How to Prepare for a House Clearance: A Simple Checklist

A house clearance goes much more smoothly when a few things are sorted out first. Whether you are clearing a parent's home, getting a rental ready or downsizing, this checklist will help you save time, money and worry.

1. Decide what you want to keep

Walk round each room and decide what is staying with the family. Small items can be taken away straight away. For larger pieces, use coloured stickers or make a simple list, room by room, so there is no confusion on the day.

2. Look for important paperwork

Check drawers, bureaus, wardrobes and the loft for documents such as wills, deeds, bank and pension paperwork, insurance policies and premium bonds. A good clearance team will set aside anything that looks important, but it helps if you have already gathered the obvious things.

3. Think about items of value

If you think there may be antiques, jewellery, artwork or collections, consider having them valued before the clearance. Where contents have resale value, it can reduce the cost of the clearance.

4. Take photos for your quote

Take a photo of every room from the doorway, plus the loft, garage, shed and garden. This lets us give an accurate, fixed price quickly – often without needing a visit.

5. Tell neighbours and check parking

In many Northumberland villages and towns, parking near the door can be tight. Let neighbours know when the clearance is happening, and tell us about any restrictions so we can plan where to park the van.

6. Sort out the utilities

Keep the electricity on if possible so we have lighting, especially in lofts and garages. Take meter readings before and after.

7. Arrange keys

If you cannot be there, arrange for us to collect keys from you, a neighbour, an estate agent or a solicitor.

When you are ready, call Alnwick House Clearance for a free, no-obligation quote.