Clearance Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Your House Clearance

1. Walk through every room and decide what stays

This sounds obvious, but it's the step most people skip — and the one that causes the most problems on clearance day. Go room by room and make a clear decision about every item: keep, clear, or unsure.

Anything you're keeping should be moved to one room or area that the clearance team knows is off-limits. Label it clearly — a note on the door saying "DO NOT CLEAR" removes all ambiguity.

2. Remove personal valuables and documents

Before anyone else enters the property, go through every room, drawer, cupboard, and shelf and remove:

• Cash, jewellery, and watches
• Passports, birth certificates, and legal documents
• Family photographs and albums
• Sentimental items — anything irreplaceable
• Bank statements, tax documents, and financial records
• Keys (house, car, safe, storage units)

Don't rely on the clearance team to find and set aside valuables. They'll do their best if you ask, but they're working quickly through potentially hundreds of items. Anything important should be out of the property before clearance day.

3. Check for items that can't be taken

Standard clearance companies can't take certain items — and discovering them on the day wastes everyone's time. Check for:

• Asbestos — common in properties built before 2000 (insulation, floor tiles, pipe lagging). Requires a specialist licensed contractor.
• Paint, solvents, and chemicals — can't go in a general clearance load.
• Gas bottles and cylinders — need to be returned to the supplier or taken to a specialist facility.
• Clinical or medical waste — sharps containers, medicines, etc.

If you find any of these, arrange separate disposal before the main clearance day. Your clearance company may be able to recommend specialist contractors.

4. Separate anything worth donating or selling

Furniture in good condition, working appliances, clean clothes, and books can often be donated to local charities or sold on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. This reduces the volume the clearance company needs to handle — which can lower the cost — and keeps usable items out of waste streams.

Be realistic, though. Charity shops have strict standards (fire labels on upholstery, working condition for electricals, no stains or damage). If an item wouldn't pass, include it in the clearance rather than trying to force a donation.

5. Clear access routes

The clearance team needs a clear path from every room to the front door (or whichever exit they'll use). Before they arrive:

• Open all internal doors and prop them if needed
• Remove anything blocking hallways, stairs, or doorways
• Clear the path from the front door to where the van will park
• Move your car from the driveway if the van needs the space
• If there's a back exit that's easier, make sure it's unlocked and accessible

Every extra minute per trip adds up across a full house clearance. A clear route can genuinely shave an hour or more off the job — and if the company charges by time, that directly affects your bill.

6. Turn off and disconnect appliances

If the clearance includes appliances like washing machines, fridges, dishwashers, or cookers:

• Turn off water supply to washing machines and dishwashers
• Unplug fridges and freezers at least 24 hours before (to defrost)
• Disconnect any gas appliances — this must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Never attempt to disconnect gas appliances yourself. Book an engineer before clearance day if needed.
• Drain washing machines by tilting them slightly to empty residual water

Most clearance teams can handle disconnection on the day, but doing it in advance saves time and avoids potential issues with water or gas supply.

7. Photograph everything (for insurance or records)

Before anything is moved, take photos of every room and its contents. This is useful for:

• Insurance claims — if the clearance is related to flood, fire, or other damage
• Probate — documenting the estate's contents before distribution
• Deposit disputes — if you're a tenant or landlord, photos before and after clearance protect both parties
• Your own records — you may want to remember what was there, especially in a bereavement situation

8. Confirm access arrangements

Make sure the clearance team can actually get in and park:

• Confirm who will be at the property to let them in (or arrange key handover)
• Check parking — is there space for a large van directly outside?
• If there are parking restrictions, resident permits, or loading bay rules, let the company know in advance
• For flats — confirm lift access, intercom codes, and any building management rules about clearance times
• For gated properties — make sure the team has the access code

9. Confirm your clearance company's credentials (before the day)

You should have checked these when booking — but if you haven't, do it now rather than on clearance morning:

• Waste Carrier Licence — check on the Environment Agency register
• Fixed-price quote — confirm the price is agreed and won't change unless the scope changes significantly
• Insurance — public liability insurance protects you if anything is damaged during the clearance

This isn't about being suspicious — it's about protecting yourself. An unlicensed operator who fly-tips your waste leaves you legally responsible.

10. Brief the team clearly on arrival

When the clearance team arrives, spend five minutes walking them through:

• Which rooms to clear and which to leave
• Any items you've decided to keep (point them out or mark them)
• Where the van should park
• Any access issues (narrow hallway, steep stairs, low ceilings)
• Whether you want them to separate items for recycling or donation
• Your phone number in case they need to reach you during the clearance

A clear five-minute briefing prevents the "I thought you wanted that cleared too" conversation later. The clearer your instructions, the faster and smoother the job goes.