Many charities that previously offered free house clearance or furniture collection services have now introduced collection fees for donated items. The rising costs of transport, staffing, and disposal mean that free collection services are becoming less common.

If you are considering donating furniture, it’s always best to check with the charity in advance to understand their collection policies and any associated charges. This ensures you can make an informed decision about the most cost-effective way to clear your unwanted items.

When charities offer a house clearance service, they will typically provide a quotation for clearing the remaining contents after selecting the items they wish to take. Unlike professional clearance companies, they do not offset the cost by using resalable items within the property.

This means that even if some of your furniture has value, the full clearance cost will still apply. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, choosing a service that factors in resalable items to reduce the overall price may be a better option.

Many large national charities outsource their house clearance services to subcontractors, rather than carrying out the work themselves. These third-party companies operate on behalf of the charity, but their pricing, service quality, and approach to clearance may vary.

If you're considering a charity-run house clearance, it's worth checking who will be carrying out the work and whether the service meets your expectations in terms of cost and efficiency. Understanding this in advance can help you make a more informed decision.