Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clear a house after probate?
Clearing a property after probate can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with the emotional weight of losing someone. The good news is that you don't need to rush — and you don't need to do it alone.
Here's a simple overview of how the process typically works:
1. Wait until probate is granted Before you can sell or transfer the property, you'll need to wait for the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration if there's no will). This gives the executor the legal authority to deal with the estate, including arranging the house clearance.
2. Identify any items of value Before anything is removed, it's worth walking through the property and making note of any items that may have sentimental or financial value — jewellery, artwork, antiques, documents, or photographs. A professional probate clearance company will do this as part of the clearance process, setting valuables aside before anything is moved or disposed of.
3. Instruct a specialist probate clearance company Not all house clearance companies are experienced in probate situations. It's important to choose a company that understands the sensitivity involved — one that will treat the property and its contents with care and respect, not simply clear it as quickly as possible. At Simple As Clearance, we specialise in probate clearances and work regularly with executors and solicitors across London and the South East.
4. Get a clear quote before work begins A reputable company will provide a transparent, no-obligation quote — either from photos you send or a brief visit to the property. There should be no hidden costs or surprises.
5. The clearance takes place Our team will carefully sort through the contents, donate or recycle wherever possible, and leave the property clean, empty, and ready for the next stage — whether that's a sale, renovation, or handover.
6. Receive your documentation We provide full waste transfer documentation after every clearance, which may be required during the probate process.
If you're an executor or solicitor looking for a trusted probate clearance partner in London or the South East, we're happy to help. Get a free quote or call us on 0203 488 8780.
How much notice is required before scheduling a job?
We offer same-day collection services for urgent needs. However, we prefer a day or two notice for smoother scheduling and better service coordination.
How can I make payments for your services?
We accept all major forms of payment including on-site card payments, cash and invoicing to ensure convenience and flexibility for our customers.
Where do you take the items, and does it get recycled?
We work closely with various charity shops to re-home as many items as we possibly can. All the rest of our waste is then taken to designated facilities, in which it is recycled safely and responsibly with 100% landfill diversion.
What areas do you cover?
We Cover all London postcodes and those within a 50-mile radius of the capital. Please get in touch if you require our services outside of this radius as we still may be able to help!
What type of waste do you take?
We take almost all types of waste except for asbestos, medical waste and hazardous chemicals.
Do you clean after you have cleared?
We do offer an optional light clean on all of our clearances, however if you are looking for a deep clean, you will need to contact a professional cleaning company.