Collections: FAQs

What is the difference between a House Clearance and Furniture Collection?

A House Clearance involves removing unwanted items from a property, typically when preparing for a sale, rental, or after a bereavement. This service can include the disposal of furniture, personal belongings, appliances, and general clutter. Furniture Collections involve us collecting one-off donations of large items, such as a sofa or bedframe, that you may not be able to transport to us yourself. Items in a usable condition will be refurbished if necessary and sold in our shops, promoting reuse and sustainability.

How does a collection/clearance work?

Our process begins with you filling out our online form or requesting a call back for an initial consultation with one of our team to assess your needs, find out your availability and provide an initial estimate. Following this, we will calculate labour, additional waste and VAT, provide a quote and schedule a convenient time for the clearance. Our professional team will arrive, remove the specified items efficiently, and ensure the property is left clean and tidy. We handle the sorting, recycling, and disposal of items, adhering to all environmental regulations. Items suitable for reuse are refurbished where necessary and sold in our shops, supporting our commitment to sustainability.

What area do you cover?

Our collection services cover the Garden House Hospice Care 'catchment' area, which includes Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Biggleswade and all the villages in between. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, please call us on 01462 678076 and we'll be happy to assist.

Do you recycle?

Yes, we are committed to environmentally responsible waste management. We recycle a significant portion of the waste we collect, ensuring materials are processed appropriately to minimise environmental impact. Additionally, many items suitable for reuse are sold or refurbished to sell in our shops, promoting sustainability and giving products a second life.

Are you a licensed waste carrier?

Yes, we are a fully licensed waste carrier, authorised to handle and dispose of waste in compliance with all relevant regulations. This ensures that your waste is managed legally and responsibly.

What happens if I estimate the wrong amount to be cleared/collected?

We understand that estimating waste volumes can be challenging, particularly for a house clearance. If the actual amount differs from your initial estimate, our team will assess the situation on-site and provide an updated quote before proceeding with the collection. We aim to offer flexible solutions to accommodate your needs.

Do you offer same day collection?

Yes, we strive to offer same-day collection services whenever possible. Availability may depend on your location and the time of your request, so we recommend contacting us as early as possible to arrange prompt service.

Do I need to be present for the clearance/collection?

While it's preferable for you to be present during the collection to ensure all items are accurately removed, we can arrange collections without your presence under certain circumstances. Please discuss this with our team in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

Can you take white goods?

Yes, we can collect white goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens. Please make sure you select 'White goods' on the form when you request your clearance/collection. If suitable, these items may be sold in our shop, contributing to waste reduction and sustainability.

Do you need to see the items to provide a quote?

While seeing the items can help us provide a more accurate quote, we can often give an estimate based on your responses on the booking form or by requesting photos of the items. For jobs generating an estimate of over £2,000, we will arrange a preliminary site visit prior to finalising your quote.

Are you insured?

Yes, we are fully insured, providing coverage for all aspects of our waste removal services. This ensures peace of mind for our clients, knowing that they are protected against any unforeseen incidents.

Will you take away everything?

We aim to remove all items as requested; however, certain hazardous materials may require special handling and cannot be collected. Please see our list of prohibited items.