The four routes
- Back to the family. Papers, photographs, jewellery, and keepsakes.
- Sold. Items with resale value, through auction or a dealer.
- Donated. Clean, working furniture and household goods.
- Recycled or disposed of. Everything else, through licensed sites.
Nothing is removed until the executor has confirmed the plan.
Sorting on the day
The team works room by room. Items are separated into:
- Keep and hand over
- Set aside for valuation
- Donation
- Recycling streams
- General waste
If we are unsure about an item, we stop and ask.
Sale
Items with value can go to:
- A general household auction
- A specialist sale, for art, jewellery, or militaria
- A trade dealer, where speed matters
Sale proceeds belong to the estate. Auction gives the clearest record, since you get a catalogue entry and a sale note.
Donation
Charities take goods that are clean and safe. Upholstered furniture must still have its fire safety label.
Many families choose a charity the deceased supported. Tell us the name and, where they collect locally, we will route items there.
Recycling
At the transfer station, loads are separated into timber, metal, textiles, paper, and rubble.
Electrical goods follow WEEE rules. Fridges, freezers, and televisions are treated at approved facilities.
Disposal
Only what cannot be reused or recycled goes for disposal. That is usually contaminated, broken, or unsafe material.
Hazardous items, such as paint, chemicals, and asbestos sheeting, are handled separately and cost more.
What you get at the end
- The property left clear and swept
- Waste transfer notes for the material removed
- A list of items handed to the executor
- An itemised invoice for the estate accounts
Sensitive items
Some things deserve care rather than a skip:
- Photographs and letters
- Military medals and service records
- Religious items
- Wedding dresses and christening gowns
Tell us before we start and we will set them aside for the family.
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.