What 'sensitive' means in practice
It means a different pace. A different first conversation — listen before quote. A different approach to the contents — assume everything has a story, then ask which stories matter. It means setting aside photographs, letters, jewellery, documents, hobbies and small valuables in clearly labelled boxes for the family to go through later, without being asked. It means a crew who keep their voices down, who don't joke about the state of the place, who don't take photographs for marketing, and who know when to put the kettle on instead of pushing for the next room.
When sensitive clearance is the right service
Most often: after a death, especially when the deceased lived in the property for many years. Also: when an elderly resident is moving into care and the family is clearing the home behind them. When a vulnerable adult is being moved under a safeguarding plan. When siblings are inheriting a parents' home and there is grief in the room that makes ordinary clearance impossible. When the property has been touched by long illness and the family cannot face entering it alone.
How we structure the work
A sensitive clearance is almost always staged. The first visit is for surveying, conversation and sorting — what to keep, what to donate, what to dispose of, what to keep aside for the family to review. The second visit (often a week or two later) handles the agreed disposal. A third visit handles the deep clean and prepares the property for sale or for hand-back. We will not race through this. The pace is the family's pace.
Working alongside other professionals
Probate clearances often involve a solicitor, an estate agent and an executor — sometimes the same person, often three different ones. We work alongside whoever you nominate as your point person, copy in valuations where requested, and arrange access for surveyors and viewings. For estate agents we can clear and clean to market-ready standard within an agreed window.
Donation, recycling and disposal
Usable items go to charity wherever possible — local hospices, British Heart Foundation, Salvation Army, Emmaus, and any specific charity meaningful to the deceased or the family. We can collect a donation receipt and pass it on. Recyclable materials are separated and routed through our licensed channels. Items beyond reuse go to the licensed waste facility — never fly-tipped, always documented.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a sensitive clearance take?
A typical bereavement clearance of a three-bedroom home takes us between three and ten working days, spread over two to four weeks. We can compress this for a probate deadline or stretch it for a family that needs longer.
Can the family stay in the property while we work?
Yes. Many families prefer to be present, at least for the first day, to talk us through what matters and what doesn't. We are comfortable working around the family's presence.
What happens to items of value?
We set them aside for the family's review unless instructed otherwise. Where instructed, we can arrange independent valuations through a partner valuer, list items for sale on the family's behalf, or refer to a specialist auction house for collectables.
Do you handle deep cleaning afterwards?
Yes, included in the standard quote. A bereavement clearance is not complete until the property is presentable for sale, hand-back or onward letting.
How much will it cost?
Most three-bedroom probate clearances fall in the £900–£1,800 range, including disposal and a basic clean. Larger homes, hoarded properties or those requiring biohazard treatment are quoted individually. Initial conversation and site visit are free.