28/08/2025 Latest News
When you’re facing a house clearance, the sheer scale of the task can feel daunting. Whether you’re preparing a property for sale in Bristol, handling a probate clearance in Bath, or simply downsizing, knowing how to declutter efficiently will save you time, stress, and potentially increase the value of items you decide to sell. At Auctioneum, we’ve helped countless clients through this process, and along the way, we’ve uncovered everything from forgotten antiques tucked in attic corners to jewellery boxes with hidden treasures.
This handy guide walks you through the best way to declutter before a clearance, so the day itself runs smoothly and you don’t accidentally throw away something valuable.
Before you open a single cupboard, take a step back and set your priorities. Ask yourself:
Having a plan helps you work methodically and reduces the chance of making rushed decisions. We often advise clients to work room by room, starting with spaces used least often. In Bristol homes, that might be the attic in a Victorian terrace. In Bath, it could be a cellar in one of the city’s Georgian townhouses.
Decluttering is easier with the right tools on hand. You’ll need:
Having everything ready means you can sort as you go, rather than piling things up to deal with later.
One of the most effective ways to declutter is to create four categories: Keep, Sell, Donate, and Dispose. As you work through each room, decide which category every item belongs in.
We’ve seen clients make the mistake of having a “Maybe” pile, but this often slows down the process and leads to indecision. If you’re unsure, ask yourself when you last used the item and whether it holds genuine sentimental value.
It’s not uncommon for people to be surprised at what turns out to be valuable. During a Bristol clearance last year, we uncovered a special tin of chocolate made one hundred and twenty-five years ago, and it sold for hundreds of pounds at auction.
When sorting items, keep an eye out for:
If you’re unsure, put the item aside and ask your clearance team or an auctioneer to assess it before you make any decisions.
Decluttering is emotionally easier when you leave the most sentimental belongings until the end. This might include family photographs, letters, or heirlooms. Once the rest of the property is in order, you’ll be in a better position to make thoughtful choices about these items.
A scarce 1646 48 Stuivers Dutch Batavia Crown was found in a box of general coinage recently consigned from a Bath property clearance. One of only a handful known to exist and fetched a staggering £5500!
Cupboards, lofts, garages, and sheds often hold items that haven’t seen daylight in decades. While some of it may be destined for disposal, you’d be surprised at how often these areas yield something interesting. We recently unearthed a 1688 fourth edition of John Milton's seminal work Paradise Lost and is coming up for sale at auction. The early edition comes heavily annotated by Queen Anne's Master of Revels Charles Killigrew for a performance in 1711, and will appear at auction for the first time in nearly 300 years. Presented in the Books, Maps & Works on Paper sale at Auctioneum in Bath, it is expected to fetch thousands of pounds.
If you plan to use a professional clearance service, involve them from the beginning. At Auctioneum, we can help you identify valuable items before clearance day, arrange for them to go to auction, and ensure everything else is removed responsibly. We also donate suitable items to local charities in Bristol and Bath where possible, meaning your clearance can benefit others too.
By bringing in a professional early, you can:
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to set a date for the clearance itself. Make sure you’ve:
We recommend avoiding last-minute bookings if you can. This gives you time to tie up any loose ends and ensures the clearance team can give you a dedicated time slot.
Before the clearance begins, do one final walk-through of the property. Open every cupboard, drawer, and storage space to make sure nothing important is left behind. We’ve seen clients find misplaced wedding rings, family photographs, and even a stash of coins during this last check.
One of the most remarkable examples of why it pays to involve professionals early came during a routine Bristol house clearance. Among shelves of well-thumbed paperbacks, our team spotted a copy of The Hobbit that looked just a little different. After careful inspection, it turned out to be a genuine first edition by J.R.R. Tolkien, a truly rare find. You can read more about this incredible house clearance windfall here.
The book went under the hammer in our August specialist auction, achieving a world record price of £43,000. This discovery made headlines far beyond Bristol, and it’s a perfect reminder that hidden treasures can be found in the most ordinary places. Without expert eyes, such items can easily be overlooked, donated, or discarded.
Decluttering before a house clearance isn’t just about making the day run smoothly — it’s an opportunity to protect sentimental items, uncover hidden treasures, and make thoughtful choices about what happens to each belonging. By planning ahead, working methodically, and seeking professional advice, you can ensure the process is as efficient and stress-free as possible.
At Auctioneum, we provide professional house clearances in Bath, Bristol, and the surrounding areas. From initial valuations to the final removal, our team handles the process with care and discretion. If you’re preparing for a clearance and want to make the most of your items, get in touch to arrange a free consultation.