How to Completely Clear a House: Step-by-Step Guide

Completely clearing a house is a task that can seem overwhelming. Decades of life accumulate furniture, appliances, clothes, documents, memories and objects we no longer know what they’re for. Where do you start? What do you do with all of this?

This guide presents a practical, step-by-step method for clearing a house in an organised manner — whether for sale, rental, inheritance or simply to free up the space.

Before you start: mental and practical preparation

Clearing a house isn’t just physical work. It often involves emotions, especially when it’s an inheritance or the house where you lived for years.

On the practical side, prepare yourself:

• Set a realistic deadline — don’t underestimate the time needed.
• Gather materials — bin bags, cardboard boxes, tape, markers.
• Dress appropriately — comfortable clothing, gloves, mask if necessary.
• Ask for help — family, friends or professionals.

Step 1: Initial assessment

Before touching anything, do a general assessment:

1. Walk through all rooms — include basements, attics, garages and storage areas.
2. Photograph the current state — useful for memory and for requesting quotes.
3. Identify special items — valuable pieces, important documents, keepsakes.
4. Note the problems — furniture that’s too large, heavy objects, accumulated rubbish.

Step 2: Sorting — the four categories

The secret to efficient clearance is sorting. Separate everything into four categories:

Keep

Items with sentimental or practical value that you intend to keep.

Sell

Items in good condition that may have resale value: furniture, working appliances, antiques.

Donate

Useful items you can’t sell but can help others: clothes, household items, toys.

Discard

Everything that doesn’t fit the previous categories: broken objects, accumulated rubbish, obsolete materials.

When it makes sense to hire professionals

Consider professional help when:

• The volume is large
• There are tight deadlines
• Access is difficult
• There are heavy objects
• The situation is sensitive (inheritance, bereavement)
• You want legal guarantee for waste disposal

Need help? Send photos via WhatsApp to 965 593 656 and receive a free quote.