You have probably encountered situations where you wanted to move out of an old house but were stuck with the problem of disposing of unwanted furniture and other items accumulated over the years. This is a situation practically everyone faces at least once in their life, which is why house clearance has become so important in property management.
We understand how stressful it can be when trying to figure out how much is a house clearance cost. That is why we have compiled this article to provide you with all the information you need to evaluate your clearing needs and understand what factors influence the cost of a house clearance. Read on to find all the answers you seek!
The topics discussed in this article include:
- What Factors Influence the Cost of a House Clearance?
- Understanding Different Types of House Clearances
- Average Cost of House Clearance in 2023
- Specific Costs Related to House Clearance
- How to Estimate Your House Clearance Needs
- How to Choose a House Clearance Company
- The Process of House Clearance
- How To Save Money on House Clearance
- The Impact of Clutter on House Clearance Cost
- House Clearance Costs for Land Preparation
- Experience with Clear it Out House Clearance Service
By the end of this article, you will know everything there is to know about house clearance and be well-equipped to proceed with your project cost-effectively and seamlessly.
So let’s get started!
What Factors Influence the Cost of a House Clearance?
The cost of a house clearance can be influenced by several key factors:
The size of the property plays a significant role in determining the overall house clearance prices. Larger properties typically require more labour and time to clear, which can increase the price.
The quantity and type of items to be cleared also contribute to the overall cost. For instance, clearing a full van load of general household waste might be less expensive than removing a few bulky or hazardous items. This is due to additional fees that may apply for proper disposal according to waste disposal regulations and potentially higher labour costs.
Moreover, any additional services required can add to the house clearance price. If you engage a house clearance company that offers cleaning or recycling services after the clearance, this will impact the final bill. Even factors like garage clearance or skip hire costs can affect the overall pricing.
So, it is important to understand different types of house clearance and the cost factors involved to estimate your budget accurately.
Understanding Different Types of House Clearances
House clearance may vary significantly based on the complexity of the task at hand. Here are some common types of house clearances you should be aware of:
Small Clearance
This typically involves clearing a small amount of furniture, appliances or other household items from a property. The cost for a small clearance will depend on the specific items involved and the time it takes to complete the job. This type of clearance is often suitable for a furnished house purchased with minimal items left behind by the previous owner. It’s also ideal for smaller house clearances where perhaps only a small one-bedroom flat clearing is needed. The final cost will often be charged £100 – £400.
Medium Clearance
A medium clearance usually involves a more substantial volume of items, potentially including hazardous waste, that needs to be disposed of responsibly according to the Environment Agency guidelines. This could be for a typical two bedroom flat, including furniture, electrical items, and personal effects. The average cost for such a clearance is around £400 – £800 which is usually higher than a small clearance due to the larger van load, more labour involved, and potentially higher disposal costs.
Large Clearance
Large clearances often involve clearing a 3/4 bedroom house. This type of clearance may require local clearance specialists due to the sheer volume of clearance items. Large clearances can even encompass services like removing large or heavy items. The cost here will be significantly higher due to the increased labour, larger van load, and the potential need for specialist services. So you can probably estimate £800 – £1500+.
Extra Large Clearance
Extra Large Clearance involves managing substantial properties, such as hoarded properties, large properties with outbuildings, garage clearance, and expansive lofts. In situations like these, the clearance experts handle a lot of stuff skillfully, even big and heavy things. Because the work is harder, they use bigger vans and might need special help, which is why the cost for these thorough clear-outs is usually between £1500 and £3000 or more.
In all these cases, the total price quoted by clearance companies should include all relevant costs so there are no surprises when the final bill comes. But, generally, we can estimate the average cost of a house clearance will depend on the task’s size, type, and complexity.
Average House Clearance Cost in 2023
It isn’t easy to provide an accurate estimate for the cost of a house clearance since it depends on so many factors, such as the size of the property and the type of items that need to be cleared. However, as mentioned above, according to industry experts, the average cost of house clearance in 2023 can be roughly categorised into four groups:
- Small Clearance – £100 – £400
- Medium Clearance – £400 – £800
- Large Clearance – £800 – £1500
- Extra Large Clearance – £1500 – £3000
These are just rough estimates, and the actual costs may vary depending on factors like the size of the property, type of items to be cleared, complexity of clearance tasks, distance travelled for disposal purposes, etc. It’s also important to note that additional services such as cleaning or recycling may incur extra charges.
Specific Costs Related to House Clearance
House clearance isn’t just about disposing of unwanted items; it also involves various other services that come with their own set of costs. Here are some specific clearance services and associated costs:
Carpet Cleaning
This service involves the deep cleaning of carpets in a house, which could add to the overall house clearance costs. In the UK, professional carpet cleaning can cost approximately £50 per room. But, it depends on the size and condition of the carpet.
Basic End of Tenancy/Pre Sale Clean
A thorough property cleaning before the clearance can be an additional service offered by house clearance companies. This service involves creating a clean and orderly environment for the upcoming residents. The price for this service can vary based on the size and condition of the property, but you could expect to pay around just £195 to £395.
Removal of Heavy Items
Disposing of large items such as furniture or appliances can increase clearance costs due to the extra labour required. The cost for heavy item removal can range from £55 to £150, depending on the item’s size and weight.
Garden Clearance
Clearing a garden involves removing waste, old furniture, or other unwanted items. The average cost for garden clearance services in the UK is typically around £250 to £800, depending on the size and state of the garden.
Skip Hire
If a large amount of waste needs to be disposed of, hiring a skip may be necessary. The cost of skip hire can vary based on the skip size and hire duration, but on average, you could expect to pay between £200 to £600.
Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Some items, like electrical equipment or certain types of paint, are considered hazardous and must be disposed of per Environment Agency regulations. The cost of hazardous waste disposal can vary widely depending on the type and quantity of waste, but it could be £50 or more per item.
Remember, when choosing a professional house cleaning company, estimating your house clearance needs is essential, or else you might end up paying too much for services you don’t need.
How to Estimate Your House Clearance Needs
Below are some tips you can follow to help you estimate the size of your clearance job:
Tips on assessing the scale of your clearance job
- Make a list of all items that need to be cleared and classify them by type – furniture, electrical appliances, hazardous materials, etc.
- Measure the area in the house or garden that needs to be cleared and calculate the volume needed for disposal.
- Take photographs or make sketches of the area that needs to be cleared.
- Estimate the number of hours or days it will take to complete the clearance job.
- Take into account any access restrictions, such as narrow staircases or poor lighting, and determine if specialist skills and equipment are needed.
- If you’re considering disposing of valuable items, research the estimated resale value at auction houses.
How to avoid unnecessary costs
You should also avoid any additional costs that may be incurred by hiring a professional house clearance company. To do this:
- Look for clearance companies that offer a ‘No Obligation Quote’ and get an estimate of the total house clearance cost before committing.
- Ask if the company offers discounts for multiple items, larger bulky items, or hazardous materials.
- Check if the company is registered with any local waste disposal authority and make sure they are environmentally responsible.
- Make sure the company has a valid VAT registration number and a Waste Carrier License.
- Ask if there are any additional fees, such as for carpet cleaning or recycling services.
By doing so you can ensure that you get a fair price for your clearance services and avoid any additional costs.
How to Choose a House Clearance Company
Once you have estimated your house clearance needs, the next step is to find a reliable and professional house clearance company. Here are some tips for choosing the right House Clearance Company:
What to look for in a reputable house clearance companies
As mentioned earlier, always look for a company with a valid Waste Carrier License and VAT registration number, as this will ensure that all clearance work is carried out responsibly and legally.
Also, look for a company that offers professional house clearance services at affordable prices. Some companies offer discounts for larger jobs or for items that can be recycled. It’s also advisable to look for clearance companies with a good reputation and customer reviews. You should also make sure the company provides full insurance so that you’re covered in case of any unforeseen problems during the clearance process.
Questions to ask before hiring
Here are some questions you can ask to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money:
- How much does house clearance typically cost?
- What services do they offer?
- Are there any additional fees or charges, such as for carpet cleaning or recycling services?
- Does the company provide a full van load of items removed from the property in one go?
- Does the company have a VAT registration number?
- What is the company’s Waste Carrier License?
- Are there any restrictions on access, such as restricted access to upper floors or stairs?
- Is fly-tipping prohibited, and what measures are taken to avoid it?
- Will the company provide proof of disposal for all waste collected from your property?
- What methods are used for disposing of all the waste?
By asking these questions, you will ensure that you get a fair price and professional service from your house clearance provider.
Understand quotations and contracts
After choosing the professional house clearance service for your needs, make sure you fully understand the quotation and contract before signing. Read through all of the terms and conditions carefully and ask any questions if necessary. If it’s an online service, make sure you read through their privacy policy as well
Finally, remember to follow up regularly with them throughout the process to ensure everything goes smoothly. With these steps, you can be sure to find the right house clearance company for your needs.
The Process of House Clearance
Once you choose the right House Clearance Company, they will begin to clear your property. But, before any clearance begins, it’s important to understand what the process entails.
Step 1: Preparing the Property
The first step in the house clearance process is to prepare the property for clearing. This includes removing any loose items and personal belongings that you don’t want to be taken away, as well as any furniture and large items that need to be removed.
Step 2: Sorting & Recycling Items
The next step is sorting and recycling items. This includes sorting through the items for reuse, repair, or recycling. The company may also take some items to an auction house to be sold.
Step 3: Disposing of Hazardous Materials
The third step is disposing of any hazardous materials that need to be taken away. Examples include asbestos, lead paint, gas bottles, solvents, and chemicals. A professional house clearance provider will be able to dispose of these materials in an appropriate manner safely.
Step 4: Waste Collection & Disposal
The fourth step is waste collection and disposal. Depending on the size of the load, a large van may be needed for this task. The company should provide proof of disposal for all collected waste.
Step 5: Cleaning & Restoration
The final step is cleaning and restoration. This may include carpet cleaning or repainting the walls; it all depends on your specific requirements. Once the property has been cleared and cleaned, it should be left neat and tidy, ready to move in again.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your house clearance goes smoothly and the property is left clean and safe.
The Impact of Clutter on House Clearance Cost
Clutter and disorganisation can have a significant impact on house clearance costs. When clearing out a property, removing items is much more difficult if they are scattered around the home in a disorganised way. This means that it may take longer for the house clearance services provider to complete the job and require additional labour costs or larger vans to accommodate the extra items.
The property may sometimes need additional cleaning services if it is particularly cluttered or dirty. All of these factors can increase the total cost of house clearance, so it’s important to take steps to manage clutter before the process begins.
By decluttering, organising, and tidying up the home before a house clearance, you can help keep costs down while ensuring that all of the necessary items are removed. This will also make it easier for the providers to access areas with restricted access or tight staircases, which can help reduce additional fees.
How to Save Money on House Clearance
Here are some more tips on how you can get the best value for your money:
- Shop around and get quotes from a few different house clearance companies before making your decision. This will help you find the most cost-effective option.
- Consider hiring a skip or arranging a waste collection directly with your local council instead of using a house clearance company. Skip hire typically costs less, but bear in mind that you may need to arrange for a permit from the council if you don’t have access to an area and recycling station.
- Ask the house clearance company about discounts for larger jobs or items that can be recycled.
- Consider selling items of value at an auction house or second-hand store. This could help you offset some of the costs.
- Look for companies like Clear It Out that offer fair prices and a transparent total price so there are no surprises when it comes to paying the bill.
Experience with Clear it Out House Clearance Service
Clear it Out is a professional house clearance service provider that offers exceptional services for those seeking out the right solution for their needs. We offer competitive prices and clear communication throughout the entire process, so our customers can rest assured that they are getting the best value for their money.
In addition, Clear it Out prides itself on being friendly and professional. We make sure that all our staff are fully trained and experienced in the house clearance process to ensure that your property is cleared efficiently and safely. We also understand the importance of providing excellent customer service, which is why we offer free advice and guidance throughout the process. You can even check out our customer testimonials at reviews.io to understand how satisfied our clients are with our services.
We prioritise customer satisfaction above all else, so you can trust that you are getting the best house clearance services from Clear it Out.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you with your house clearance needs.
Wrap Up
House clearance can be a stressful and costly process, but with careful planning and the right company to handle it, you can ensure that your property is cleared efficiently and at minimal cost.
We hope this article has helped to provide a clearer understanding of the house clearance process and how much it can cost.
With Clear It Out, you can make this process easier and cost-effective because we provide unbeatable customer service and competitive prices. So, if you’re looking for house clearance services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. We are here to help!
Get a quote now to learn more about how we can help you with your property needs.