A house clearance can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a large number of belongings. Whether you’re clearing out a home after a bereavement, moving house, or preparing a property for sale, it’s important to know what to pack and what to leave for the clearance team. Proper preparation can make the process smoother and ensure valuable or sentimental items aren’t accidentally removed.
What You Should Pack
While house clearance services handle most items, there are certain things you should set aside to keep safe.
1. Important Documents
Gather all important paperwork before the clearance begins. This includes:
- Wills and legal documents
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Property deeds and tenancy agreements
- Insurance policies
- Passports and driving licenses
- Utility bills and bank statements
Even old paperwork should be checked before disposal, as it may contain important information.
2. Valuables and Sentimental Items
Before the clearance team arrives, remove any valuable or sentimental items you want to keep, such as:
- Jewelry and watches
- Cash and bank cards
- Family heirlooms
- Photographs and personal letters
- Collectibles and antiques
It’s easy to overlook smaller valuables when clearing a full house, so double-check drawers, wardrobes, and storage boxes.
3. Medications and Medical Supplies
If the property belonged to a loved one, be sure to remove any prescription medications or medical equipment that may still be needed or require proper disposal.
4. Keys and Personal Data Items
Secure any house, car, or safe keys, along with personal data items such as laptops, phones, and external hard drives. These often contain sensitive information and should not be discarded with general belongings.
5. Items You Wish to Sell or Donate Separately
If you plan to sell or donate certain items yourself, set them aside in a clearly marked area to avoid confusion during the clearance.
What You Shouldn’t Pack
1. General Household Items
There’s no need to pack everyday household items like furniture, appliances, clothing, and kitchenware. The house clearance team will handle these efficiently, sorting them for resale, donation, recycling, or disposal.
2. Perishable Food
House clearance companies can remove food from cupboards, fridges, and freezers, but it’s best to use or donate any unopened, in-date food beforehand. Perishable food can spoil quickly and may not be accepted by charities.
3. Large or Heavy Items
There’s no need to move or pack large furniture, carpets, or white goods. Professional clearance teams are equipped to handle heavy lifting and can disconnect standard appliances if required.
4. General Rubbish and Unwanted Items
You don’t need to bag or sort rubbish yourself—clearance teams will separate waste, recyclables, and reusable items as part of the service.
5. Hazardous Materials
Some items require special disposal and may not be handled by standard clearance services. These include:
- Paints, solvents, and chemicals
- Gas canisters and propane tanks
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Batteries and fluorescent light bulbs
Check local regulations or contact your clearance provider if you’re unsure about hazardous items.
Final Tips for a Smooth House Clearance
- Double-check storage spaces – Items can be hidden in lofts, sheds, garages, and cupboards.
- Label what’s staying – If certain furniture or appliances need to remain, mark them clearly.
- Communicate with the clearance team – Let them know about any special requests, such as key collection or priority items.
By knowing what to pack and what to leave, you can ensure a stress-free and efficient house clearance.