When it comes time to clear out a flat or apartment in the UK, hiring professional flat clearance services can save you time, effort, and headaches. But what exactly do these companies take when clearing out a property? Understanding what flat clearance companies handle can help you plan and prepare appropriately.
Flat clearance companies in the UK specialize in clearing out the contents of residential flats and apartments. Their services are invaluable when you need to fully empty a property due to a move, downsize, estate clearance after a bereavement, or property makeover. Companies can manage the entire clear out process, removing unwanted furniture, appliances, electronics, personal items, and rubbish. However, there may be some limitations on hazardous materials, bulky goods, or high value items. Planning ahead and communicating clearly about what needs to be removed is key.
What Do Flat Clearance Companies Remove?
During a standard clearance, companies will remove a wide variety of household goods and personal belongings. The specific items taken can vary slightly between companies, but the majority will clear out everything needed to leave a property empty.
Furniture Items Taken
Nearly all flat clearance companies will dismantle and remove all furniture left behind, including:
- Sofas and couches – Any size or style can be taken
- Beds and mattresses – From single to king size
- Tables and chairs – Kitchen, dining room, or decorative tables & chairs
The above only covers a sample – companies can remove all forms of furniture, from wardrobes to bookshelves, cabinets, sideboards, and more. The key exceptions are unusually heavy or large furniture items that require specialist removal equipment (covered below).
Clearing Appliances
It’s standard practice for clearance companies to disconnect, collect, and dispose of unwanted white goods and kitchen appliances. They routinely remove:
- Refrigerators and freezers – Even older models with gases to be safely discharged
- Washing machines / washer dryers
- Microwaves
- Ovens, hobs, and extractor hoods
As with furniture, nearly any home appliance can be cleared out by a flat clearance service. The same limitations apply regarding size and accessibility.
Electronics Items Taken
It’s a huge help to have a clearance company deal with dismantling, collecting and legally disposing of electronic waste. Commonly removed electronics include:
- Televisions – CRT, LCD, LED & plasma models, any size
- Desktop computers and laptops
- Stereos, speaker systems and other audio equipment
Be sure to check what e-waste removal services are offered if you have sensitive data stored on devices. Some companies can remove hard drives or wipe devices.
General Household Goods
Essentially any standard household furnishings, decorations or everyday items will be taken away by clearance crews:
- Clothing – From single garments to entire wardrobes
- Books, ornaments and general decorative items
- All kitchenware – Crockery, glassware, utensils etc
The above demonstrates only a small sample – companies truly do clear everything from attic to cellar. The few exceptions are covered next.
Items Flat Clearance Companies May Not Take
While the vast majority of contents can be removed from a flat, there are some exceptions for hazardous waste, exceptionally large items, personal documents, and high value goods. Being aware of these exclusions prevents problems later in the clearance process.
Hazardous Waste Materials
Due to environmental regulations and removal requirements, most standard clearances do not include handling hazardous waste:
- Paint, varnishes, solvents, chemicals, oils or other liquid waste – Requires specialist disposal
- Batteries – Must go through approved battery recycling schemes
- Asbestos – Strict rules govern asbestos removal and disposal
If your flat contains the above, check first about waste removal options or contact a specialist hazardous waste disposal service.
Large, Heavy or Bulky Items
While clearance crews can handle most furniture and appliances, a few oversized items may exceed standard removal capabilities:
- Hot tubs, saunas or jacuzzis – Require heavy lifting equipment
- Grand pianos or pool tables – Challenging access and manoeuvring
- Cast iron bathtubs, radiators or ornamental stoves – Exceed safe manual lifting limits
For a few large goods like the above, added labour or machinery may be needed – leading to higher clearance costs.
Personal Documents and Valuables
Responsibility typically lies with the client to remove important documents, money, jewelry or any small valuable items. Companies cannot guarantee the security of:
- Legal certificates, finance files or medical records
- Family photographs, home videos or computers with sensitive data
- Jewelry, watches, cash or cards – Risk of loss or theft exists
You may wish to handle the above yourself or speak to firms about options for securing such items during clearance.
How to Prepare for Flat Clearance
Advanced preparation helps flat clearance jobs run more smoothly. Follow these tips prior to the crew arriving:
Sorting and Organizing Recommendations
- Categorize items room-by-room to gain oversight
- Identify specific pieces you wish to keep
- Set aside valuable items and personal documents
Labelling furniture, boxes or bags destined for removal versus those to be kept aids efficiency.
Communicate with the Company
- Provide a detailed inventory list noting any exceptions
- Discuss specialized items needing secure handling
- Check for restrictions on waste removal services
Clear communication of expectations allows the firm to plan appropriately.
Prepare Access for Removals
- Clear hallways, doorways and staircases – Ensure straight passageways for large items
- Remove doors if needed for moving bulky pieces like sofas
- Provide parking as close to building entry as possible
Smoother access equates to faster, simpler clearances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Clearances in the UK
Those considering flat clearances often have additional questions around details of the process. Below we answer some of the most common queries:
What is the typical cost of flat clearance in the UK?
Costs range from £200 – £500 per day depending on location, property size, amount of items, and waste removal needs. Extra fees may apply for handling hazardous items. Many firms provide free quotes after assessing requirements.
How much notice do I need to give a flat clearance company?
2-3 weeks advance notice is recommended for non-urgent clearances. This allows proper scheduling, crew allocation and in some cases, waste licensing for a given area. However, some firms offer express clearances within a few days when needed urgently.
Can flat clearance companies dispose of electronic waste responsibly?
Reputable companies follow WEEE disposal regulations to recycle electronics properly. Hard drives may be destroyed also. Always check and confirm e-waste disposal procedures before providing devices.
Are there any legal considerations when hiring a flat clearance company?
Waste carrier licencing and public liability insurance are required for legitimate firms. Ask to verify documentation to ensure proper credentials and coverage for property/content damages if concerns exist.
What happens to the items after they are cleared from the flat?
Unless stated otherwise, items collected by clearance teams are disposed of responsibly. Reusing, recycling and recovery options for goods depend on condition, material types and waste partner facilities in that region. Discuss disposal methods if interested in environmentally friendly processes.
Learn how a comprehensive house clearance approach ensures that flat clearance companies can indeed take everything, leaving you with peace of mind.
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