present.

• If items appear unstable or if there is potential exposure to asbestos, consult professional advice immediately.

Tools & Materials

Step-by-Step

1. Survey the property to assess the volume and type of items needing clearance.

2. Prioritise areas – clear rooms systematically, starting with living spaces, then kitchens and external areas.

3. Sort items into categories: keep, sell/donate, recycle or dispose – make use of clear labelling.

4. Dismantle or break down large items and furniture where safe to manage space and ease removal.

5. Dispose of hazardous items — batteries, chemicals or old appliances — according to local authority regulations.

6. Clean up residual debris and prepare the property for final inspection.

7. Carry out a final review ensuring all areas are clear and the property is secure.

Completion Checks

• Confirm all unwanted items have been removed and the property is clutter-free.

• Check that hazardous materials have been disposed of safely and documentation for recycling or donation is in order.

• Ensure the property is left clean, secure and ready for its next phase.

• Final walk-through confirms all areas comply with clearance standards.

When to Call a Pro Instead

If your clearance includes large, heavy antiques, asbestos-containing materials, or otherwise requires specialised handling and disposal, hiring a professional clearance expert can ensure legal compliance, safety and efficiency.