We know that clearing out the home of a loved one who’s just passed can be one of the most difficult experiences to endure. Brendan O’Shea, CEO of Just Clear, says people don’t appreciate just how complicated house clearance can be. Many believe they can manage the process themselves but find themselves overwhelmed due to the emotional weight of the task or time constraints. Just Clear leads the way in showing how to do this sensitive but important work, explaining how to get organised and reflect on the process.
House clearance is a very personal process, and O’Shea points out how different it can be from one person to the next. This can take a few weeks as those managing the estate sift through the remains of a loved one’s life. As eliminating clutter goes, Just Clear urges a systematic approach, recommending people start room by room and sort items as you move. This approach simplifies the process with great efficiency. It also opens up space to think about the beautiful moments in life tied to your items.
The Emotional Toll of House Clearance
Too many people are not emotionally equipped to do the work required. She explains that clients tend to take longer to clear the space because they can’t face their emotions.
“I’ve got clients who are prolonging the clearance process because they cannot emotionally deal with it. They can’t process it in their head. And when they do try to approach it, it gives them anxiety.” – Brendan O’Shea
In turn, this emotional burden can cause all kinds of delays and make it harder to get the house clearance done in a timely manner. O’Shea urges people to consider honoring their grief and allowing room for reflection in the process. She wants to be clear that this journey is much more than just cleaning out a house.
Just Clear further stresses the need for security to be a focus during house clearance, particularly for residences that have been vacant for long periods. Standard home insurance typically doesn’t cover homes left vacant for more than 30 to 60 days. It is incredibly important for homeowners to still allow their properties to be as safe and secure as possible. Further protective measures, like draining water systems and testing burglar alarms, could be included as well.
The Cost and Time Involved
When you decide to hire professional assistance, Just Clear costs an average of £1,700 (plus VAT) to clear a typical three-bedroom property. This fee covers the cost of recycling, haulage, and labor. O’Shea’s team usually looks at a property and vitalizes it in a single 24-hour period. This rapid turnover occurs even when the dwelling may have had only one previous occupant prior to its removal.
Though an expense, many people feel by hiring professional help takes some of the load off through the frustrating process. Just Clear receives inquiries from clients around the world, including places like Australia and America, underscoring the universal nature of this issue.
Finding Value in Memories
During house clearance, unexpected discoveries can occur. O’Shea recounts perhaps one of the more exciting finds, when his team uncovered two Picasso ceramics in a confiscated Knightsbridge property. They fetched an incredible £120,000! These experiences shine a light on the untapped treasure buried within a beloved parent’s or friend’s stuff.
Even when items cannot be physically removed due to legal constraints such as probate, O’Shea encourages individuals to create an inventory of what remains in the home. This practice assists families in maintaining an inventory of their most valuable items. It empowers them to digitize fading memories, inextricably linked with physical objects.
Charities are another viable option to consider when recruiting volunteers for your house-clearance project. Giving away things you no longer need helps local charities and gives you the comfort of knowing that you’re easing someone’s burden in a challenging period of life.