A step-by-step guide to clearing a house in Scotland, from planning to final clean-up.
House clearances can be emotionally challenging and physically demanding. Whether you're clearing a family home after a bereavement, preparing a property to sell, or decluttering, proper planning makes all the difference.
Planning Your House Clearance
Assess the Property
Before ordering a skip, walk through every room and estimate:
- How many rooms need clearing?
- What large items need to go (wardrobes, beds, sofas)?
- Is there a loft, garage or outbuildings?
- Are there any items of value to sell or donate?
Consider What Can Be Reused
Before filling a skip, consider:
- **Charity shops**: Good quality furniture, clothes and books
- **Freecycle/Facebook Marketplace**: Large items people will collect for free
- **Specialist buyers**: Antique furniture, vinyl records, vintage items
- **Family members**: Sentimental items that others might want
Choose Your Skip Size
| Property Size | Recommended Skip |
|---|---|
| 1-2 bed flat | 4-6 yard skip |
| 3 bed house | 6-8 yard skip |
| 4+ bed house | 8-12 yard skip |
| House with loft & garage | 10-14 yard skip |
For large properties or those with significant hoarding, you may need multiple skips.
Room-by-Room Clearance Strategy
Kitchen: Start here — appliances, crockery, food items, cupboard contents. Note: fridges and freezers cannot go in a skip.
Living & Dining Rooms: Furniture, books, ornaments, electronics. TVs and large electronics cannot go in a skip.
Bedrooms: Beds, wardrobes, clothes, personal items. Mattresses may have an additional disposal charge.
Bathroom: Generally least waste — mainly toiletries and small items.
Loft: Often the largest task — boxes, old furniture, insulation.
Garage/Outbuildings: Tools, garden equipment, stored items.
Legal Considerations
In Scotland, you have a legal duty of care for your waste. This means:
- Using a licensed waste carrier (we're fully licensed)
- Not fly-tipping any waste
- Keeping documentation (we provide waste transfer notes)
Getting a Skip Permit
If the property doesn't have a driveway, you'll need a permit to place the skip on the road. We can arrange this for you — just mention it when booking.
Timing Your Clearance
Allow more time than you think:
- 1-bed flat: 1-2 days
- 3-bed house: 2-4 days
- Large property with loft: 4-7 days
Book your skip for slightly longer than you think you'll need — you can always ask for early collection.
Ready to Start?
Call 01324321043 for a free quote and advice on skip sizes. We can usually deliver within 24 hours across Scotland.