Probate Clearance

At Big Ben, we provide a respectful, fully compliant probate clearance service for families, executors, solicitors, and property professionals across the UK. We understand that probate situations are often emotionally demanding and time-sensitive. Our role is to remove the practical burden by handling the clearance of a property with care, discretion, and professionalism.

Whether a property requires a full clearance or selective removal of items, our experienced teams work methodically and sensitively, ensuring all waste is managed lawfully and responsibly while allowing you to focus on the wider estate process.

What Is Probate Clearance?

Probate clearance is the removal of belongings, furniture, and household contents from a property following a death, as part of administering an estate. This often takes place once probate has been granted or when a property needs to be prepared for sale, letting, or handover.

Our probate clearance service covers lifting, loading, transport, and compliant disposal or recycling of unwanted items, leaving the property clear, safe, and ready for its next stage.

Who Our Probate Clearance Service Is For

Executors & Family Members

We support individuals tasked with managing an estate, providing a calm, organised service that removes the physical and logistical challenges of clearing a property.

Solicitors & Probate Professionals

Legal professionals rely on us for dependable clearances that meet compliance requirements and fit within agreed timelines.

Landlords & Property Owners

Where a tenancy ends following bereavement, we help prepare properties quickly and responsibly for re-letting or sale.

Property Managers & Agents

Managed properties and portfolios benefit from our clear communication, professional conduct, and consistent standards.

What We Remove During a Probate Clearance

We remove most non-hazardous household items commonly found in probate properties, including:

• Furniture such as beds, sofas, wardrobes, and tables
• White goods and small electrical appliances
• Clothing, books, and personal effects
• General household rubbish and bagged waste
• Carpets, underlay, and flooring
• Garage, loft, and garden contents

Items Excluded From Standard Probate Clearance

For safety and legal reasons, we cannot remove hazardous materials such as asbestos, chemicals, fuels, gas cylinders, or medical waste. If specialist disposal is required, we will advise clearly before work begins.

How Our Probate Clearance Service Works

1. Initial Discussion – We listen to your requirements, timelines, and any sensitivities involved.
2. Clear Quotation – Transparent pricing is provided based on volume, access, and labour.
3. Scheduled Clearance – A suitable date is arranged to suit the estate process.
4. Respectful Removal – Our trained team clears the property carefully and discreetly.
5. Compliant Disposal – Waste is sorted, recycled where possible, and disposed of lawfully.

Transparent Pricing With No Hidden Fees

Our pricing is clear and straightforward. Costs are based on the amount of waste, type of items, access considerations, and labour required. There are no call-out charges, no permit fees, and no unexpected extras.

This transparency allows executors and families to plan confidently during what is often a complex and emotional time.

Why Professional Probate Clearance Is the Right Choice

Attempting to clear a probate property yourself can be physically demanding, time-consuming, and emotionally difficult. Council services are limited and rarely suitable for full property clearances.

By choosing Big Ben, you benefit from:

• A respectful, non-intrusive approach
• No heavy lifting or transport concerns
• Clear communication and reliable scheduling
• Full legal compliance and peace of mind

Legal Compliance & Duty of Care

We are a licensed waste carrier and operate fully in accordance with UK waste legislation. Once items are removed from a property, Duty of Care obligations apply to ensure waste is handled correctly.

Our compliant processes ensure all waste is transferred, transported, and disposed of through authorised facilities, protecting executors and estate representatives from legal risk.

Recycling-First & Landfill Reduction

Wherever possible, we prioritise recycling and reuse during probate clearances. Furniture, metals, wood, cardboard, and electrical items are separated and sent to authorised recycling facilities.

This recycling-first approach reduces landfill use and supports responsible waste management without compromising sensitivity or efficiency.

Experience, Training & Professional Standards

Our teams have extensive experience handling probate clearances of all sizes, from small flats to large family homes. All staff are fully trained, insured, and committed to professional standards.

We work with discretion and respect, recognising the personal nature of probate situations and treating properties and contents accordingly.

Common Probate Clearance Scenarios

• Clearing a property prior to sale
• Preparing a home for letting after probate
• Managing estates with limited local family support
• Selective clearance of unwanted items
• Full property clear-outs following bereavement

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does probate clearance cost?

The cost depends on the volume and type of items, access conditions, and labour required. We provide clear, upfront pricing before work begins, with no hidden fees. This allows executors and families to budget confidently and avoid additional stress.

Can probate clearance be carried out quickly?

Yes. Same-day or next-day probate clearances are often available, subject to location and availability. We understand that estate matters can be time-sensitive and aim to accommodate urgent requests wherever possible.

Is probate clearance legally compliant?

Absolutely. We are a licensed waste carrier and comply fully with UK Duty of Care regulations. All waste is handled and disposed of through authorised facilities, ensuring complete legal protection.

What happens to items after clearance?

Items are sorted to maximise recycling and reuse. Recyclable materials are diverted from landfill wherever possible, with remaining waste processed responsibly at licensed disposal sites.

How does probate clearance differ from skip hire or council services?

Skips require permits, space, and manual loading, while council services are limited. Our service includes labour, flexible scheduling, respectful handling, and full compliance—making it the most appropriate option for probate situations.