In the Netherlands we are increasingly seeing house clearances. Of course, this has its own reasons and in this article we would like to explain why this is the case. We will also explain to you what exactly needs to happen during a house clearance, because this still seems to be very unclear to people.
Furthermore, the circumstances also have an influence on a house clearance. Sometimes, for example, it concerns a death. This can be very difficult for the surviving relatives. During this period, the family, friends or acquaintances of the deceased naturally do not want to clear out the house of a loved one.
House clearance during relocation
In other situations, such as a move, this is of course not the case at all. Removal companies must therefore prepare well for contact with customers during a clearance, because as you can see, everyone needs a different approach.
When is a house clearance necessary?
As you have seen, there are various reasons to clear a house. The circumstances also often determine when someone hires a professional company. Furthermore, you should not forget that a house clearance often requires a professional approach. As you have read before, it can be mentally very hard for people, but physically it is also very hard.
Experienced movers often not only have the necessary expertise and experience for the job, but they also have the special materials needed for a clearance. More on this later.
House clearance perfect during moving
Let’s continue on to why a clearance is sometimes necessary. Sometimes people have stored things in their attic or garage for years and when a move comes around they have no idea where to start. Often they don’t want to move these things with them.
Company evacuation
We also sometimes get calls from companies. They have gone bankrupt or have just been through a takeover, which means the building needs to be cleared as quickly as possible. However, a company clearance is a lot harder, because it often involves large and heavy items that need to be removed from the building.
Emptying a house after a death
Another situation that unfortunately occurs more often than we would like is the death of a loved one. This is not just someone who is moving and it is also incredibly hard for the survivors. They have to arrange everything at the last minute and then they also have to make sure that they empty the house. A parental home often has a lot of stuff. There is not always the strength or time for this. The survivors often want to focus on the funeral, for example, during such a period. This also provides more peace for the family.
Hire house clearers
For the reasons mentioned above and many more, people choose to outsource an eviction. This way, they no longer have to think about how everything should be carried out and done, and a lot of frustration is prevented in this way. After all, a house has to be evicted as quickly as possible so that you do not have to pay an extra month's rent. An eviction company is therefore happy to take this job off your hands.
House clearance: frequently asked questions
There are many questions about house clearance regarding responsibility, costs and activities. Below are the most frequently asked questions about house clearance.
Who is responsible for a house eviction?
Who is responsible for a house clearance depends on the situation. Are you moving? Then you are responsible for this yourself. Is it an eviction? Then this is often the municipality or bailiff. In the event of a death, the heirs are responsible for delivering the house. We say deliver clean, because everything in the new house must really be removed and must be in its original state upon delivery. The new house must be ready immediately for the new tenant to move in.
What should be done during a house clearance to happen?
As we explained earlier, there are a few things that need to be done during a house clearance. People often think that clearing a house is just emptying a house. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is a labor-intensive job that requires the necessary experience.
House clearance: a step-by-step plan
Below is a step-by-step plan that you can use when clearing a house. With this step-by-step plan, you ensure that you do not skip any important steps and end up with more headaches.
Step 1. Clearing the house yourself
We do indeed start by emptying the house. The entire contents must be removed from the house. Sometimes people want to have everything delivered to the waste points, sometimes they want to donate it to charities, but sometimes a clearance company can also buy the contents.
Step 2. Repair work to the home
People often do not know that an eviction also involves repair work. This can be some minor work, such as filling holes in the walls or repairing any damage to the walls. Also additional work, such as cupboards and shelves that were installed by the resident and now need to be removed. These repairs are minor, but they must be carried out with the necessary care. No new damage may occur.
The somewhat larger tasks are for example removing lamps, curtains and carpeting. The floors almost always have to be removed, because this is often required by the landlord. The house has to be delivered bare.
Step 3. Cleaning work on the house
The cleaning work can of course only start when the house is completely empty and restored. The bathrooms, kitchen and toilets are thoroughly cleaned. In this way the house can be delivered broom clean to the landlord.
Valuables in the home
An eviction company can take care of an eviction. Also in the case of valuable items. Many people wonder if that is possible. You do not have to worry when you have your house evicted by a professional eviction company. They will handle the items in a respectful manner.
You can always indicate your wishes to the company yourself and, if necessary, be present during the evacuation.
To proceed discreetly
If you have doubts because you are worried about the items in the house, you can of course also contact the company in question in advance. These companies are very discreet, because they often have to deal with important items or documents. Perhaps you can ask to look at the valuable or useful items together.
Clearing out a house is done according to a very tight schedule and the company will always deliver the house broom clean.
House clearance costs
Various factors influence the price of a house clearance. As you have read, it is not just a matter of having a house cleared, but there is much more to it. It is very difficult to give an exact price indication. This is because every clearance is different. It concerns not only a different situation, but also different items. The size of the contents of a house also plays an important role. The size of the house is also important when calculating the costs. It is therefore best to always request a free quote first so that you know what to expect.
Clearing a house in exchange for furniture
Some companies will clear a home in exchange for furniture. Other companies do not do this, but do offer substantial discounts if they can buy your furniture. Homes often still have usable items such as furniture that is in new condition. It is best to contact the clearance company to ask what the possibilities are.
First have your belongings appraised
Before a company decides to buy your household effects, they will always appraise the items in advance. First, they will see if they can buy them at all. They will look at items that they can use or resell. Is there nothing usable among them? Then they will not proceed with the purchase. Do they decide to take it off your hands? Then some companies will carry out the clearance for free, but other companies will deduct the amount they pay for your household effects from your account.
What does a clearance company do with your belongings?
Your household effects are often sold on to second-hand shops. A company naturally has its own network and will often be able to sell the items on without any difficulty. This is of course very nice, because your items get a second life.
Are there items that cannot be bought? Then they are delivered to the special waste points so that they can be properly recycled.
Evacuate a home urgently
Clearing a house or removing furniture often happens suddenly. This means that people are often looking for emergency clearance and emergency always means extra costs. But why is this actually the case?
Hire emergency eviction specialists
For an emergency evacuation, a company must make the necessary adjustments in their schedule. This is not only a complicated task, but it must also be done at the last minute. Often companies have a special schedule for this and they will also be ready for you urgently.
Finally..
As you have read, house clearances are not as easy as everyone often thinks. You have been able to read how this works and what needs to be done to deliver a house empty. Do you have any more questions regarding clearing a house or do you have any other questions that we can help you with? Then we would like to refer you to the other articles on our website.