What happens the moment we find something
Our teams follow the same routine every time:
- Stop work in that part of the room.
- Photograph the item where it was found.
- Place it in a labelled, sealed container.
- Note the room, the date, and who found it.
- Hand it to the executor or solicitor, in person or by recorded delivery.
This keeps a clear chain of custody, which is what executors need for probate.
Where valuables usually turn up
Older London homes hide things in the same places again and again:
- Under floorboards and carpets
- Inside coat pockets and handbags
- At the back of wardrobes and drawers
- In biscuit tins, books, and food containers
- Taped behind drawers or under furniture
- In the loft, garage, or shed
We check these before anything is removed.
Items we always set aside
- Cash, chequebooks, and premium bonds
- Jewellery, watches, medals, and coins
- Property deeds and tenancy agreements
- Wills, both original and copies
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Passports and driving licences
- Recent bank statements and tax papers
- Insurance and pension policies
Why documents matter as much as cash
Papers unlock the estate. A solicitor needs them to close accounts, claim policies, and file with HMRC.
Identity documents also need care. Left in a skip, they invite fraud. We keep them separate from all waste streams.
Sentimental items
Value is not only financial. We set aside:
- Photographs and albums
- Letters and diaries
- Children's drawings and school records
- Military and service records
If you want these kept, say so before we start.
No conflict of interest
Our price is based on volume, labour, and disposal costs. It is never based on what we find.
That matters. It means there is no reason for us to undervalue anything.
Before the job starts
Tell us if you are looking for something specific. Useful examples:
- A missing will or a known safe
- A ring or watch described in the will
- Papers for a particular bank or pension
A short list helps us search the right places first.
Talk to us
We survey the property, then send a written quote. No fixed price is given before we see the contents.
Call 0794 455 7700 or email info@houseandofficeclearance.co.uk.