Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience. Amidst the mourning and the myriad responsibilities that follow, dealing with the belongings left behind can be overwhelming. It’s a situation many people face: the need to clear a house of personal items, furniture and other possessions, and often under the weight of grief and getting it sorted in a timely manner too. This is where our full house clearance services come into play, offering not only a practical solution, but also a sensitive approach to managing a loved one’s estate.
At Potteries, we understand the complexities involved in this process. Our full house clearance service is designed to ease the burden and provide a compassionate, efficient and professional way to handle the belongings of your loved one.
We recently helped a family in Cornhill, Leek with handling a full house clearance of a large deceased estate. This involved clearing out the entire estate and working with a solicitors, representing the executors, to sell the contents of the house on their behalf. We conducted this clearance in December 2023, and we sold most of the items in our March 2024 rare ceramics, jewellery and collectables sale – a pretty quick turnaround for such a large job.
And this was just the stables… when we say it was a large job, we really mean it!
Here’s just a selection of items from the house clearance that went on to fetch a good price at auction just earlier this year.
This gorgeous pair of 19th-century saloon doors with painted and leaded glass panels sold for an incredible £1,050. With so much character, they’re bound to be the talking piece of any interior once they’ve been given some TLC to restore them to their former glory.
This pair of Pewter Liberty & Co candlesticks found a hammer price of £220, well exceeding their estimate.
This incredibly charming Victorian carved Oak joint stool sold for an amazing £880!
This World War I WWI trench watch with black dial, and still in ticking order at the time of cataloguing, sold for a wonderful £180.
This classic 18ct gold Zenith automatic wristwatch found a hammer price of £420.
As you can see from the above, from small personal pieces and home furnishings all the way to large antique furniture, when we carry out a full house clearance we are meticulous about salvaging what we can from your items to get you the best prices at auction.
Here are just some of the benefits of using our services, especially when considering auctioning valuable items from a house clearance.
Sensitivity and respect
Dealing with a loved one’s possessions can be an emotional journey, filled with memories and sentimental value. Our knowledgeable and expert house clearance team is trained to handle each item with the utmost care and respect. We approach every clearance with sensitivity, understanding the importance of the task at hand. Our professionals are skilled in offering a listening ear and a gentle touch, ensuring that your loved one’s memory is honoured throughout the process.
Comprehensive and efficient process
A full house clearance involves more than just removing items – it requires careful sorting, cataloguing and valuation of all belongings. Our team efficiently handles all aspects of the clearance, from the initial assessment to the final auctioning of valuable items. This comprehensive approach saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on personal matters while we take care of the logistics.
Maximising the value of belongings
One of the main benefits of using a full house clearance service through an auction house is the expertise in identifying and valuing items. Our experienced team can spot valuable antiques, collectibles and other items that may have significant market value. By carefully sorting and appraising each item, we ensure that you maximise the potential financial return. These items are then professionally presented and sold at auction, reaching a wide audience of potential buyers not just in the UK, but worldwide too through our online portals.
Stress reduction
Grieving is a difficult process, and the added responsibility of clearing a house can increase stress and anxiety. A full house clearance service helps alleviate this burden. Our team handles the entire process from start to finish, allowing you to navigate your grief without the added pressure of managing an estate. Knowing that professionals are taking care of your loved one’s belongings can provide peace of mind during a challenging time.
Environmentally responsible disposal
Not all items in a house clearance are suitable for auction, and some items may be recycled, donated, or need disposed of entirely. We’re committed to environmentally responsible practices and ensure that items are recycled or disposed of in an eco-friendly manner and, wherever possible, we donate items that cannot be sold but are still in good condition to local charities. This approach not only helps the environment but also supports the community, making the process more meaningful.
Legal and administrative support
Handling a loved one’s estate often involves legal and administrative tasks, such as dealing with wills, probate and the distribution of assets. Our full house clearance service includes support in these areas, offering guidance and assistance with the necessary paperwork. We can provide professional valuation services which can be used for both probate and insurance purposes and work closely with legal professionals to ensure that all procedures are followed correctly.
A personal approach
Every situation is unique, and so are the needs of each family. Our full house clearance service is flexible and tailored to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a partial clearance, help with a specific category of items or a complete house clearance, we offer a service that fits your needs. Our goal is to provide a bespoke service that respects both your wishes as well as the memory of your loved one.
Looking for a full house clearance service for auction?
Our full house clearance service offers a compassionate, efficient and respectful solution, ensuring that your loved one’s belongings are handled with care and that valuable items are given the opportunity to shine at auction.
To enquire about our house clearance service or probate and insurance valuations, please call us on 01782 638100 or email enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, where one of our friendly members of staff will be able to assist you.