Why Clear a House Before Selling?
Clearing a property before sale is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended for several reasons:
Better visibility
Buyers can see the space better and visualise themselves in empty rooms.
Attractive photos
Property photos look more professional without clutter.
Faster sale
An empty property sells on average 15% faster than a cluttered one.
Better price
Buyers negotiate less on a clean, well-presented property.
The Ideal Timeline for Clearing Before Sale
Before listing for sale
Declutter as much as possible. Remove personal items, family photos, collections. The property should appear neutral.
Before photos
Ideally, clear completely or keep only a few neutral pieces of furniture to give scale to the rooms.
During viewings
Keep the property clean and tidy. The fewer things there are, the more effective the viewings.
Before the notary deed
Required: The property must be completely empty at handover. Plan the clearance 2-3 days before.
What to Do with the Contents?
Using a Professional: The Advantages
If you're short on time or the volume is significant, a house clearance professional is the ideal solution:
- Speed: Complete clearance in 1 to 3 days
- All-inclusive: Sorting, removal, recycling included
- Buyback: Valuable items are purchased, reducing the cost
- Cleaning: Cleaning option to present an immaculate property
- Certificates: Proof of disposal at approved recycling centres
Our advice
Bring in the professional before throwing anything away. We've often found valuable items that owners wanted to bin!
Selling a property?
Contact us for a free pre-sale clearance quote