Loft and attic clearance from local providers
Tell us what is up in the roof space and get free quotes from up to 3 independent local clearance teams. Compare, choose, and stay in control.
- Free quotes, no obligation
- Up to 3 local providers
- Safe removal from roof spaces
Who needs a loft or attic clearance, and why
Most lofts fill up slowly. A box goes up for safekeeping, then a suitcase, then the Christmas decorations, and years later nobody can say what is up there or whether the floor will take the weight. People usually look for loft clearance when they are moving house, selling, or preparing to insulate, rewire or fit a new boiler or water tank, and the engineer needs clear access to the space. A realistic view of how much is up there helps everyone plan the day well.
Others need an attic clearance because of a bereavement, a downsizing move, or a landlord check on a rental property. Sometimes a family member has left decades of belongings up in the roof and the job feels too big to start alone. There is nothing unusual about that, and a good clearance team will have seen similar roof spaces many times. If you are not sure what is up there, say so. Providers would rather hear that honestly and plan for a mixed load than discover a surprise on the day, which can slow the job and change the quote.
A loft conversion is another common trigger. Builders and designers need the space empty before work begins, and the contents often have to be sorted quickly. Whatever your reason, local providers can quote for removing everything, or just the bulky or awkward items, while you keep the things you want. Where a loft has been converted or partly converted before, mention that too, because stud walls, low eaves and built-in storage can all change how items are reached and carried out.
Hatch, ladder and joist safety in a roof space
Access is the biggest practical question in any loft job. A small hatch with a loft ladder limits what can be carried through it, and a fixed ladder or a narrow landing makes every trip slower. Tell the providers about the hatch size, the type of ladder, how many floors up the loft is, and whether the landing below is clear. Photos of the hatch and the space beyond it help a great deal. A clear explanation of the access also lets providers say whether one person or two will be needed, which is one of the main things that shapes the final figure on a quote.
Whether the floor is boarded matters just as much. On a boarded loft, items can be slid and carried in a fairly normal way. On an unboarded loft, the only safe footing is across the joists, and the plasterboard ceiling between them will not carry a person or a heavy box. Anyone stepping off the joists can fall through into the room below. Take a few minutes to check the stairs, landing and front door as well, since a tidy route from the hatch to the van saves effort and reduces the chance of knocks to walls and banisters.
Experienced teams usually work in pairs, use proper lighting, and lay temporary boards across the joists before moving anything heavy. You should not try to take that risk yourself. If you are elderly, unwell or unsure, leave the climbing to the clearance team. Ask each provider how they plan to work safely in your particular roof space. Larger lofts may take more than one trip or more than one visit, so ask whether the quote covers all of it and how the provider handles a van that fills before the loft is empty.
A loft is often one part of a bigger job. Our guides to garage & shed clearance and cellar & basement clearance cover the other storage spaces, and bereavement clearance explains what to expect when you are emptying a late relative's home.
How a loft clearance usually runs on the day
A typical job starts with the team assessing the space, either from your photos or on a short visit. On the day, one person usually goes up into the loft and gathers items near the hatch, while another waits below to receive them. Boxes, bags and loose items are passed down by hand, because there is rarely room to carry things through the hatch any other way. If anything must be kept dry or upright, such as a boxed mirror or a framed picture, tell the team beforehand so they can pack and carry it separately rather than stacking it with heavier boxes.
Longer or bulkier items, such as old furniture, timber, water tanks or rolled carpets, can need extra planning. Some can be folded, taken apart or lowered with a rope, and others may not fit through the hatch at all. A provider should tell you honestly if something cannot be removed without damage to the hatch or ceiling. Children's toys, school work and old family photographs often turn up in the middle of a clear out, so it can help to have someone available to make quick decisions as boxes come down.
Items then travel down the stairs and out to the van, so clear a route and keep children and pets out of the way. Agree beforehand whether the team sweeps up afterwards. Rubbish removal from a loft often creates dust, so ask how floors and landings below will be protected while the work is going on. It is sensible to keep a few spare boxes and bags to hand so that anything you decide to keep can be moved straight to a safe spot in the house rather than left on the landing.
Sorting, keeping and rehoming what is up there
Lofts hold a mix of rubbish and things that matter. Before the team arrives, consider going up for a first look if you can do so safely, or ask a family member to help. Photograph boxes in place so you can see what is there. Keep papers, photographs, jewellery, letters and anything with sentimental value separate, because these can be easily mixed up with ordinary rubbish in a hurry. Only a competent person should judge this, so if you are unsure about a material, treat it as suspect and ask a specialist, because guessing can put you and the people helping at risk.
Fragile and valuable items need care. Old glassware, ornaments, framed pictures, vintage toys, records, tools and electronics may be worth selling or donating, and some clearance teams will separate them for you if you ask. Tell providers upfront if you want a particular box handled gently or handed to you unopened. Wherever possible, bring in the right tradesperson first. A roofer, pest controller or electrician can make the roof space safe, after which the clearance team can work in better conditions.
What cannot be reused is usually sorted for recycling where possible, such as cardboard, metal, timber and electrical items, with the rest taken for proper disposal. Responsible providers should be able to explain what they do with the waste. If the loft belongs to someone who has died, take advice from a solicitor before discarding any papers or valuables. Take care that anything flammable or pressurised is kept away from heat, and ask providers whether they can take it or whether you will need to use your local council recycling centre.
Old insulation, damp, pests and suspected asbestos
Roof spaces can hide hazards. Older insulation may be loose, dusty or itchy, and teams working with it should wear suitable protection such as gloves, masks and overalls. Damp patches, mould, nests or droppings can mean a leak or pest problem that needs fixing by a roofer or pest controller. A clearance will not repair either, although it can make the problem easier to see. Keep any paperwork you are given, including the licence number, the receipt and the written quote, in case a question comes up later about where the waste went or what was agreed.
Asbestos is the most serious concern. Some older properties contain materials that might include it, such as certain boards, pipe lagging, tanks, flue pipes or textured coatings. If you suspect asbestos, do not touch, drill, break or sweep it. Stop the job and arrange for a licensed specialist to test and, if needed, remove it. Get the details in writing, including date, arrival window, access arrangements and what happens if the job turns out larger than described, so that both sides know what to expect.
Loft clutter can also include hazardous items, such as old paint, solvents, gas bottles, batteries and fluorescent tubes. These need special handling and are not suitable for ordinary rubbish loads. Mention anything of this kind when you ask for quotes, so the provider can plan for it and tell you what they can and cannot take. If something seems unclear, ask. A reputable provider will be happy to explain how they work, and you are under no obligation to accept any quote you receive through Move & Clear.
What to check in a quote and mistakes to avoid
Anyone removing waste for a fee should be a registered waste carrier. In England the register is run by the Environment Agency, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own bodies: SEPA, Natural Resources Wales and NIEA. Ask each provider for their licence number and check it on the public register. As the householder you also have a duty of care, so ask for a waste transfer note or receipt. If the price jumps on the day with no clear reason, you are entitled to ask why in writing. Clear quotes agreed in advance reduce the risk of that kind of disagreement considerably.
Compare quotes properly. A clear quote should say what is included, how the loft will be accessed, whether labour for passing items down is covered, how waste is disposed of, and whether any extra charges could apply. Ask for proof of insurance rather than assuming it. Prices vary, so the cheapest figure is not always the best value. Fill in the form with as much detail as you can, including photos if possible, so the providers who contact you can give a realistic quote without needing several rounds of questions.
Common mistakes include hiring someone who turns up unannounced and offers a quick cash price, leaving the loft unsorted so valuables go in the van, and hiding hazards from the provider. Avoid paying everything upfront. Free quotes through Move & Clear come from independent local providers, so you can compare up to three before you decide. Finally, remember that you choose who to hire, so take your time comparing the replies and pick the team that explains the work most clearly.
Providers cover different postcode areas, so browse the areas we cover to see local information, or enter your full postcode in the quote form at the top of this page.
What affects the cost of loft & attic clearance
Prices are set by each local provider, so we do not publish fixed figures. These are the things that move a quote up or down. Compare up to 3 free quotes to see a fair price for your job.
- The size of the loft and how much is stored in it.
- Hatch size, ladder type and how many floors up the loft sits.
- Boarded or unboarded floor, which affects safe working methods.
- Bulky, heavy or awkward items that need extra labour.
- Old insulation, damp or hazardous materials needing special handling.
- Parking, distance to the van and disposal or recycling costs.
Our transparency promise: quotes are free and come direct from the providers. We don't add fees to your price, and you're never obliged to accept.
FAQs: loft & attic clearance
Can a clearance team work in an unboarded loft?
Often yes, but it needs care. Teams should only stand on the joists, and many lay temporary boards before moving heavy items. Tell providers if your loft is unboarded so they can plan for it. Anyone who suggests standing on the ceiling between joists is not working safely, and you should ask someone else.
What if I think there is asbestos in my loft?
Do not touch, move or disturb it. Tell the providers you are worried, and arrange for a licensed asbestos specialist to inspect and, if necessary, remove it. A normal clearance team should not handle suspected asbestos. Work in the loft can usually resume once the specialist has dealt with it.
Do I need to be at home during the clearance?
It is best if you or someone you trust is there, at least at the start, to point out what stays and what goes. You can usually agree a plan beforehand with the provider. Make sure a key holder is available, and ask for a receipt or waste transfer note afterwards.
Can you clear just part of my loft?
Yes. Many people only want bulky items, old furniture or a few boxes taken away, while keeping the rest. Say clearly what stays when you request quotes, and mark those items. Providers can then quote for the smaller job, which may suit tighter budgets and limited hatch access.
Will my valuables and sentimental items be kept safe?
Tell the providers up front what you want to keep and, if you can, set it aside beforehand. Photograph boxes in place and ask a team member to hand certain items to you directly. Take advice from a solicitor if the loft belongs to an estate.
Is a loft conversion clearance different?
The job is similar, but timing and access are often tighter because builders need the space empty. Mention your start date, check whether old insulation, tanks or boarding must also go, and ask providers whether they can remove those items safely as part of the quote.
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Providers cover different postcode areas. Pick your nearest area to see local information, or use the form at the top of this page and enter your full postcode.