Protect personal and sentimental items
Remove documents, photographs, jewellery, medication, keys and anything promised to family first. Check pockets, drawers, loft boxes, sheds and the backs of cupboards before general bagging begins.
Keep retained items in a locked room or vehicle. If several family members are involved, nominate one person to approve the collection pile so labels cannot conflict.
Sort reuse before waste
Clean, working items may be suitable for reuse. Upholstered furniture normally needs an intact fire-safety label, and acceptance depends on condition and capacity, so contact reuse organisations early.
Keep electricals, metal, wood and ordinary contents separate where practical. This helps with assessment and keeps reusable pieces away from damaged material.
Include outbuildings and rural access
Photograph every room plus lofts, garages, barns, sheds and gardens. Show gates, tracks, steps and the route to the van. Rural access can change the crew time even when the volume is modest.
For fridges and freezers, empty and defrost them. For large furniture, show the exit route as well as the item so narrow doors and stairs can be checked.
Identify restricted waste and check the carrier
Paint, chemicals, gas bottles, asbestos, clinical waste and unknown liquids require special handling. Keep them separate and describe them before booking.
Use a registered waste carrier and keep the details. Eddy Leasing Limited holds upper-tier Environment Agency registration CBDU445737. Call 01749 579 975 for a Wells clearance quote.