How Much Does a House Clearance Cost?
On average, the cost of hiring a house clearance company in the UK is currently between £325 and £595 depending on the size of the job. Keep in mind that your costs will be based on factors such as the type of clearance, the volume of items and size of the home.
Additionally, larger items and white goods could incur additional costs, depending on the company. Certain items and hazardous materials may also cost more as the company will need to take special measures and use specialist equipment to remove it.
Below we look at when you would need a house clearance, a breakdown of house clearance costs and who is responsible for these costs.
Breakdown of Costs
On average, a small house clearance, approximately half a Luton van load, can cost around £325. For a medium clearance, you’ll be looking at closer to £400 and a large move (enough to fill an entire Luton van) will cost on average £595.
In the case of a small clearance or when you only need a few large items removed, we’ve included a breakdown of the average cost for individual items. These are items that may not fit in your car to take to the tip yourself, or are difficult to dispose of.
| Item | Cost |
| Mattress | £24 |
| Sofa | £65 |
| Piano | £113 |
| Small Fridge or Freezer | £60 |
| Large Fridge or Freezer | £106 |
| TV or Monitors | £20 |
(data from Check a Trade)
When Would I Need a House Clearance?
There are several reasons why someone might need a house clearance company. These are professionals who can remove large and awkward items from a property and large volumes of waste. This can be essential for cases of hoarding, distressing times of bereavement or following a home project.
Below we’ve listed some of the most common reasons house clearance experts are hired:
- When a tenant or homeowner has passed away
- After a tenant has been evicted
- When a tenant has left belongings at a landlord’s property
- Following house projects and building work
- When someone is suffering from a hoarding disorder
- Moving into a home where belongings have been left behind
- Inheriting a home full of possessions
Who Pays for a House Clearance
Usually, it is the owner of the property who pays for the house clearance. For example, if you are a landlord and cannot trace your tenant, you will need to pick up the cost. In some cases, you may be able to fund the clearance via your insurance. This will depend on your policy and provider, so be sure to check your insurance documents.
In the case where someone has passed away, funds from their estate will be used to pay for any expenses. This includes house clearance services. It will be the responsibility of the executor of the will to arrange this. If funds are not available, the cost may fall to next of kin.
For council housing, if a tenant cannot be reached or has passed away, the council may have to cover the cost of the clearance.
Finding a House Clearance Company
Before you choose a house clearance company, it is recommended that you compare the companies in your local area. Some may offer additional or specialist services, which may suit your circumstance. You may also be swayed by the price and offers. However, regardless of who you choose and why, you must ensure that they have the following:
- Waste Carrier Licence: Any company which is carrying waste in a commercial capacity must be in possession of a Waste Carriers Licence. This is essential to ensure you are using a reputable company that won’t fly-tip the items they remove.
- Public Liability Insurance: A professional house clearance company should also have Public Liability insurance in place. This is to protect both the company and the individual. It provides cover against compensation claims for injury to property damage or to the public.
You should also check reviews from previous customers. This will give you an idea of their customer service, how efficiently they work and how well they are rated.
If you are a landlord, try asking the letting agent or other landlords if they have experience using clearance companies and if they can recommend a firm.
One of the best ways to find a house clearance company is by comparing local providers with Compare My Move. This way you can review prices, services and customer feedback to find the best company for your clearance. You can also find additional services on the site such as removals and storage.
