Frequently asked questions
Honest, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most. Whether you're clearing a property for sale, sorting a probate, or just need a fridge gone — start here.
Frequently asked questions
Honest answers to the questions we hear most. If your question isn't here, just call.
How much does a house clearance cost?
We publish our prices up front. Single items start at £50, a ½ van is £220, and a full van (1,000kg) is £450. Per-item prices run from £25 for POPs waste to £120 for a piano. A 1-bed flat typically needs ½ to a full van; a 3-bed may need one or two vans. All quotes are fixed in writing. See our full pricing guide.
How long does a house clearance take?
Most jobs are finished in a single day. A three-bed house typically takes four to six hours with a team of two. Very cluttered or large properties may run into a second day — we'll tell you honestly when we quote.
What areas do you cover?
We cover the East and West Midlands — Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and surrounding counties. Major towns include Ashby de la Zouch, Loughborough, Derby, Burton on Trent, Swadlincote, Coalville, Leicester, Nottingham, Tamworth, Lichfield, and Mansfield.
What happens to the items you remove?
Up to 95% is reused, donated, or recycled. Usable furniture goes to local reuse schemes and charities; recyclable materials go through licensed facilities. Only a small fraction ends up as general waste, all of which goes through licensed waste transfer.
Can you clear a probate house before probate is granted?
Everyday household items can usually be cleared before probate is granted. Items of significant value — antiques, jewellery, art — should stay in place until probate is issued and values recorded for inheritance tax purposes. We'll flag anything that falls into that category when we quote, and we can coordinate directly with your solicitor.
Do I need to be at the property?
No. We can collect keys from an agent, solicitor, neighbour, or key safe, and send photos at the start and end of the day. Many of our probate clearances are handled this way — particularly when family members live away.
Are you licensed and insured?
HFC Clearance is fully insured for all clearance work. Our Environment Agency waste carrier licence number and insurance policy details are available on request and shown on written quotes. Waste transfer notes are provided on every job.
Is a house clearance cheaper than hiring a skip?
It depends. A skip can be cheaper if you only have a small amount of waste and are happy to load it yourself. For anything beyond one or two rooms, a house clearance usually works out better value once you factor in the skip permit (£30–£150), your time loading, and items a skip firm can't take.
Can you do short-notice or same-day clearances?
Often yes, particularly for single items and smaller clearances. Call us and we'll tell you honestly what's possible this week. Full probate clearances usually go in the diary one to two weeks ahead.
What can't you take?
We can't take asbestos, clinical or medical waste, sharps, gas cylinders, or large quantities of paint, oil, or chemicals. Small quantities of household chemicals may be fine — check with us. For anything we can't take, we'll point you to the right specialist route.
Do you provide a waste transfer note?
Yes, on every job — essential for landlords, executors, and business clients. It proves the waste left your property legally and went to a licensed facility, which protects you under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Duty of Care.
What about the cost of single items — sofas, fridges, pianos?
Single-item prices start at £50 minimum call-out. From there: TVs from £45, gas bottles from £40, fridges or tumble dryers from £55, mattresses from £75, pianos from £120, wood per ton from £95.
Still got a question?
Give us a call — we'll come back with a straight answer the same day. No pressure, no pushy sales.