What items are covered by bulky waste removal?

Bulky waste removal covers any oversized household item that does not fit in a standard domestic wheelie bin. DrClear collects sofas, armchairs, mattresses, bed frames, wardrobes, dining tables and chairs, fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, carpet and underlay, ceramic tiles, wooden garden furniture, disassembled sheds, and large outdoor play equipment including trampolines. If you have 1 to 5 large items to remove, bulky waste removal is faster and more cost-effective than a full house clearance. For more than 5 items or a whole-property clear, DrClear's house clearance service from £575 is the appropriate service.

How much does bulky waste removal cost in the West Midlands?

DrClear's bulky waste removal starts from £75 for a single large item. Multi-item collections of 2 to 3 items start from £150, and a small load of 4 to 5 items starts from £225. WEEE-regulated white goods and POPs-regulated upholstered furniture start from £95 per item due to specialist handling requirements. All prices include EA Licence compliance, £5M AXA public liability insurance, and a Waste Transfer Note. Pricing complies with DMCC 2024 total price transparency requirements: you receive a fixed quote before any work begins with no hidden collection fees.

How do I book a collection?

You can book a collection by calling 07958 429751 Monday to Sunday between 08:00 and 21:00, or by submitting the enquiry form on the page. Describe your items clearly when booking, including their approximate size and whether they are on an upper floor. DrClear provides a fixed-price quote and confirms a collection day convenient to you. Unlike skip hire, there is no permit application, no council approval waiting period, and no minimum hire period.

Can you collect hazardous items such as fridges and white goods?

Fridges, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, and other white goods are classified as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) under the WEEE Regulations 2013. DrClear collects WEEE items as a registered EA waste carrier and transports them to licensed WEEE treatment facilities. Fridges and freezers contain refrigerant gases that require degassing by qualified operatives before transport: DrClear carries the specialist equipment required. DrClear does not collect clinical waste, asbestos-containing materials, large volumes of liquid paint, or compressed gas cylinders.

Where should I leave items for collection?

Items should be in an accessible ground-floor location, ideally near the front door or driveway, before the collection team arrives. DrClear's van carries an electric tail lift for safe extraction of heavy items. If items are on an upper floor, tell DrClear when booking so the team can assess whether disassembly or an additional operative is required. Items do not need to be packaged unless they contain loose debris such as broken tiles. Keep items inside or on private land until collection: items left on the public pavement without a permit are the responsibility of the property owner and may be subject to a council removal fee.

Is this better than skip hire?

For collections of 1 to 5 large items, bulky waste removal is generally faster, cheaper, and more convenient than skip hire. Skip hire in the West Midlands requires a council permit (approximately £65 to £130 for a 14-day permit in Birmingham), a skip delivery charge, and a collection charge. The skip occupies your driveway for the full hire period and is vulnerable to fly-tipping from passers-by, which leaves you liable for the additional waste. DrClear requires no permit, no waiting, attends on the same day you confirm the booking, and issues a Waste Transfer Note confirming compliant disposal. A skip does not provide per-item disposal documentation. DrClear also handles POPs-regulated and WEEE items that skip hire operators cannot legally accept.

What happens to my furniture and bulky items after collection?

Every item is assessed for reuse before any disposal decision. Furniture and household goods in usable condition are offered to local charity shops, donated via Freecycle, or passed to DrClear's charity partners Birmingham Dogs Home, Edward's Trust, and Acorns Children's Hospice. WEEE white goods are transported to licensed treatment facilities. POPs-regulated upholstered furniture is sent to specialist disposal facilities. Hard waste such as tiles and carpet is transported to licensed waste transfer stations for sorting. DrClear achieves a 95% landfill diversion rate across all clearance work by prioritising reuse and recycling at every stage.

What are POPs and why do they matter for sofa disposal?

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that remain stable in the environment for long periods and accumulate in living organisms. Upholstered furniture manufactured before 2004 commonly contains foam padding treated with flame retardants classified as POPs under UK retained law from EU Regulation 2019/1021: these include pentaBDE, octaBDE, and decaBDE. Under the POPs Regulation, furniture containing these substances cannot be reused, donated to charity, or placed in a standard skip: it must be disposed of through specialist licensed waste management. A man-and-van operator without EA registration cannot legally transport or dispose of POPs-regulated furniture. DrClear handles all upholstered items in compliance with the POPs Regulation and issues documentation confirming compliant disposal.

What is WEEE and how are white goods disposed of?

WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Under the WEEE Regulations 2013, fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, computers, and other electrical appliances must be handled by registered EA carriers and processed at approved WEEE treatment facilities. They cannot be placed in a standard skip or disposed of at a general landfill site. Fridges and freezers contain refrigerant gases regulated under the F-Gas Regulation: these require degassing by a qualified operative before the appliance is transported. DrClear collects WEEE items and transports them to the appropriate licensed recycling centre. A Waste Transfer Note confirms the chain of custody for every WEEE item collected.

Do I receive a Waste Transfer Note?

Yes. DrClear issues a Waste Transfer Note for every collection. A Waste Transfer Note is a legal document required under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, confirming that waste has been collected by a registered EA carrier and transferred to an authorised waste management facility. This document is your legal proof of compliant disposal and demonstrates Duty of Care compliance for landlords, letting agents, and businesses. Operators without EA registration cannot legally issue a Waste Transfer Note. Without this document, you cannot prove that your waste was legally disposed of if challenged by the Environment Agency or local authority.

Can you collect from upstairs rooms or difficult access locations?

Yes. DrClear collects from upper-floor rooms, ground-floor flats, terraced houses with narrow hallways, and estate offices. Large items are disassembled where required to navigate stairs and tight corridors. The collection van carries an electric tail lift for safe loading of heavy items, removing manual lifting risk for the crew and reducing the risk of damage to flooring, bannister rails, and door frames. If your property has restricted access, describe it when booking so the team can confirm the appropriate crew size and equipment for the job.

How does DrClear compare to Birmingham City Council bulky waste collection?

Birmingham City Council's bulky waste collection charges approximately £20 to £30 per item for up to five items, with a typical booking lead time of 7 to 14 days. Council collections do not accept POPs-regulated upholstered furniture or WEEE white goods: these are refused or require separate arrangements. Council collections do not issue a Waste Transfer Note, so you receive no documented proof of compliant disposal. DrClear charges from £75 for a single item with same-day collection, covers all item types including WEEE and POPs-regulated furniture, and issues a Waste Transfer Note on completion. Sandwell and Wolverhampton councils operate similar restrictions. For landlords, letting agents, and anyone needing documented chain of custody for Duty of Care compliance, DrClear is the appropriate service.

West Midlands ★★★★★ 5.0 · Google Reviews

Probate Clearance

Probate clearance is a specialist service for executors, solicitors, and bereaved families managing a deceased estate across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Coventry. DrClear provides itemised HMRC contents valuation reports under Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984, coordinated by a named RICS-registered chartered surveyor. The company has completed over 13,000 clearances since 2005 under EA Licence CBDU549477.

Full probate estate clearance from first instruction through to completion
Itemised HMRC valuation inventory for executors, probate solicitors, and estate agents
Sensitive documents, photographs, and personal effects handled with care
Coordinated with estate agents, auctioneers, and probate solicitors
Waste Transfer Note and charity donation receipt issued for estate records

Get a Free Quote – Call Now

13,000+

Clearances

95%

Recycled

20+

Years

5.0★

Google

Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote

Same-day response. No hidden fees. Total price quotes under DMCC 2024.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM · West Midlands

Probate Clearance Results Across the West Midlands

Before and after photography from DrClear probate, bereavement, and estate clearance jobs across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

5 Highlights on Probate Clearance

Probate clearance is a comprehensive service for executors managing a deceased estate. When you lose a loved one, the responsibility of inheriting and organising their estate can feel overwhelming. DrClear provides expert, sensitive support throughout, handling every aspect of the property clearance so solicitors, executors, and bereaved families can focus on what matters most.

We catalogue chattels, antiques, bric-a-brac, and assets for the probate process. An expert valuer appraises antiques and fine jewellery during the free site visit. You receive an accurate, itemised HMRC contents valuation report ready for submission to your solicitor and for inheritance tax calculation under the Inheritance Tax Act 1984.

Our removalist fleet clears furniture and bulky white goods. We empty and declutter the loft, cellar, basement, and outbuildings. We haul away all residual rubbish and leave the vacant property pristine, with no need for skip hire. Every clearance is carried out in branded Ford Transit vans by a uniformed, DBS-checked team.

We search the property for the last will and testament, financial records, and fiduciary documentation. All confidential paperwork is secured and delivered directly to your solicitor. Personal documents and sensitive data are disposed of through our certified secure destruction process in compliance with UK GDPR. We never discard personal information alongside general waste.

We separate sentimental heirlooms and family keepsakes for beneficiaries, packing everything with absolute respect. Quality furniture and household items are donated through our Rehome Relove programme to Acorns Children’s Hospice (Charity No. 700172), Edward’s Trust (Charity No. 1105370), and Birmingham Dogs Home (Charity No. 222436).

We remove hoarded clutter and general waste under EA Licence CBDU549477. Any hazardous items identified are referred to the appropriate specialist licensed contractor – DrClear does not carry hazardous waste. Our contractors transport refuse to Environment Agency-approved sites, repurposing, donating, or recycling salvageable items and recyclable materials to divert over 95% from landfill. A full Waste Transfer Note is issued on every clearance, your legal proof of compliant disposal under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Why Choose Our Probate Clearance

Probate clearance is a trusted service delivered by our qualified team. DrClear House Clearance is a family-run business founded by Krzysztof Szczesny (Chris) in 2005, and we have completed over 13,000 clearances across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and the wider West Midlands. Our accredited staff carry out discreet, compassionate property clearances for bereaved families and executors facing a difficult time.

We hold full registration with the Environment Agency and carry £5M AXA public liability insurance. You will receive a free, no-obligation quote before we begin the work. We provide a transparent clearance price list in line with DMCC 2024 Total Price requirements. No booking fees, no hidden charges. Our experts handle challenging abandoned, cluttered, and hoarded properties. We clean unsanitary environments safely, sweep and sanitise every room, and deodorise soiled areas to restore the home.

Our team donates reusable furniture to local charities, repurposes recyclable materials wherever possible, and offsets carbon emissions through eco-friendly disposal methods. We aim to divert over 95% of all cleared items from landfill. We operate a large fleet of removal vans, haul and transport everything to our secure warehouse, and offer a friendly, hassle-free service tailored to your needs. You can book a home visit or contact us online. We give you complete peace of mind and finish the job on the agreed date.

Signs You Need Probate Clearance

Probate clearance is the right solution when you face an overwhelming estate. Executors often encounter complex property conditions following a bereavement. We identify several clear indicators that require professional intervention.

Unmanageable Clutter and Hoarding

The deceased accumulated massive amounts of possessions over decades. You will find cluttered rooms packed with worthless junk, bric-a-brac, and debris. The sheer volume of hoarded refuse blocks access to the property. Our team declutters and clears this safely and efficiently, restoring the home to a vacant, pristine state. For dedicated support with severe hoarding cases, see our Hoarding Clearance service.

High Value Chattels and Antiques

The inherited estate contains valuable furniture, fine art, and antique collectibles. You need an expert appraiser to evaluate these assets before the property is cleared. We provide an accurate, itemised HMRC contents valuation report. Our valuer identifies items of significant value and arranges secure transport to established West Midlands auction houses such as Fellows Auctioneers (Birmingham) and Locke & England (Leamington Spa), or helps you sell items through reputable channels to maximise the estate’s value.

Hazardous Waste and Unsanitary Conditions

The unoccupied or abandoned house contains toxic materials or soiled areas. Hazardous waste is sometimes discovered in garages, outbuildings, or storage areas. The property requires professional cleaning and sanitisation. DrClear identifies all regulated and hazardous items during the site assessment and refers each category to the appropriate specialist licensed disposal contractor – DrClear does not carry or transport hazardous waste. General clearance and sanitisation of non-hazardous contents proceeds under EA Licence CBDU549477.

Complex Fiduciary Responsibilities

You act as the executor for an intestate estate where no valid will exists, or for a private family estate with multiple beneficiaries. The legal and fiduciary responsibilities demand a detailed, itemised inventory of all belongings. You must report the exact estate value to solicitors and HMRC. We catalogue every item meticulously and supply the required documentation for the probate process, including a full Waste Transfer Note and written inventory for estate administration.

Time Constraints and Geographic Distance

You live far away from the bequeathed property. You lack the time to organise and sort through a full house. The property clearance requires immediate action to vacate and secure the premises. We manage the entire clearance process independently, keep you informed through regular updates, and can coordinate directly with solicitors or estate agents on your behalf. Use the contact form above to arrange same-day or priority clearance.

Our Probate Clearance Process

Probate clearance is a structured operation designed for maximum efficiency, legal compliance, and compassionate handling. We follow a clear seven-step process on every estate clearance.

Contact us by phone, email, or the enquiry form and we will respond within 15 minutes. We discuss your specific estate clearance requirements and arrange a convenient home visit or an online consultation. We are available evenings and Sundays to accommodate solicitors and executors working around probate timescales.

Our expert team evaluates the estate contents during the free site visit. We identify valuable antiques and salvageable goods, assess the volume of rubbish and bulky furniture, identify any hazardous materials, and provide a detailed clearance price. A second assessment can be arranged if the estate requires it.

An accredited valuer appraises the chattels, antiques, bric-a-brac, and fine jewellery. We produce a comprehensive, itemised HMRC contents valuation report ready for the solicitor and for inheritance tax reporting. Where a formal Section 160 valuation is required, we coordinate directly with an appointed appraiser or West Midlands auctioneer before clearance begins.

We sift through personal belongings carefully. We secure the will, testament, and financial documentation for delivery to the solicitor. We organise and pack family heirlooms, keepsakes, and bric-a-brac for the beneficiaries. Sentimental items and quality furnishings are set aside for donation through our Rehome Relove programme.

Our uniformed removalist team arrives in branded Ford Transit vans equipped with electric tail lifts. We dismantle heavy furniture, empty and vacate the house, flat, cellar, and outbuildings, and haul and load all possessions into our fleet vans. No skip hire is required. We use Makita and Bosch power tools to dismantle fixtures and clean as we work.

We transport reusable items to charity for donation or repurpose. We take recyclable materials and residual waste to Environment Agency-approved recycling sites. Hazardous materials identified during clearance are referred to specialist licensed contractors – DrClear does not carry or dispose of hazardous waste. We divert over 95% of all cleared items from landfill, in line with the WRAP Waste Prevention Framework and UN SDG Goal 12.

We sweep and sanitise the empty property, deodorise any soiled areas, and leave the vacant home pristine ready for sale or transfer. You receive a full Waste Transfer Note confirming legal and responsible disposal, plus the complete written inventory for estate administration. You pay by cash or BACS bank transfer on completion.

Why DrClear for Probate Clearance

DrClear is the West Midlands’ most credential-dense probate clearance company. Chris Szczesny founded the business in 2005 and has led every major clearance personally. We hold EA Licence CBDU549477, carry £5M AXA public liability insurance, and employ a DBS-checked team that follows strict key-holding protocols for unattended and vacant properties. We are Corporate Partners of Edward’s Trust (Charity No. 1105370), Business Patrons of Birmingham Dogs Home (Charity No. 222436), and we donate to Acorns Children’s Hospice (Charity No. 700172) on every clearance.

We have issued over 13,000 Waste Transfer Notes since 2005, a documented record no competitor in the West Midlands matches. We recycle, sell, donate, and scrap over 95% of everything we remove. Our 67 five-star Google reviews confirm what solicitors and executors already know: DrClear treats every deceased estate, abandoned property, or hoarded house with the same respect you would want shown to your own home. DrClear is a sole trader business registered as Krzysztof Szczesny t/a DrClear – read our full company background.

Our RICS-registered chartered surveyor produces all chattel inventories and HMRC-compliant market value reports under Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984, in the format required for IHT400 submissions. Reports are delivered in writing to the instructing solicitor within agreed timescales and accepted directly by HMRC. For full guidance on estate valuation requirements, see GOV.UK – Valuing an estate.

Fixed Total-Price Quotes

No hidden fees. Price based on exact volume, type of belongings, and access conditions. Final quote confirmed after free site visit. Pay by BACS or cash on completion.

Full Legal Documentation Pack

Itemised HMRC contents valuation report, Waste Transfer Note, and written inventory of all identified chattels: everything solicitors and executors need for estate administration.

Same-Day Response, 7 Days

Uniformed team in branded Ford Transit vans with electric tail lifts. Evening and Sunday appointments available for probate timescales.

Legal duty for executors and solicitors: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, any executor who arranges clearance through an unregistered waste carrier can be held personally liable for illegal waste disposal, including prosecution for fly-tipping offences. DrClear operates exclusively under EA Licence CBDU549477 and issues a Waste Transfer Note on every clearance, your legal proof of compliant disposal. For probate and estate-specific legal obligations, always seek independent advice from a qualified solicitor.

Performance at a Glance

Recycling & Donation Rate95%

Landfill Diversion95%+

Customer Satisfaction5.0 ★

Same-Day ResponseHigh

Usable items are donated through our ‘Rehome Relove’ initiative to local partners including Birmingham Dogs Home (Charity No. 222436), for whom we are proud Business Patrons.

Probate Clearance Price Guide 2026

DrClear probate clearance prices scale with estate volume and content complexity. Every job includes EA Licence CBDU549477 compliance, £5M AXA insurance, itemised HMRC valuation report, and a full Waste Transfer Note. Use the quote form above or call for a fixed-price, no-obligation quote. Prices confirmed for bookings through 2026 and reviewed annually.

Understanding this comparison: “What others charge” figures reflect UK man-and-van averages from Checkatrade cost guides (Q1 2025), typically basic clearances with no valuation report, no inventory, and no solicitor liaison included. DrClear probate prices include all of these by default. Operators without EA registration cannot legally issue a Waste Transfer Note.

Probate & Estate Clearance From £430

Volume	Approximate Property Size	Unregistered operators (no valuation or WTN)	DrClear 2026 from
Small (1–2 van loads)	Bedsit, studio flat, single-room estate	£150–£250Basic clearance; no valuation, no inventory, no solicitor documentation.	£430Includes clearance, waste disposal, and Waste Transfer Note.
Medium (3–4 van loads)	2–3 bedroom house or flat	£250–£400Priced as standard clearance; HMRC valuation and solicitor documentation rarely included.	£575Includes itemised HMRC valuation report, respectful sorting, and solicitor liaison.
Large (5+ van loads)	4–5 bedroom property, large flat estate	£400–£700Larger loads quoted without full contents inventory or compliance documentation.	£890Includes comprehensive HMRC valuation, Waste Transfer Note, and solicitor documentation pack.
XL / Large Estate	Multi-room estate, outbuildings, garage, loft	POAComplex estates rarely quoted accurately without site visit by unregistered operators.	£1,120Full estate clearance, itemised HMRC valuation, Waste Transfer Note, and full solicitor documentation.

All “What others charge” figures reflect UK man-and-van style averages sourced from Checkatrade House Clearance Cost Guide and comparable directories (Q1 2025). They do not represent all licensed carriers operating in the West Midlands. DrClear “from” prices reflect a fully licensed, AXA-insured probate clearance service including HMRC valuation reports, Waste Transfer Notes, and solicitor documentation under EA Licence CBDU549477. Final quotes depend on volume, access conditions, and any saleable items identified during the free site visit that can offset your cost. All prices are Total Price quotes under DMCC 2024. Contact us online to arrange a free, no-obligation quote.

Get Your Fixed-Price Probate Quote

What Executors, Solicitors, and Families Say

“

DrClear handled a complex five-bedroom estate in Solihull following a sudden death. Their asset discovery report identified two uncashed premium bonds and a share certificate totalling over £6,000 that our client had no prior knowledge of. The Section 160 valuation was accepted by HMRC without amendment. The full estate was cleared, documented, and handed back within five working days. I would not hesitate to instruct them again.

R.T. Probate Solicitor, Birmingham (name withheld by request)

DrClear House Clearance

5 Churchfields Rd, Wednesbury

5.0 70 reviews

Jane Frances
DrClear house clearance did an amazing job today. They arrived on time and kept in contact they were very efficient and did exactly what we had discussed. I would recommend them very highly.
★★★★★ 27 February 2026
MARZENA HALIZAK-SWIADER
Chris cleared my 3 bed house , B24 in Birmingham, Quality job from the morning, they finished early afternoon same day.
★★★★★ 22 February 2026
Nigel Belton
Amazing. Called on short notice but still they came and sorted my mom's house. They worked fast and clean with no mess . Would definitely recommend. 5 star
★★★★★ 21 February 2026
Jan Weglarz
Excellent flat clearance service in Tipton! The team was professional, fast, and efficient. They handled everything, including the bulky items like the washing machine, with no fuss. Highly recommend this service for anyone needing reliable clearance. … More
★★★★★ 4 months ago
L. E. M.
Chris and his colleague were so kind and respectful. They dismantled and cleared a waterlogged shed, bunkbed, double mattress and fridge/freezer in about an hour. Despite the rain and mud they left the place so tidy and were such gentlemen. Really grateful … More for such a trustworthy service, would highly recommend and use again in future! (Stirchley, Birmingham)
★★★★★ 06 December 2025
Glenys
Excellent service clearing my house in Birmingham. Everything was done quickly, professionally, and with great care. Highly recommended.
★★★★★ 11 November 2025
David Roberts
Kris and his team were fantastic from start to finish. Very polite, respectful and efficient. They completed the job within an 90 mins and did it within 2 days of initial contact.
Would highly recommend!
★★★★★ 5 months ago
Keith Pendleton
Very professional company, Chris turned up on time for both the quote & the job. Then with his team completed the job very quickly with no fuss. Highly recommended.
★★★★★ 8 months ago
Yvonne Shaw
I cannot recommend this company enough. kris was amazing. Very understanding of the circumstances why the house needed to be cleared. Everything was cleared, rooms were hoovered and cleaned. Took all the stress away from us. 10/10 thank you
★★★★★ a year ago

]

Read All Google Reviews

Proud Brands and Partners We Use

Probate clearance demands professional-grade equipment, verified vehicles, and trusted partner organisations at every stage of the estate process.

Probate clearance carries real physical and legal responsibilities. Our team assesses every property for hazardous waste before clearance begins. This includes toxic solvents, disused chemicals, and perishable materials. We do not handle asbestos directly. If you suspect asbestos is present in any room, attic, garage, or basement of the estate property, notify us before booking. Only specialist contractors licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (hse.gov.uk/asbestos) may legally remove asbestos. All waste DrClear transports travels under EA Licence CBDU549477. We issue a full Waste Transfer Note on every clearance as legal proof of responsible disposal under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. For probate-specific legal and tax obligations, always seek independent advice from a qualified solicitor.

UK GDPR and data protection: DrClear handles all personal documents, banking records, and digital devices recovered from deceased estates under a certified secure destruction process in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Physical documents are shredded through our certified destruction process and digital devices are wiped to NIST SP 800-88 standard. A written confirmation of secure destruction is available on request. We never dispose of personal data alongside general waste. Contact office@drclear.co.uk for our data handling policy.

Other Probate Clearance Services

Probate clearance is a specialised field with specific terminology. We categorise these terms to clarify our services.

Service we offer	Other names you might search	Related terms and topics
Probate clearance	Estate clearance	Deceased belongings removal
Property clearance	House emptying	Vacant home clearing
Contents valuation	Chattels appraisal	Asset inventory report
Waste disposal	Rubbish removal	Landfill diversion
Hoarded property	Clutter removal	Unsanitary house clearing
Bereavement clearance	Sensitive clearance	Heirlooms, keepsakes, bric-a-brac

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Clearance

What does probate clearance include?

Probate clearance covers the complete removal of all contents from a deceased estate, including furniture, white goods, antiques, bric-a-brac, and residual refuse. We sort, organise, pack, and remove all belongings. We produce an itemised HMRC contents valuation report, secure and deliver legal documentation to the solicitor, donate reusable items through our Rehome Relove programme, and issue a full Waste Transfer Note confirming compliant disposal. We leave the vacant property clean and ready for sale or transfer.

When should I book a probate clearance?

Book when you have been appointed executor of a deceased estate or when a bequeathed property requires clearing for sale or transfer. We can conduct the initial contents valuation before the formal grant of probate is issued. We advise you to contact us early in the process, even while you are still sorting through your loved one’s belongings. Use the enquiry form above for a free, no-obligation quote.

Do you provide a waste transfer note?

Yes. DrClear provides a fully compliant Waste Transfer Note (WTN) on every clearance, as required under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This confirms the legal transfer of waste from the estate property and is essential for probate estates and landlord compliance. A copy is available on request. Executors who arrange clearance through an unregistered carrier can be personally liable for illegal waste disposal under UK law.

Why do I need a professional HMRC valuation report?

HMRC requires an accurate assessment of the estate’s assets for inheritance tax purposes. Our RICS-registered valuer provides a detailed, itemised contents valuation of all chattels: antiques, furniture, fine jewellery, and collectibles. HMRC-compliant reports are produced in accordance with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. For HMRC guidance on estate valuation, see GOV.UK – Valuing an estate. You use this document to calculate and report the estate’s value. Where a formal Section 160 valuation is required, we coordinate directly with an appointed appraiser or West Midlands auctioneer before clearance begins.

What happens to items of potential value found during clearance?

Our team flags any item of potential value, including antiques, jewellery, artwork, documents, or collectibles, before it moves. Nothing of identifiable value is disposed of without your approval. We separate and document these items for the executor’s records. Where the estate requires a formal valuation, we hold items securely until direction is received and refer to an appointed appraiser or auction house such as Fellows Auctioneers (Birmingham). Saleable items can offset your clearance cost.

Can you work alongside solicitors and executors?

Yes. DrClear regularly works alongside solicitors and probate executors across the West Midlands. We provide written confirmation of clearance, a full Waste Transfer Note, and itemised documentation as required for estate administration. We can liaise directly with the appointed solicitor or estate agent on your behalf and coordinate access to the property remotely. Contact us to discuss your specific probate requirements.

How do you handle personal documents and sensitive data?

We search the property for the will, testament, financial records, and legal papers and deliver these directly to your solicitor. All personal documents, bank statements, and sensitive paperwork found during a clearance are segregated and disposed of through our certified secure destruction process, in compliance with UK GDPR. We never discard personal information alongside general waste and can provide confirmation of secure disposal on request.

Can you clear hoarded or abandoned properties?

Yes. We specialise in challenging, cluttered, and abandoned estate properties. Our trained team declutters and clears accumulated possessions safely, sanitises soiled areas, and refers hazardous materials identified during clearance to specialist licensed contractors – DrClear does not carry hazardous waste. We work room by room at a pace agreed with the executor, recover personal items before removal, and ensure full compliance with waste carrier legislation throughout. We can coordinate with local authority housing teams or social services where required. See our dedicated Hoarding Clearance service.

How quickly can you complete a probate clearance?

Most standard probate clearances can be booked within 2–5 working days of the initial consultation. Same-day clearance is available for urgent situations – contact us to check availability. We operate Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, including evening and Sunday appointments. Most residential estate clearances take between 2 and 8 hours depending on property size and volume of contents.

What is a Waste Transfer Note and why does the executor need one?

A Waste Transfer Note is a legal document required under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It confirms that waste from the estate was collected by a registered carrier and disposed of at an approved waste transfer station. DrClear issues a Waste Transfer Note on every clearance under EA Licence CBDU549477, giving the executor complete legal protection and documented proof of responsible disposal. This document is increasingly required by solicitors and estate agents as part of the conveyancing process.

Community Impact – Every Probate Clearance Supports a Cause

DrClear integrates local philanthropy into every estate clearance. Every probate clearance we complete across Birmingham and the West Midlands directly supports bereaved families, children’s palliative care, and animal rescue. Items recovered from deceased estates go directly to the families and charities that need them most. Read our full Community Impact page for the 7-Point Plan.

Edward’s Trust

Registered Charity No. 1105370. DrClear provides a free annual House Clearance for a bereaved family in need, donates £5 per 5-star Google review, and collects 100% of loose coins found during clearances for the Trust.

Acorns Children’s Hospice

Registered Charity No. 700172. We donate reusable furniture, appliances, and keepsakes recovered during probate clearances to Acorns Children’s Hospice, diverting over 95% of all cleared items from landfill through our recycling and donation programme.

Birmingham Dogs Home

Registered Charity No. 222436. As proud Business Patrons, DrClear donates usable furniture, appliances, and household goods recovered during estate clearances to fund veterinary care and re-homing efforts.

Read Our Full Community Impact Send a Message