When several people are helping to clear a family home, the first job is to make sure everyone agrees what should stay. A drawer that looks like general clutter may hold photographs or paperwork someone wants to keep. Start with one room and give yourself time to make those decisions.
Set aside anything that needs a closer look
Choose a place for documents, keys, jewellery, photographs and anything waiting for a family decision. Mark it clearly and keep it away from the collection pile. It can also help to keep a room-by-room list for furniture that is being collected, donated or handed on to someone else. Check wardrobes and drawers before adding the furniture to the list.
Decide how much you want us to take
Some families are ready to empty most of the property. Others want us to take only the furniture and bagged rubbish from a few rooms. We can discuss either through our London house clearance service. If more than one person is involved, tell us who can confirm changes to the list on collection day.
Show us where the items are
Send photos of the agreed items in the rooms where they are stored. Let us know if a sideboard is upstairs or if the route to the vehicle crosses a shared entrance. Keep important items separate and point out anything that stays when we arrive. You can also tell us if you would prefer to handle the property in stages.
Plan for items with different destinations
A dining table might be going to a relative, the books to a charity and a damaged wardrobe to collection. It is often easier to mark individual pieces than to reserve a room for each destination. Photograph the labels once the list is agreed, especially if a different family member is meeting us on the day.
Ask anyone receiving furniture to confirm when they can take it. If their plans change, decide whether the piece should stay for a later visit or be included in the quote. For items that have reached the end of their useful life, the GOV.UK guide to disposing of household waste explains council and registered private collection options.
Related guide: What to clear before handing back the keys.
