Clearing a House After Death UK: Step-by-Step Guide, Costs & What to Keep 2025

Clearing a house after someone dies is one of the most emotional and overwhelming tasks in bereavement. This comprehensive guide helps you approach it systematically, from deciding what to keep to hiring clearance services, while managing the emotional challenges.

Before You Start Clearing

Get Permission from the Executor

Before clearing anything, confirm with the executor that you have permission. The executor is legally responsible for the deceased's property and must authorize any clearance.

Locate Important Documents First

Before throwing anything away, find these critical documents:

• Will (original - check with solicitor, in safe, desk drawers)
• Financial documents: Bank statements, investment accounts, pension papers
• Property deeds and mortgage documents
• Insurance policies (life insurance, home insurance)
• Passport, driving licence, birth/marriage certificates
• Address book (to notify friends and family)

Secure Valuables

Before clearing begins, secure:

• Jewelry (check boxes, drawers, unusual hiding places)
• Cash (check books, envelopes, pockets, behind pictures)
• Watches, collectibles (stamps, coins)
• Sentimental items (photos, letters, diaries)

Photograph everything for insurance and probate purposes. Get professional valuations for items over £500.

The Sorting System: 4 Categories

Sort every item into one of four categories. Use colored stickers or designate different rooms for each category.

Dealing with Specific Items

Clothing

• Keep: Special items (wedding dress, uniform, favorite outfit for memory bears)
• Donate: Good condition items to Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Oxfam
• Dispose: Worn or stained clothing

Furniture

• Sell valuable pieces: Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree (£50+ items)
• Donate: British Heart Foundation offers free furniture collection
• Clearance company: For remaining items

Photos and Albums

KEEP ALL PHOTOS - NEVER THROW AWAY

Photos are irreplaceable family history. Consider:

• Scanning/digitizing to share copies with family
• Creating photo books
• Storing in archive boxes

Books

• Keep: Special editions, signed copies, family bibles with records
• Donate: Charity shops, local library
• Sell: Valuable or rare books via Ziffit or online book buyers

Electrical Items

• Working items: Sell on Gumtree/Facebook or donate to charity shops
• Broken items: Recycle at local waste center (NOT in normal bins)

Medicines

Return ALL medicines to pharmacy for safe disposal. DO NOT put in bin or down toilet.

Personal Care Items

• Dispose of opened items (makeup, toiletries)
• Donate unopened items to homeless shelters

Paperwork

Keep:

• Wills, property deeds
• Tax returns (last 6 years)
• Insurance policies
• Any financial documents needed for probate

Shred:

• Bank statements (after accounts closed)
• Old bills (over 1 year old)
• Personal letters (unless sentimental)

House Clearance Services

When to Use Professionals

Consider professional clearance if:

• Large house with lots of contents
• Family lives far away
• Tight deadline (property being sold)
• Physically unable to do it yourself
• Emotionally too difficult

Types of Clearance Services

Typical Costs by Property Size

• 1-bed flat: £400-800
• 2-bed house: £600-1,200
• 3-bed house: £800-1,800
• 4-bed+ house: £1,500-3,000+

Costs vary based on: amount of contents, access (stairs, parking), location, disposal requirements.

Finding Reputable Clearance Companies

Check for:

• AFTA membership (Association of Funeral & Death Professionals)
• Reviews on Trustpilot
• Written quote (get 3 quotes to compare)
• Insurance (public liability, goods in transit)
• Waste carrier license (legal requirement)
• Whether they offset proceeds of saleable items

Selling, Donating and Disposing

Where to Sell Items

• Facebook Marketplace: Free, local buyers, good for furniture
• eBay: Small valuable items, wider audience, fees apply
• Gumtree: Free, local, good for bulky items
• Antiques dealer/auction: Valuable antiques (15-25% commission)
• Car boot sale: Quick way to clear lots (£10-20 stall fee)

Where to Donate

• British Heart Foundation: Furniture collection, electrical items
• Cancer Research UK shops
• Sue Ryder: Furniture collection available
• Emmaus: Homeless charity, furniture collection
• Freecycle: Online, free items to locals
• Local shelters: Clothes, toiletries, bedding

Disposal Options

• General waste: Broken items, stained fabrics
• Recycling: Paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, metals
• Bulky waste collection: Sofas, mattresses (£20-40 per item)
• Hazardous waste: Paint, chemicals, asbestos (special collection)
• Local waste center: For large items

Handling the Emotional Challenges

Coping Strategies

Take breaks:

• Don't push through emotional moments
• Stop when you need to
• Work in short 2-3 hour sessions

Get support:

• Bring a friend or family member
• Don't do it alone
• Talk about your feelings

Honor memories:

• Take photos of items before letting go
• Keep small meaningful items
• Create a memory box

Set boundaries:

• You can't keep everything
• Photos preserve memories without physical items

What to Keep

Consider keeping:

• One "memory box" per family member (photos, small treasured items)
• Favorite item of clothing (can be made into memory bear)
• Handwritten notes, cards, letters
• Items specifically mentioned in will
• Practical items you'll actually use

What to Let Go

• Guilt - deceased wouldn't want you burdened by their possessions
• Items don't equal love - memories are in your heart
• Other people can benefit from usable items

Professional Support

Consider getting help if struggling:

• Bereavement counselor
• GP (if affecting mental health)
• Cruse Bereavement Support: Free counseling (0808 808 1677)

Final Tasks

Before Considering Clearance Complete

• Check all storage: loft, garage, shed, under stairs, garden sheds
• Check unusual hiding places: inside books, behind pictures, in pockets, under mattresses
• Final meter readings: gas, electric, water (take photos for proof)
• Cancel or transfer utilities
• Arrange professional clean if needed (£150-400)
• Remove all rubbish

Empty Property Security

• Change locks if selling or leaving empty
• Inform buildings insurance property is empty (affects premium)
• Cancel contents insurance
• Set timers on lights to deter burglars
• Ask neighbor to check on property
• Redirect mail
• Inform council property is empty (may affect council tax)

Keep Records

Save for probate and tax purposes:

• Receipts for clearance costs (deductible from estate for IHT)
• Photos of donated items
• Inventory of items kept by each beneficiary

Timeline and Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to clear a house after death?

There's no legal deadline unless the property is rented (may have notice period) or being sold (buyer sets completion date). Take the time you need - 2-3 months is typical.

Can I clear a house before probate?

Yes, with executor permission. However, keep valuable items secure for probate valuation, and don't distribute items specifically left in the will until probate is granted.

Who pays for house clearance?

House clearance costs are paid from the deceased's estate. Keep receipts - clearance costs are deductible from the estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

What if family members disagree about clearing the house?

The executor has final say on house clearance. Hold a "sorting day" where family members can choose items they want. For valuable items mentioned in the will, follow the will's instructions.

Can I keep finding money/valuables as I clear?

Yes - check everywhere! Common hiding places: books, envelopes, pockets, under mattresses, behind pictures, in tins. All money and valuables found belong to the estate and must be declared for probate.