House Clearance Costs Explained

House clearance prices are not fixed-rate — they depend on the size of the job, what's being cleared and how easy the property is to access. This guide explains what factors affect cost, what you can do to keep the price down, and why a fixed quote is almost always better than an hourly rate.

What affects the cost of a house clearance?

Four things affect the price of a typical clearance:

Volume — the number of rooms being cleared, and whether the property is fully furnished or partly empty. A one-bedroom flat is a very different job to a four-bedroom farmhouse.
Access — a ground-floor property with a driveway is quick. A fifth-floor flat with no lift, a narrow terraced street, or a long carry from the road adds time and labour.
Contents — most items are standard. Very heavy items (pianos, cast-iron baths, large safes), very high volumes of garden waste, and specialist disposal requirements (asbestos, chemicals) can add to the cost.
Location — within the BH postcode zone there is no travel charge. West Dorset and Purbeck properties carry a transparent fuel surcharge of £30–£60, always stated upfront.

Fixed quotes vs hourly rates

We always give a fixed price before any work starts. You know exactly what you will pay — no surprises at the end. Hourly rates can escalate if the job takes longer than expected, especially if access is awkward or the contents are heavier than described.

Always ask whether the price is fixed or estimated. We visit the property or ask for photos and a WhatsApp video before quoting so the fixed price is accurate.

What is typically included in a clearance price?

A standard fixed quote includes:

Labour for the team on the day
The vehicle and fuel for the job
Disposal and landfill fees at the licensed transfer station
A Waste Transfer Note as legal proof of responsible disposal
Before-and-after photos on completion

Items that require specialist disposal — fridges with old refrigerant, asbestos, medications — are not included in a standard quote. We will advise you how to handle these separately.

How to reduce the cost of a house clearance

Remove items you want to keep before we arrive. A smaller job is a lower quote.
Let us know if you have pre-sorted into keep, charity or bin piles. If not, we sort as part of the job — this is fine, but it helps to know in advance.
Book early where possible. Last-minute same-day slots may carry a small premium depending on schedule.
Be clear about access. Parking restrictions, tight lanes, stairs, or long carries should be mentioned upfront so we quote accurately.

Getting a quote

Call 07879 168 829 or email info@dorsethouseclearances.co.uk. We ask for a rough number of rooms, what's left in the property, the postcode, and any access notes. We then give a fixed price with no obligation. For larger or unusual properties we prefer to visit before quoting.

Frequently asked questions

Do you charge by the hour or by the job?

Always by the job — a fixed price agreed before any work starts. You will never receive a higher bill than the quoted amount.

Is there a minimum charge for a house clearance?

Yes — small single-room or garage clearances start from a minimum charge. Call 07879 168 829 and describe the job; we will tell you whether we can help and at what price.

Are there any hidden charges?

No. Our quote includes labour, vehicle, disposal fees and a Waste Transfer Note. If specialist disposal is required (e.g. old fridges, asbestos) we tell you upfront; we never add charges after the fact.

Does probate clearance cost more?

Not necessarily. The cost is based on the volume and access, the same as any clearance. We do provide additional paperwork — estate-payable invoice, itemised report if required, Waste Transfer Note — at no extra charge.

Can the cost be paid from the estate?

Yes. For probate properties we issue an invoice addressed to the estate so the cost can be settled from estate funds before distribution. This is common practice and straightforward to arrange.

House clearance costs explained