House Clearance Checklist — Step by Step

Use this checklist to stay organised through your house clearance. It covers everything from initial planning through to the day itself. Print it out and tick items off as you go.

Phase 1: Planning (1-2 Weeks Before)

• Decide which items you want to keep, sell, donate or dispose of
• If probate is involved, confirm the Grant has been received
• Get quotes from licensed clearance companies — check for Environment Agency registration
• Book your preferred date and confirm the time
• Arrange key access if you will not be present
• Notify your solicitor if this is a probate clearance
• Check property insurance covers the clearance period

Phase 2: Sorting (3-5 Days Before)

• Remove all personal documents (passports, certificates, financial records)
• Collect all photographs, letters and personal correspondence
• Remove jewellery, cash and small valuables
• Check hidden spots — jacket pockets, inside books, under mattresses, behind furniture
• Separate items bequeathed in a will
• Move all "keep" items to one clearly marked room or remove from the property
• Photograph any items you want valued — see our probate valuations guide
• Label or mark anything the clearance team should not touch

Phase 3: Property Preparation (1-2 Days Before)

• Clear a path through hallways, stairs and doorways
• Check parking — in tight Bristol streets like those in Totterdown or Montpelier, reserve a space if possible
• Ensure electricity is on (needed for lighting in lofts and cellars)
• Leave water on for any cleaning needs
• Unlock all rooms, cupboards, garages and sheds
• Gather all keys together and label them
• Remove any items from the garden you want to keep
• Inform neighbours about the clearance date and potential vehicle access
• Note any hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, asbestos) and inform the clearance company

Phase 4: Clearance Day

• Meet the team (or ensure key handover is arranged)
• Walk through the property together, confirming what is being cleared
• Point out any items to leave, any areas requiring extra care
• Confirm any access restrictions (e.g. neighbour boundaries, shared paths)
• Provide a contact number in case questions arise during the clearance
• If present, stay available for queries but let the team work efficiently

Phase 5: After the Clearance

• Walk through the cleared property to confirm everything is done
• Check all rooms, cupboards, loft and cellar are empty
• Collect your Waste Transfer Notes (legal requirement)
• Request a Charity Donation Report if needed for records
• Take photographs of the cleared property for your records
• Cancel utilities if the property will be empty
• Arrange final meter readings
• Notify your estate agent or solicitor that the property is cleared
• Return keys to the relevant party
• Contact Bristol Council to update Council Tax status if applicable

Additional Checklist for Probate Properties

• Confirm Grant of Probate has been issued before proceeding
• Ensure all beneficiaries have had the opportunity to claim bequeathed items
• Arrange professional valuations for items of significant value
• Keep itemised records for HMRC estate reporting
• File Waste Transfer Notes with the estate records
• Notify the solicitor once clearance is complete

Need Help?

If you would like to discuss your clearance or get a quote, contact us or call 0117 123 4567. We are happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions — no obligation.