House clearance services provide an efficient solution for removing unwanted furniture, appliances, and waste from a property.

Whether you’re moving, decluttering, handling a deceased estate, or managing a hoarder cleanout, a professional clearance service can save you time and effort.

However, you have wonder how much does house clearance cost, pricing varies based on factors like property size, waste volume, and disposal requirements.

Some homeowners prefer to do it themselves, while others hire professionals for a quick and hassle-free experience.

What This Guide Covers?

• The cost of house clearance in 2025, including garage clearance costs.
• Factors that impact pricing, including hidden fees.
• Ways to reduce house clearance costs and even make money from unwanted items.
• How to choose a reputable clearance company and avoid scams.
• Whether charities offer house clearance services and how they work.
• A comparison of DIY vs. professional house clearance options.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information needed to budget for house clearance and find the best service for your needs.

What is House Clearance and How Does It Work?

What is House Clearance?

House clearance is the process of removing furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and waste from a property.

This service is commonly used when selling a home, moving, or clearing a deceased estate.

Professional house clearance companies sort, remove, and dispose of items responsibly, often donating or recycling where possible.

What are the Common Situations Requiring House Clearance?

People need house clearance services for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Moving House – Removing unwanted furniture and belongings before relocating.
2. Probate and Deceased Estates – Clearing a home after the passing of a loved one.
3. Decluttering or Downsizing – Reducing excess possessions to free up space.
4. End of Tenancy Clearance – Landlords or tenants removing furniture before handing over the property.
5. Hoarder Cleanouts – Clearing excessive clutter and hazardous waste from a property.

How Does House Clearance Work?

The house clearance process usually involves these steps:

1. Booking the Service – Get a quote based on the size of the clearance job.
2. Assessment (if required) – Some companies offer a site visit to estimate costs.
3. Collection and Removal – Professionals remove furniture, appliances, and waste.
4. Sorting and Recycling – Items are sorted for donation, recycling, or disposal.
5. Final Clean-Up – Some companies offer additional cleaning services after removal.

A licensed house clearance company ensures that waste is disposed of legally and in an environmentally responsible manner.

How Much Does House Clearance Cost in the UK?

What is the Average Cost of House Clearance in 2025?

House clearance costs depend on property size, waste amount, and location. Below is a general pricing guide:

Property Size	Average Cost (£)	Time Required
1-Bedroom Flat	£150 – £400	2 – 4 hours
2-Bedroom House	£300 – £600	4 – 6 hours
3-Bedroom House	£500 – £900	6 – 8 hours
4-Bedroom House	£700 – £1,200	8+ hours

Prices can be higher in London and South East England due to increased labour and disposal fees.

How Much Does Garage Clearance Cost?

Garage clearance costs depend on size, waste type, and accessibility.

Garage Size	Average Cost (£)
Small Garage (Single Bay)	£100 – £300
Medium Garage (Double Bay)	£250 – £500
Large Garage (Workshop-Size)	£400 – £800

Factors that increase garage clearance costs include hazardous waste disposal (e.g., paint, oil, chemicals).

What are the Factors That Affect House Clearance Pricing?

• Amount of waste – More items mean higher labour and disposal costs.
• Labour fees – Large properties require more workers.
• Specialist disposal – Hazardous items like asbestos and chemicals increase costs.
• Recycling & landfill charges – Fees for environmentally responsible disposal.
• Location – London rates are higher than rural areas.

What about Hidden Costs in House Clearance Services?

Be aware of extra fees that some companies charge:

Hidden Fee	Potential Extra Cost (£)
Heavy lifting surcharge	£50 – £150
Hazardous waste disposal	£40 – £200
Long-distance travel fee	£30 – £100
VAT (if not included in quote)	20% extra

How to Reduce House Clearance Costs?

Declutter Before Hiring a House Clearance Service

• Sell valuable items on eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace.
• Donate furniture like Sofa to charities like the British Heart Foundation.
• Separate recyclables to reduce waste disposal costs.

Can I Make Money from the Stuff in My House?

• Sell antiques, electronics, also sell furniture online.
• Some clearance companies offer discounts for valuable items.

Compare House Clearance Quotes

• Get at least three quotes from different companies.
• Check reviews on Google and Trustpilot.
• Verify waste carrier licenses on the Environment Agency website.

Use Council Waste Disposal Services

• Some councils offer free bulky waste collection.
• Council limits apply – usually 3–5 items per collection.

What Does a House Clearance Service Include?

Standard House Clearance Services

• Removal of furniture, appliances, and general rubbish.
• Sorting for donation, recycling, and disposal.
• Basic sweeping and tidying up after clearance.

Additional Services Some Companies Offer

• Deep cleaning for extreme cases (e.g., hoarder clearance).
• Garage and garden clearance.
• Probate house clearance for deceased estates.

Is Using a Cheap House Clearance Company a Good Idea?

• Risks: Fly-tipping, hidden fees, poor service.
• Check waste carrier licenses on the Environment Agency website.
• Compare quotes and reviews to find affordable, reputable services.

Can Charities Conduct Home Clearances?

Charity	Free Collection?	Accepted Items
British Heart Foundation	Yes	Furniture, appliances, clothes
Sue Ryder	Yes	Furniture, electricals
Emmaus	Yes	Furniture, household items

Is Doing a DIY House Clearance a Good Idea?

Method	Pros	Cons
DIY Clearance	Saves money, full control	Time-consuming, disposal issues
Hiring a Van	Cheaper for small jobs	Fuel, rental, and disposal costs
Professional Service	Quick, hassle-free	Higher cost

Conclusion

• House clearance costs vary based on property size, location, and waste type.
• Compare quotes, check licenses, and read reviews before hiring a service.
• Reduce costs by decluttering, selling items, and using council services.

Choosing the right house clearance company ensures legal, ethical, and affordable waste disposal.

FAQs About How Much Does House Clearance Cost

1. How Much Does a Full House Clearance Cost?

£150 – £1,200, depending on house size.

2. Is House Clearance More Expensive in London?

Yes – Labour and landfill fees are higher.

3. Can I Get House Clearance for Free?

Charities may collect items for free, but they have restrictions.

4. Do House Clearance Companies Buy Items?

Some offset costs by reselling valuable items.

5. What Happens to My Items After House Clearance?

Recycling, donation, or landfill disposal.