What is a probate house clearance?
A probate house clearance is the clearance of a property belonging to someone who has passed away. It's normally part of administering their estate, and is arranged by the executor named in the will (or by an administrator if there's no will), often alongside a solicitor.
The aim is simple: get the property cleared respectfully and properly, so it can be sold, rented out or handed to a beneficiary — without losing anything important along the way.
When in the probate process does clearance happen?
In most cases, the property is cleared after the Grant of Probate is issued and once beneficiaries have agreed on personal items. In Dorset we often see clearances scheduled:
- 1–3 months after death, once probate is granted
- In coordination with the estate agent valuation
- Before a sale completes or a property goes on the market
- Sometimes in stages, when beneficiaries are still selecting items
Step-by-step: how it works with us
- Free quote. Send photos or book a short site visit. We respond within 1 working hour with a fair, fixed-price quote.
- Confirmation with executor or solicitor. We confirm authority to clear, agree the date, and note any items the family wants kept.
- Clearance day. Our uniformed (or unbranded) team carries out the full clearance. Documents and valuables are set aside for the executor.
- Sorting and recycling. Usable items go to Dorset charities and reuse hubs. Recyclables to licensed processors. Residual waste to licensed facilities only.
- Documentation. Itemised invoice in the name of the executor or solicitor, plus a Waste Transfer Note for the estate file.
Documents, valuables and sentimental items
This is the part that worries families most. We approach every probate clearance with one rule: if it could matter, set it aside. That means documents, photographs, jewellery, watches, medals, cash, military memorabilia, family heirlooms — anything that looks personal or potentially valuable.
These items are handed directly to the executor or stored securely until collection. We can also box and label items for collection by specific relatives — useful when beneficiaries live across the country.
How much does probate house clearance cost in Dorset?
Cost depends on the size of the property, the volume of contents, ease of access and how much can be reused or recycled. As a rough Dorset guide:
- 1-bed flat: typically a half-day, lower end of pricing
- 2–3 bed house: a single day with a full team
- 4+ bed or long-occupied family home: 1–2 days, may include garage / loft
We give honest, fixed-price quotes — no hidden tip fees. For an exact figure send us a few photos and we'll come back within the hour.
Eco-friendly disposal — why it matters for an estate
A probate clearance is also a moment to do something good. By diverting 90%+ from landfill — to Dorset charities, reuse hubs and licensed recyclers — your relative's possessions go on to help local people. Families repeatedly tell us this is the single most comforting part of the whole process.
For more detail on where things go, see our eco-friendly house clearance guide.
For solicitors: working with us
If you handle probate at a Dorset practice, set up a trade account on our solicitors & estate agents page. You'll get priority booking, a named contact, fixed per-property pricing and consolidated monthly invoicing — so your team can instruct a clearance with one email.
In summary
Probate house clearance in Dorset is straightforward when handled by a licensed, compassionate team. Documents and valuables are protected, the estate is properly documented, 90%+ is recycled or reused, and the property is left ready for sale or rent.