Before clearing a shed, give yourself a chance to see what is stored at the back. It is easy to mistake useful tools for items that can go, particularly when several people use the space. You can arrange to clear the contents while keeping the shed itself.
Group items you know you want to keep
Put tools, garden equipment and anything still in use on a clear list. Set aside old pots, boxes, broken furniture and other items you are ready to part with. Keep containers with unknown contents apart. We do not collect hazardous waste, including chemicals and paints.
Tell us whether the shed itself is included
If you only want the items inside collected, say that when you enquire. If you want the structure gone as well, send photos of its condition and anything attached to it. We can discuss the scope of your shed clearance once we know whether we are collecting contents or assessing the structure too.
Photograph the doorway and path
Send a photo with the doors open if you can do so safely, along with a view of the path to the gate. Tell us about steps, narrow turns or a route through the house. Identify anything you want left behind before collection day and let us know if you find extra items at the back.
Treat unusual finds as a separate question
You may open a box expecting spare plant pots and find old paint tins or garden chemicals. Leave those out of the agreed load and tell us they are on site. If you cannot identify a container, do not open it just to complete the list. Use the GOV.UK hazardous waste guidance to find the appropriate route for items we cannot take.
For the items we can assess, tell us whether you have empty shelving, tools or broken furniture behind the door. A short list of what goes is enough. If you want us to leave shelving for future storage, mark it even when the boxes on it are all going.
Related guide: Planning a shed collection with a narrow side passage.
