Mark Parry Business Owner

Mark Parry

Frequently Asked Questions

N.A.C Property Clearance

Recommended By Trading Standards

Efficient - Reliable - Professional

Trading Standards Approved

Buy With Confidence

Customer Rating:

Natural Resources  Wales

Licensed Waste Carrier

License Number:

CBDU5887

N.A.C Property Clearance Dragon logo featuring a stylized Welsh dragon above the letters 'N.A.C'.

Frequently Asked Questions

t: 0800 157 1088  -  m:  07870 280754

House Clearance FAQ – Expert Advice You Can Trust 

If you have any questions about our house clearance services, you'll find answers on this page. Drawing from nearly 20 years of hands-on experience in the industry, I’ve provided insights and guidance to help you understand the process.

The information shared here is based on my professional expertise and is intended for reference. However, if there’s anything I haven’t covered, feel free to email or call me directly—I’m always happy to help.

Q: Is a Free House Clearance Service Really Free?

You might be wondering if free house clearance services actually exist. The honest answer? Not really. If a company claims to offer a free clearance, you should ask yourself—who is covering their costs? They won’t be doing it out of goodwill, so chances are, you’re paying in some way, whether through hidden fees, valuable items being resold, or additional charges elsewhere.

For a more in-depth explanation of how so-called free house clearance services operate, click the link below.

Free House Clearance > > > 

Q: What is House Clearance and What Does It Involve?

When you sell a property to a House clearance is the process of completely emptying a property of its contents, typically required when selling a home or returning a rented property to a landlord or local authority.

This includes removing all furniture, white goods, general household items, clothing, bedding, kitchenware, and bric-a-brac from every room, including fitted cupboards, wardrobes, attics, and basements. In some cases, you may also need to remove items you’ve installed yourself, such as carpets, curtains, and stairlifts, as well as clearing sheds, garages, garden furniture, ornaments, and plant pots.

For rented properties, the standard expectation is to return the property in the same condition as when you moved in. For properties being sold, it should be cleared to a standard that you would expect if you were the new owner.new buyer or hand a rented property back to a local authority or private landlord they would require you to completely clear the full contents of the property

This would include all free-standing items of furniture and white goods, along with all loose items of general clutter, clothing, bedding, pots, pans, china, and bric-a-brac, etc, from all fitted cupboards and wardrobes, rooms, attics, and basements.

You may also be required to remove items you may have fitted yourself including carpets, curtains, and stairlifts, you will also have to clear any sheds and garages and any garden furniture or ornaments and plant pots, etc.

The general rule would be to return the property as you found it for rented properties, or as you would expect to receive it if you had bought the property yourself.

Q: What Are the Risks of Choosing a Cheap House Clearance Service?

While we don’t claim to be the cheapest house clearance company in South Wales, we do strive to be the most professional and reliable. If you're simply looking for the lowest price, this may not be the right place for you.

There are many legitimate man-and-van services with lower overheads that can offer budget-friendly property clearances. However, there are also unregulated operators who cut corners. If a quote seems too good to be true, it often is. Labour, transport, and legal waste disposal all come at a cost—so if a company is offering a suspiciously low price, ask yourself how they are covering those expenses.

To protect yourself, always ensure you receive a Duty of Care Waste Transfer Note, which should include:

Business contact details

Vehicle registration number

Natural Resources Wales Waste Carrier Registration Number

Without this legal documentation, if your waste is fly-tipped and traced back to you, you could face legal action and a hefty fine.

For a more in-depth look at the risks of cheap house clearance quotes, click the link below.

Cheap House Clearance > > > 

Q: How long does a house clearance take?

The time required for a house clearance depends on the size of the property and the volume of items to be removed. As a general example, clearing the full contents of an average three-bedroom house, including transporting items for recycling, typically takes a team of three to four professionals around eight hours to complete. This includes approximately four to six hours on-site at the property.

Larger properties or homes with excessive clutter may take longer, while smaller clearances can often be completed more quickly. If you need an efficient and professional house clearance service, feel free to get in touch for an accurate time estimate based on your specific needs.

Q: What Does ‘Buy With Confidence – Trading Standards Approved’ Mean?

Buy With Confidence is a Trading Standards Approved scheme designed to help consumers find trustworthy and reputable businesses. As an approved member, we have been thoroughly vetted, officially approved, and continuously monitored by Local Trading Standards to ensure we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service.

By joining this scheme, we have committed to operating in a legal, honest, and fair manner. We adhere to the scheme’s strict code of conduct, ensuring compliance with both the letter and spirit of the law. This accreditation provides our customers with the confidence that they will receive a reliable, high-quality service at all times.

For a more detailed explanation of the Buy With Confidence – Trading Standards Approved scheme, click the link below.

Buy With Confidence > > >

Q: Are You a Licensed Waste Carrier with Natural Resources Wales?

Yes, we are a Natural Resources Wales Licensed Waste Carrier, holding registration number CBDU5887. This certification ensures that we handle and dispose of waste legally, responsibly, and in compliance with environmental regulations.


To verify our license, please click the link below, where you will find step-by-step instructions to check the Natural Resources Wales Public Register and confirm our registration.

Natural Resources Wales > > >

Q: Do You Have Public Liability Insurance? 

Yes, we have comprehensive Public Liability Insurance to ensure both our customers and our business are fully protected. While it is a legal requirement for a house clearance company to be a licensed waste carrier, Public Liability Insurance is not legally required for businesses in the UK. However, without it, you could be left vulnerable if something goes wrong.

At N.A.C Property Clearance, we believe in providing peace of mind for our clients. That’s why we hold £5,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance and £10,000,000 in Employers’ Liability Insurance. All relevant documents will be available for review during the quotation process.

Q: What is POPs Recycling? 

POPs recycling refers to the safe disposal and recycling of waste containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) a group of hazardous chemicals that pose risks to both human health and the environment. These pollutants are toxic, long-lasting, and bioaccumulative, meaning they break down slowly, build up in living organisms, and can spread over large distances.

Common household items that may contain POPs include:

Upholstered domestic seating – sofas, armchairs, cushions, and dining chairs, mattresses, bed bases etc.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) – televisions, computers, mobile phones, and printers

Paints and coatings

Proper handling and disposal of POPs-containing materials are essential to prevent environmental contamination. If you need assistance with POPs waste disposal, feel free to contact us for expert guidance.

Q: Do You Buy Second-Hand Furniture and Antiques? 

At N.A.C Property Clearance, our primary service is professional property clearancew, we are not a second-hand furniture shop or antique dealer. This means we do not buy individual furniture pieces or household items directly.

Our business is built on providing skilled labor, specialist tools, and transportation to efficiently clear properties. This includes handling items for resale, donation, recycling, or disposal, rather than profiting from the sale of your belongings.

If your property contains resalable items, these can sometimes help offset the cost of the clearance, and in rare cases, even cover the full cost. However, we strongly believe that if there’s money to be made from your items, it should benefit you and your family.

For expert tips on how to sell second-hand furniture yourself and maximize your returns, click the link below.

How To Sell Your Items > > >

Q: How Does Our House Clearance Service Work? 

We understand that clearing a property—especially that of a loved one—can be an emotional, stressful, and physically demanding task. That’s why our professional house clearance service is designed to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

You don’t need to sort, bag, or move anything beforehand. All we ask is that you take the time to check the property for sentimental or valuable items and any important documents—we will handle everything else for you.

As a family-run business, we are here to help, whether you live locally or hundreds of miles away, have limited time to manage a clearance, or are struggling with the emotional side of sorting through a loved one’s belongings. Let our family help your family.

For a detailed explanation of how our house clearance service works, click the link below.

How Our Service Works > > >

Q: What happens to the contents of my property once you have cleared it?

At N.A.C Property Clearance, we are committed to a zero-to-landfill policy, ensuring that all items removed from a property are handled in the most responsible and environmentally friendly way possible.

During the clearance process, we sort and separate all items into appropriate recycling categories. Reusable items are either resold into the trade or donated to charity where suitable. Materials such as paper, cardboard, clothing, bedding, scrap metal, and wood are sent for recycling.

We strictly follow UK waste regulations, including Regulation 12 of The Environment Agency Waste Regulations 2011 and The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013. Any waste items that can't be reused or recycled are disposed of legally and ethically at fully licensed commercial recycling facilities.

For a more detailed explanation of how we handle the contents of your property, click the link below.

The Waste Hierarchy > > >

Q: Do You Require a Deposit, and What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

At N.A.C Property Clearance, we do not require any deposit or upfront payments. You only pay after the clearance is fully completed and you are 100% satisfied with our work.

Our quotations are completely free, with no obligation, no hard sell, and no hidden charges—guaranteed. The price we quote is the final price you pay.

For convenience, we prefer payment via bank transfer or cheque upon completion of the clearance. We can also accept cash payments by prior arrangement.

If you have any questions about payment options, feel free to get in touch!

Q: How Much Does a House Clearance Cost? 

The cost of a house clearance depends on the size of the property and the amount of contents that need to be removed. As a general example, clearing and transporting the full contents of an average three-bedroom house for recycling typically requires a team of three or four professionals, around eight hours of work, and costs between £600 – £1,200.

Pricing varies based on factors such as property size, accessibility, waste disposal requirements, and any specialist items that need handling.

For a more detailed breakdown of house clearance costs and an explanation of how we ensure the process is legal, efficient, and environmentally responsible, click the link below.

House Clearance Costs > > >

Q: Are There Any Items You Don’t Take or Properties You Don’t Clear? 

At N.A.C Property Clearance, we specialise in house and office clearances, handling the removal of general household items, office furniture, and equipment for resale, donation, recycling, or disposal.

However, we do not undertake demolition or building work and do not remove builder’s waste. Additionally, we do not clear unsafe or derelict properties or those containing hazardous materials such as:

Asbestos

Sharps (needles, medical waste, etc.)

Chemicals (other than normal household chemicals)

Biological waste

If you're unsure whether your property or specific items qualify for clearance, feel free to contact us for guidance.

Q: Do You Offer a Cleaning Service After a House Clearance? 

While we are a professional house clearance company rather than a cleaning service, we always ensure the property is left tidy and presentable after the clearance is completed. Our team will sweep floors, hoover carpets, and wipe down surfaces as part of our standard service.

Please note that for larger furniture items, we may need to carefully dismantle them to ensure safe removal from the property. If you require deep cleaning services, we recommend hiring a specialist cleaning company after the clearance.

Q: How Difficult Is It to Clear a Property Yourself? 

Clearing a property on your own can be a physically demanding, emotionally overwhelming, and time-consuming task—especially when handling the belongings of a close relative or friend. Sorting through sentimental items can be emotionally challenging, making the process even more difficult.

This stress can be amplified if you’re working under time constraints, whether due to a property sale, rental agreement, or legal deadlines. To help, we’ve provided detailed guidance on this website to assist you through the process.

For a step-by-step DIY house clearance guide, click the link below.

DIY House Clearance > > >

Q: How Can I Reduce the Cost of a House Clearance? 

To minimize the cost of a house clearance, consider selling valuable items privately before arranging a clearance service. You can also reduce costs by donating or recycling smaller items yourself. If feasible, take bric-a-brac, clothing, bedding, books, magazines, and other small household items to a local charity shop or your nearest council recycling center, where they can be accepted for free.

However, if this isn’t a realistic option for you, don’t worry—we can handle everything. You don’t need to sort, bag, or move anything beforehand. Simply check the property for any sentimental or valuable items and important documents, and we’ll take care of the rest.

For a detailed guide on reducing house clearance costs, click the link below.

Reduce The Cost > > >

Q: How much is second-hand and antique furniture worth?

In today’s market, most antique and second-hand furniture, as well as general household items, hold relatively low value. This is largely due to the rise of cheap mass-produced furniture, as well as the increased availability of second-hand goods through online marketplaces and charity shops.

In recent years, many towns and cities have seen a significant increase in charity shops, often located just a few hundred yards from one another, all selling second-hand furniture and household items. Combined with the rise of online resale platforms, this has created an oversupply of good-quality used furniture, driving prices down. While this is great news for buyers, it means that sellers may struggle to achieve high returns on second-hand or antique furniture.

For a detailed guide on valuing antique and second-hand furniture, click the link below.

Second-Hand Furniture Value > > >

Q: How can I get a free house clearance quotation?

Getting a free house clearance quotation is simple, just give me a call, and we’ll arrange a visit to your property at a time that’s convenient for you.

I can provide a written quotation on the same day or send it via email, depending on your preference. Our quotes are completely free, with no obligations, no hard sell, and no hidden charges guaranteed.

If you have a property to clear anywhere in South Wales and need guidance, advice, or a no-obligation quote, feel free to reach out, I'll be happy to help.

Quotation Information  > > >

Q: How does a charity house clearance service work?

Some charities offer house clearance services, but their approach differs from private clearance companies. They typically remove items with resale value for free, though many now charge collection fees for furniture and household goods.

For the remaining contents, charities will usually provide a quotation for the clearance cost. Larger charities often hire third-party contractors for this process, meaning they do not use resalable items to offset the cost of the clearance.

For a detailed breakdown of how charity house clearance services work, click the link below.

Charity House Clearance > > >

Q: Can I Use Skips or the Council’s Bulky Waste Collection Service for House Clearance?

While using a skip or the council’s bulky waste collection service is an option, it may not always be the most practical or cost-effective solution.

Skips – The average builder’s skip costs £250–£300 + VAT, which can make it an expensive choice for a full house clearance. Additionally, many items cannot be placed in a skip, including TVs, computer monitors, fluorescent tubes, paint, chemicals, fridges, freezers, car batteries, and tires. If the skip needs to be placed on a public road, you’ll also need to pay for a permit from your local authority.

Council Bulky Waste Collection – Most local councils offer a bulky waste collection service for a limited number of items at a fixed price. However, these services usually require advance booking (often weeks ahead), and they will only collect items from the curbside, not from inside your property.

For a more detailed comparison of using skips, council services, or professional house clearance, click the link below.

Use Skips Or The Council > > >

Q: Is It Worth Selling House Clearance Items at Auction? 

If you're considering selling your house clearance items at an auction, it's important to understand the potential risks and costs involved. While some sellers may achieve good returns, auctions do not work out well for everyone.

Most auction houses charge collection fees if you are unable to deliver the items yourself. Additionally, if your items don’t sell for a high enough price, you could end up owing the auction house more than your items are worth due to commission fees and additional charges.

Before sending items to auction, make sure they are valuable enough to justify the risk. For a detailed guide on how house clearance auctions work, click the link below.

House Clearance Auctions > > > 

Q: Why Are There So Many Charity Shops on the High Street? 

Over the past 15 years, the number of charity shops on the high street has increased by 40%. But why is this happening? A key factor is the business rates system for commercial properties.When a commercial property remains unoccupied for three months or more, the landlord becomes liable for full business rates. This includes small shops and offices. However, if a charity occupies the property, it qualifies for an 80% mandatory discount on business rates, with local authorities often granting the remaining 20% as an additional discount.

As a result, many landlords actively seek charities as tenants to avoid paying full business rates, while charities themselves benefit from low or nominal rental costs. Some charities even market their willingness to take on these tenancy agreements, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement for both landlords and charitable organizations.

For a detailed breakdown of why charity shops have become so common on the high street, click the link below.

High Street Charity Shops > > >

Q: What Regulations Apply to Selling Second-Hand Furniture and Household Items?

There are strict regulations governing the sale or donation of second-hand furniture and household items, all designed to protect public safety and ensure compliance with the law. Businesses such as second-hand furniture dealers, charities, and auction houses must legally adhere to these rules—and failure to do so can lead to prosecution.

However, these regulations are rarely enforced for private sellers using buy-and-sell platforms or online auction websites. While individuals are not strictly required to follow these laws, selling non-compliant items could pose potential risks to buyers. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice whether to abide by these regulations when selling second-hand goods privately.

For a detailed guide on second-hand furniture regulations, click the link below.

Second-hand furniture Regulations > > >