The deadlines that drive fast clearance
Probate deadlines — six months from grant for inheritance tax, sometimes shorter for the executor's chosen sale window. Auction completions — 28 days from fall of hammer, often less for the clearance window. Court dates — possession orders, family court matters, where the property has to be in a documented state by the hearing. Re-letting windows — landlords needing the property ready before the new tenancy starts and the rent payments resume.
What changes about our approach when speed matters
Three things. First, the assessment is done from photographs and a video walk-through wherever possible, rather than an in-person site visit — this can save 24-48 hours on the front of the job. Second, we deploy a larger crew than usual — sometimes six or eight operatives on a single-day clearance — to compress the work. Third, we work longer days, with crew rotating to keep the work going from early morning to dusk.
What does not change when speed matters
The documentation — Waste Transfer Notes, photographs, inventory, all complete. The insurance — full PL and EL cover. The set-aside protocol for sentimental and valuable items — even under time pressure we are looking for the things that matter. The fixed-price quote — the price is the price, regardless of how many crew we deploy or how late we work. The quality of the deep clean at the end.
Pricing for fast clearance
Fast clearance attracts an out-of-hours premium where we are working evenings or weekends specifically to hit your deadline. For most fast clearances the premium is in the 15-25% range over the standard quote. Where the deadline can be met within normal working hours by deploying a larger crew, there is no premium.
When we recommend against fast clearance
Where the property contains items of significant emotional or monetary value, where there is a vulnerable resident present, or where the clearance forms part of a safeguarding plan, we will sometimes counsel against the speed. The risk of throwing away something irreplaceable, or of distressing a vulnerable resident, increases when the crew is pressed for time. In these cases we'll suggest a phased approach with a first-day priority sweep and a follow-up over the days afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How fast is fast?
Most fast clearances attend within 24-48 hours and complete within 5 days. Where the deadline is tighter we can usually compress further, but we will be honest if it is not possible to do safely.
Can you quote without a site visit?
Yes, where photographs and a video walk-through give us a clear picture. Most fast-clearance quotes are issued within hours of the photographs being sent.
Is documentation the same standard?
Yes — Waste Transfer Notes, photographs, inventory and written summary are all part of every clearance, including the fast ones.
Will you work weekends to hit a deadline?
Yes. Weekend and evening working is available where the deadline requires it. The out-of-hours premium is itemised separately on the quote.
What if the deadline gets moved partway through?
We adjust. If the deadline relaxes mid-clearance we'll stretch the work and reduce the price (no point paying for out-of-hours work you don't need). If the deadline tightens we'll deploy more crew at the same fixed price.