FAQs

How does a clearance work?

We will arrive with all necessary tools and equipment and work through the items to be removed in the most time efficient way. Cupboards and wardrobe contents (for example) will be boxed or bagged up as most appropriate. Larger items might have to be dismantled if they have been built in situ and its not possible to remove otherwise due to their size. Any items which need to be disconnected will be.

At the end of the clearance, we will do a final check round, re-checking all rooms are empty. If the client is present, we would ask that they do this too as final sign off.

Payment is made upon completion and you will be given a receipt. If the clearance is being completed as part of probate, we can also provide an invoice for your records.

You will be given a Waste Transfer certificate so you have details of where the items not able to be reused will be being disposed of.

We will ask you to complete a quick satisfaction feedback report so we can continue to improve our service and also address any issues there and then.

Do I need to be present during a clearance?

Sometimes you may want to be there while we are doing the clearance if there is a mix of 'take and leave' items, or if we are bringing items down from the loft that you may not have been able to look through before, on most other occassions, there is no need for the client to be present and we regularly provide services for clients who are unable to get to the clearance location both in this country and abroad – quotation, booking, and payment is all organised online. We are a trusted clearance provider and are recommended by estate agents, care home providers and funeral directors alike, not to mention by word of mouth. Our service is exemplary and our reputation speaks for itself.

Can you take white goods?

We are happy to remove any unwanted white goods regardless of condition – however, we can not disconnect electric cookers that are hard wired into the property and we are unable to disconnect gas cookers unless bayonet type connections.

Dishwashers and washing machines can be disconnected upon request as long as each has a separate stop cock but it is preferred if they have already been disconnected due to water loss.

How long does a clearance take?

Every clearance is different, sometimes it will just be a few larger items to be removed, other times every cupboard and wardrobe will need to be emptied first, so times vary depending on the amount to be removed.

Do you have to see the items to be removed to provide a quote?

As an experienced clearance company, we can easily provide an estimate over the telephone / by email based on the items listed to be removed.

What do you do with the items you remove?

We sort and store usable items, and redistribute them to book stalls (Winchester Cathedral), all local charity shops, childrens services, adult support services, salvation army, and other smaller church / volunteer / charity organisations. Anyone can call us at any time requesting items, we are always happy to oblige if we have or when we get items that are needed.*** (delivery charges may apply).

What access do you need?

If possible we like to be able to park the van(s) directly outside the property, ideally on the driveway where possible. Tight driveways, low telephone wires, or low hanging branches may mean we need to park slightly further away.

What if I live a way from the clearance location, can you still do the clearance for me?

As long as we can get access to the clearance items, we can complete the clearance on your behalf without you being present. All you have to do is let us know who can sign off the clearance as complete afterwards – this could be a neighbour or estate agent, care home staff. If there is no one available, we use WhatsApp to send pictures of the cleared area. Clearances where the customer is not present and WhatsApp is being used require a 50% deposit paid in advance of the clearance date, with the remainder upon completion.

How much does one of your vans hold?

Our luton vans hold the same volume as 4 builders skips which is why we work out the most cost effective solution for any clearance more than one skip load at just a fraction of the cost - and we do all the work for you.

One skip = approx £300.

Are you insured ?

We are fully insured to operate in private residences and business premises.

How many people will be coming to do the clearance?

We will always dedicate a minimum of two people to every clearance project, this will be a Clearance Manager and additional team member. If the clearance is very large, additional resources will be allocated to ensure the clearance is completed quickly and efficiently so you can get on with your day – wherever possible we always like to complete in one day no matter how large or complex the clearance is.

How do I make a booking or get a quote?

By Phone: 07967 50 40 30 - We are available 7 days a week from 7am to 9pm

By email: quote@winchesterhouseclearance.co.uk

Or use our contact form

How soon can you come and do the clearance?

Ideally 2 weeks notice so we can meet your availability dates but we appreciate sometimes the situation in which you need us might be a surprise and you need us sooner. We will always do our best to accommodate bookings at short notice.

I understand that mattresses are chargeable in addition to the standard clearance charges, why is this?

Because mattresses are bulky and can not be recycled at energy recovery plants, they have to go to the landfill, the landfill companies have imposed a £90+vat charge per mattress for companies to dispose of them.

Mattresses which are still in good, usable condition we have found can still be re-homed using Freecycle – unfortunately any heavily soiled, old or very bad condition mattresses which really do need to be disposed of, we have to pass the landfill charge onto the customer.

Is there anything you can't take?

1 - Due to health and safety issues, we cant take open food items, unused items will be taken to the nearest Food Bank to benefit those in the most need of it

2 – Garage liquid items – ie paint, turpentine etc – these can be disposed of at the local household recycling centre (dump)

3 – Asbestos and other hazardous materials – we are not licenced to carry or dispose of hazardous materials, please contact a specialist removal service

Do you clean the premises after the clearance?

We are happy to provide cleaning services upon completion of a clearance, from basic light vacuuming, to a full wall washing, carpet cleaning service, please ask us for a quote.

What if I also need to move a few items from A to B, can you do that as well?

We offer removal / transportation / delivery services upon request.

I'm executor for an estate, can you still help with the clearance?

Of course we can - we are insured to work in any property at your behest or that of a solicitor or estate agent on your behalf. We provide invoices and receipts for all our clearances which will be needed for the administration of the estate accounts.

I don't want to do the final clearance until we have exchanged and completed – can we book you tentatively months in advance, or at short notice if I leave it until the last minute?

We are happy to take bookings well in advance of a clearance date or at short notice if we have been given advance notice of approximate month / week so we can ensure we keep space available for you in our clearance calendar.

If you have any other questions, please call us on 07967 50 40 30, email info@winchesterhouseclearance.co.uk or use our Contact form