Comparison Guide

DIY vs Professional Clearance: Which is Right for You?

January 2026
8 min read
Clear Space Team
DIY
VS
Professional

Facing a house clearance? You have two main options: roll up your sleeves and do it yourself, or hire professionals. This honest guide weighs up the real costs, time, and effort involved in each approach to help you make the right choice for your situation.

At a Glance Comparison

Factor DIY Clearance Professional
Time Required Days to weeks Hours to 1-2 days
Physical Effort High—heavy lifting None—we do it all
Cost (3-bed house) £300-£800+ £400-£1,200
Hidden Costs Many (see below) All-inclusive quote
Waste Disposal Your responsibility Fully handled
Legal Compliance You must research Licensed & insured
Stress Level High Low

The DIY Approach

Going the DIY route can save money—but only if you account for the true costs involved. Here's what you're really signing up for:

Hidden Costs of DIY Clearance

Van Hire

£50-£150 per day. Multiple trips may be needed for a full house—that's potentially £200-£600.

Tip/Recycling Centre Fees

Many councils now charge for certain waste. Bulky items can cost £20-£50 each. Multiple visits add up quickly.

Skip Hire

A 6-yard skip costs £200-£350. Permit fees extra if on public road. Still need transport for items that won't fit.

Fuel & Mileage

Multiple trips to tips, charity shops, and the new property. Easily £50-£100 in fuel alone.

Time Off Work

A full house clearance takes most people 5-10 days. That's potentially £500-£2,000 in lost earnings.

When DIY Makes Sense

  • Small clearances: Single room or minimal items
  • Plenty of time: No deadline pressure, can work gradually
  • Help available: Friends/family to assist with heavy lifting
  • Good physical health: Able to lift and carry safely
  • Access to transport: Own a van or can borrow one

The Professional Approach

Professional clearance services handle everything—from the initial assessment to the final sweep. Here's what you get:

Speed

Most 3-bed houses cleared in a single day. No weeks of weekend trips to the tip.

No Heavy Lifting

Trained teams handle everything—from pianos to wardrobes. Zero strain on you.

Licensed & Insured

Full waste carrier licence. Public liability insurance. Legal compliance guaranteed.

Eco-Friendly Disposal

Items sorted for recycling, donation, and responsible disposal. We divert 85% from landfill.

Fixed Pricing

One all-inclusive quote. No surprise charges for disposal fees, fuel, or labour.

Clean & Tidy

Property left swept and tidy. Optional deep cleaning service available.

When Professional Makes Sense

  • Full house clearances: Whole property or multiple rooms
  • Time pressure: Property sale, tenancy end, or urgent deadline
  • Bereavement: Emotional circumstances where support helps
  • Mobility issues: Unable to do heavy lifting safely
  • Hazardous items: Asbestos, chemicals, or WEEE requiring specialist handling
  • Distance: Property is far from where you live

Real Cost Comparison: 3-Bed House

DIY True Costs

  • Van hire (3 days)£200
  • Skip hire (6-yard)£280
  • Tip fees & permits£80
  • Fuel£60
  • Pizza & drinks for helpers£50
  • Subtotal (excluding time)£670
  • Lost earnings (5 days)£800+
  • True Total£1,470+

Professional Cost

  • Full clearance service£800
  • LabourIncluded
  • TransportIncluded
  • Disposal feesIncluded
  • Recycling & donationIncluded
  • Total Cost£800
  • Your time spent1-2 hours
  • Completed in1 Day

Quick Decision Guide

Answer these questions honestly:

Do you have 5+ full days available?
Can you safely lift heavy items?
Do you have access to a van/transport?
Are there no hazardous materials involved?
Is your stress tolerance high right now?

If you answered "no" to 2+ questions, professional clearance is likely the better choice.

Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote

See exactly what professional clearance would cost for your property. Compare and decide.

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