The average house clearance cost in the UK is between £175 and £595. Exact costs vary based on your chosen clearance company, the size of the clearance needed, and the items being disposed of. Large items such as heavy furniture and appliances cost more to clear compared to small electrical goods.
We recommend using a professional house clearance company as they are more convenient compared to clearing a home yourself and they ensure your unwanted items are disposed of both safely and legally.
In this guide, we discuss specific house clearance costs and how to choose the best clearance company for you.
House Clearance Cost by Van Size
Here are the average house clearance costs based on van size in the UK:
| Van Size | Volume (of Luton van) | Cost* (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra small | 1/4 van load or 250kg | £175 |
| Small | ½ van load or 500kg | £325 |
| Medium | ¾ van load or 750kg | £400 |
| Large | A full van load or 1,000kg | £595 |
*Data taken from Check a Trade
Most house clearance companies will charge their services based on the overall size and weight of the items. In addition to this, if the house clearance takes longer to complete, it can be more expensive.
When hiring a clearance company, you'll receive either a firm quote after an in-person survey or an initial estimate over the phone. Phone estimates may change once the company arrives on site so we recommend avoiding unexpected price adjustments by providing detailed and accurate information about your property during the initial phone consultation.
How Much Does a Flat Clearance Cost?
Flat clearances typically cost between £175-£325. Exact costs will vary based on aspects such as the size of the flat, the volume of items needed to be cleared and property location.
How Much Does a Garage Clearance Cost?
Garage clearance can cost around £194 depending on the volume of items needed to be removed and your chosen company.
Not all clearance companies will include garage clearances as part of their house clearance costs, so it's important to specify this service.
Removal of heavy waste is time-consuming and often contributes to increased fees. Ensure any large waste is communicated to ensire your initial estimate is as accurate as possible.
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Additional House Clearance Charges
There are additional fees that house clearance companies may charge for services not included in the initial quote, such as:
Disposing or Recycling Specialist Items
Electrical or large items often require special disposal methods, and clearance companies may charge extra for handling them.
| Item | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| TV/Monitors | £20 |
| Pianos | £140 |
| Large Fridge Freezer | £120 |
| Small Fridge or Freezer | £75 |
| Mattress | £25 |
| Small Electrical Items (e.g. kettles, toasters, etc) | £10 |
*Data taken from Checkatrade
Based on this data you can expect to pay less if you only have a few small electrical items to clear compared to larger items such as pianos that are more difficult to dispose of.
Alternatively, you could hire a clearance company specifically for these items instead of opting for a full house clearance service.
Garden Clearance
Garden clearance services cost £52.50 per hour* on average, in addition to standard house clearance services. A garden clearance will typically involve removing green waste and garden rubbish or unwanted furniture.
*Data taken from Checkatrade
Skip Hire
It costs £270 on average to hire a skip. Exact costs are based on the size of the skip, how long you need to hire it for, and any permits required from the local council. There are two main types of skips to consider - standard and roll-on roll-off skips (known as RoRo skips).
For more information read How Much Does Rubbish Removal Cost?
How Do House Clearance Companies Estimate Costs?
A house clearance company will estimate their costs based on the amount of items you have and any specialist items to clear. Optional upgrades such as garden waste removal and garage clearance will increase the overall cost.
The cost of recycling, environmental responsibility and how long the clearance will take are also factored into the final costs.
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Considerations When Choosing A House Clearance Firm
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a house clearance company:
Licenced and Insured
Check the company has a Local Authority License, VAT Registration Number, and Public Liability Insurance for protection against damages.
Registered Waste Carrier
A valid Waste Collection Registration Number ensures legal and responsible disposal. Avoid unlicensed companies as you can be liable if your items are fly tipped.
Fair Pricing
Be cautious of quotes that are too low; they may indicate illegal dumping. You can use comparison sites like Compare My Move for accurate pricing.
No Hidden Fees
Request a detailed quote breakdown to avoid any unexpected costs.
Item Acceptance
Confirm they can handle all your items before making any payment or booking house clearance services.
How Much Does the Council Charge to Clear a House?
While most local councils don't offer a full house clearance service, they typically provide bulky item collections where they will remove larger items such as mattresses and wardrobes.
Here are the charges for bulky items for a handful of cities across the UK:
| Local Council | 1-2 Items | 3-4 Items | 5-6 Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (Hackney) | £21.35 | £21.35 | £42.70 |
| Manchester | Free | £29 | £58 |
| Cardiff | £12.50 | £25 | £37.50 |
| Edinburgh | £10 | £20 | £30 |
| Belfast | Free | Free | Free |
It's important to check with your local council regarding individual costs as prices vary significantly. You can also inquire whether they can provide full house clearance services.
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Find House Clearance Providers
Compare My Move can connect you with up to 6 verified companies that can assist with your house clearance service.
Simply fill out our house clearance comparison form to compare quotes and save up to 70% on your house clearance fees.
All our house clearance partners are covered by Public Liability insurance and hold a valid Waste Carrier Licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a house clearance service include?
House clearance services include removing unwanted items and rubbish from a home. The service can vary from a large clearance of all furniture in a home to a small handful of items based on what you need. House clearance companies will carry out the clearance on your behalf and safely dispose of items and recycle them where possible.
For more information read How Does House Clearance Work?
Can I earn money from my items?
Yes, it is possible to earn money from your items during a house clearance if you have items of value that can be sold. You can choose to sell these items yourself or allow your chosen house clearance company to do this on your behalf.
Not all house clearance companies will sell items for you, but many can and will deduct the profit made from your house clearance costs. If you have specific antiques or valuables, it can be more beneficial to sell these privately to make as much profit as possible.
For more information read: Do House Clearance Companies Pay You?
*Data taken from Compare My Move research. See how our data works.
