House Clearance Checklist: Before, During & After
A house clearance goes much more smoothly when the property is prepared before the van arrives. This checklist is designed for ordinary house clearances, moving, landlord jobs, probate and bereavement properties.
Before You Request A Quote
- Walk through every room being cleared.
- Include cupboards, fitted storage and under-stair areas.
- Check the loft, garage, basement, shed and garden.
- Take photos or, preferably, one continuous video.
- Show stairs and lifts.
- Show where a collection vehicle can park.
- Identify mattresses, sofas and upholstered furniture.
- Identify fridges/freezers and large appliances.
- Mention unusually heavy items.
- Mention paint, chemicals, gas bottles or anything unusual.
- Give the postcode and required completion date.
- Decide whether you need a full or partial clearance.
Separate Items You Want To Keep
The safest clearance is one where the crew can instantly see what stays and what goes. If possible, move retained belongings into one clearly marked room that is excluded from the job.
Important items to look for
- Passports and identification
- Wills and probate papers
- Property deeds and tenancy documents
- Bank and pension paperwork
- Jewellery and watches
- Cash and collectible coins
- Photographs and family albums
- Keys and spare keys
- Medication
- Mobile phones, laptops and data devices
- Certificates and sentimental letters
- Items promised to relatives or charities
Decide What Can Be Donated, Sold Or Reused
If you intend to sell valuable furniture or donate usable items, arrange this before the waste clearance where possible. Do not leave important resale decisions until a crew is already loading. The clearance quote should then cover the items that genuinely need removing.
Prepare Access, Keys And Parking
London access can make a major difference to loading time. Check whether there are controlled parking hours, estate gates, concierge rules, loading bays or lift-booking requirements.
- Arrange keys or key-safe instructions.
- Tell the building manager/concierge if required.
- Book a service lift where the building requires it.
- Remove vehicles blocking the loading position.
- Tell the company about yellow lines, permit bays or restricted access.
- Keep hallways and stairways as clear as practical.
Appliances And Utilities
Remove food from fridges/freezers and disconnect appliances only where it is safe and appropriate to do so. If you are leaving the property after the clearance, you may also want final meter readings, utility photographs and a record of the condition of each room.
On The Day Of The House Clearance
- Walk the team around the property before loading begins.
- Point out the excluded keep-room or keep-items.
- Confirm lofts, garages, gardens and outbuildings included in the quote.
- Identify any item not shown in the original photos.
- Make sure access doors and gates stay available.
- If you leave, make sure the team knows who can authorise any change.
After The House Clearance
- Walk through all agreed rooms.
- Check cupboards and storage areas.
- Check garage, loft and garden if included.
- Confirm retained items are still in place.
- Keep your invoice/receipt.
- Take completion photos if the property is being handed over.
- Arrange cleaning or trades if required.
- Return keys to the agent, landlord, buyer or executor as applicable.
House Clearance Checklist For Landlords
Landlords should photograph abandoned items before removal where this is relevant to the tenancy process, confirm who has authority to dispose of them, arrange keys and parking, then schedule clearance before cleaners and decorators. If you are unsure about legal ownership of tenant belongings, take appropriate landlord/legal advice before disposal.
House Clearance Checklist For Executors
Executors should prioritise documents, valuables, items named in a will and anything required for valuation. Once those are separated, the remaining clearance is easier to quote and manage. Our probate house clearance page explains the service in more detail.
