Preparation Guide

How to Prepare for a House Clearance: Complete Checklist

January 2026
7 min read
Clear Space Team
Plan
Sort
Clear
Done

A little preparation goes a long way in making your house clearance smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you're hiring professionals or tackling it yourself, this step-by-step guide ensures nothing important gets missed and the process runs like clockwork.

Preparation Timeline

2+

Weeks Before

Book clearance, gather documents

1

Week Before

Sort items, notify utilities

1

Day Before

Final check, secure valuables

Clearance Day

Access, directions, be present

2+ Weeks Before: Planning Phase

Book Your Clearance Service

Get quotes from reputable companies. Check reviews, waste carrier licence, and insurance. Book your preferred date—popular times fill quickly.

Locate Important Documents

Search for wills, deeds, insurance policies, passports, birth certificates, and financial records. These should NOT go in the clearance.

Inform Family Members

Give relatives the opportunity to claim sentimental items or family heirlooms before the clearance. Set a deadline to avoid last-minute complications.

Photograph Valuables

Document antiques, artwork, or items of potential value. This helps with insurance, selling, or simply preserving memories.

1 Week Before: Sorting Phase

Create "Keep" Boxes

Clearly label boxes for items you're keeping. Move them to a single room or mark them obviously so they're not accidentally cleared.

Tip: Use bright coloured tape or signs saying "DO NOT CLEAR"

Identify Donation Items

Set aside items in good condition for charity. Let your clearance team know—they may handle donations for you.

Tip: We work with 15+ local charities

Cancel/Transfer Utilities

Notify gas, electric, water, broadband, and council tax. Take final meter readings. Redirect post if needed.

Tip: Keep utilities on until after clearance for light & access

Flag Hazardous Items

Identify paint, chemicals, asbestos, gas bottles, or other hazardous materials. Inform your clearance team in advance.

Tip: Some items need specialist disposal

Items to Set Aside (NEVER Clear)

Important Documents

  • Wills and probate documents
  • Property deeds and titles
  • Birth/death/marriage certificates
  • Passports and ID cards
  • Insurance policies
  • Tax documents (keep 7 years)

Valuables & Personal Items

  • Jewellery and watches
  • Cash and chequebooks
  • Family photographs
  • Heirloom items
  • Keys (house, car, safe)
  • Medications (dispose safely)

Pro Tip: Put all "keep" items in one room and lock the door, or clearly mark them. Our team will always double-check before removing anything uncertain.

Day Before: Final Preparations

Confirm Access Arrangements

Ensure keys are available. If someone else needs to provide access, confirm they'll be there. Check parking availability for the clearance vehicle.

Check Utilities Are On

Electricity for lighting (especially in lofts/cellars) and water for the team to wash hands. Keep utilities running until clearance is complete.

Final Walkthrough

Check all rooms, cupboards, loft, shed, and garage. Ensure "keep" items are clearly separated. Remove anything you don't want cleared.

Inform Neighbours (If Needed)

Let neighbours know a clearance vehicle will be visiting. This is courteous and avoids any concern about the activity.

Clearance Day: What to Expect

1

Arrival & Walkthrough

The team will arrive at the agreed time. Walk them through the property, point out "keep" items, and discuss any specific requirements.

2

Systematic Clearing

Professional teams work room by room, loading items carefully into the vehicle. They'll sort as they go—recycling, donation, and disposal.

3

Final Check

Before leaving, the team will do a final walkthrough with you to ensure nothing was missed and you're satisfied.

4

Swept & Tidy

A professional service leaves the property swept and tidy. Optional deep cleaning can be arranged if needed.

Quick Reference Checklist

2+ Weeks Before

  • Book clearance service
  • Locate important documents
  • Inform family members
  • Photograph valuables

1 Week Before

  • Create "keep" boxes
  • Identify donations
  • Cancel/transfer utilities
  • Flag hazardous items

Day Before

  • Confirm access arrangements
  • Check utilities are on
  • Final walkthrough
  • Inform neighbours

Clearance Day

  • Be present or arrange access
  • Walk team through property
  • Point out "keep" items
  • Final sign-off

Ready to Book Your Clearance?

We'll guide you through the entire process—from quote to completion. Professional, reliable, and stress-free.

Get a Free Quote Full Preparation Guide