First secure all documents and valuables, then sort items into keep, sell/give away and dispose of. For the rest, hire a company that offers a free inspection and a written fixed price. As a cost guide: usually €1,000 to €2,500 for an apartment and €2,000 to €5,000 for a house. The property valuation should take place before or alongside the clearance, not afterwards.
Facing the clearance of a parental home and not sure where to start? Call us on 0176 6128 5260. Personal, confidential, with no pressure to sell.
Secure first, then clear: the right order
The most expensive mistake in house and flat clearances is haste. Whatever ends up in the skip is gone, and some of it you will definitely need later. Proceed in this order:
- Secure documents Land register documents, building plans and floor plans, living space calculation, invoices for modernisation work (heating, roof, windows), insurance policies, wills, powers of attorney, bank records. You need these papers for the sale, the tax office and settling the estate.
- Sort out valuables and keepsakes Jewellery, photos, personal items, ideally together with all relatives so that no disputes arise later.
- Separate what can be sold Well-kept furniture, household goods and collections can be sold, given away or donated (e.g. to social second-hand shops in Dortmund). Anything the clearance firm can resell lowers its price.
- Hire a company Free on-site inspection, written fixed-price quote, agreed broom-clean handover. It is worth comparing two or three quotes.
- Check the handover After clearance, inspect all rooms, cellar, loft and garage, note the meter readings and collect the keys.
What does a house clearance cost?
The costs depend mainly on three factors: floor area and how full the property is, accessibility (floor, lift, parking for the skip) and type of disposal (hazardous waste such as paint or electrical appliances costs extra). As a rough guide:
| Property | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2-room apartment | approx. €500 to €1,500 |
| 3 to 4-room apartment | approx. 1,000 to 2,500 € |
| Detached house with cellar/loft | approx. €2,000 to €5,000 |
| Heavily cluttered properties (e.g. hoarding) | considerably more, only after inspection |
Reputable companies offset items of value: antiques, well-preserved furniture or collections reduce the price, and in some cases the clearance even costs nothing. So the rule is: never accept a price over the phone, always ask for a free inspection with a written fixed price. The figures are guide values (as of July 2026), not a quote.
How to recognise a reputable company and avoid disreputable ones
Unfortunately, this market has its black sheep. Look out for these signs:
- Free on-site inspection without obligation instead of a flat rate over the phone.
- Written fixed-price quote including disposal and a broom-clean handover, with no additional charges later.
- No payment in advance, invoice showing VAT separately.
- Proof of disposal: the waste must not end up in the woods or at the roadside, otherwise you as the client are liable.
- Complete legal notice (Impressum) with a reachable address, ideally with reviews.
After the clearance: selling the property
House clearance is usually only the first step; afterwards the question arises of what should happen to the house or apartment. Two points are important here:
Do not leave the valuation until the end. Have the property's value determined before or alongside the clearance. That way the necessary documents stay safely together, and you know early on what proceeds are realistic, which matters for dividing the estate, care costs or your own planning.
Empty rooms sell better. A cleared, swept-clean property looks larger, photographs better and avoids discussions about taking over furniture. If you would like to sell discreetly, for example so that the neighbours do not learn that the family home is being sold, the property can be offered through discreet marketing without a public listing.
What is the property worth after the clearance?
A well-founded, free initial assessment gives you clarity early on, before decisions about clearance, renovation or sale are made. Without obligation and in confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a house clearance in Dortmund cost?
Rough guide: a 3-room apartment usually costs €1,000 to €2,500, a detached house €2,000 to €5,000, depending on how full it is, the floor and the volume of waste. Saleable items are offset against the cost. Always insist on a free viewing with a fixed written price.
What is the difference between a house clearance (Haushaltsauflösung) and decluttering (Entrümpelung)?
A house clearance (also called a house or flat clearance) means clearing an entire household, while decluttering tends to cover individual areas such as the cellar or loft. Most companies offer both.
What should I make sure to secure beforehand?
All documents (land register, building plans, floor plans, modernisation invoices, wills, powers of attorney), plus jewellery, photos and keepsakes. You will definitely need these documents later for the sale.
How do I recognise a reputable clearance company?
Free inspection, written fixed price, no payment in advance, proof of disposal, credit for saleable items and a complete legal notice. Be wary of leaflet advertising and cash payments without an invoice.
Valuation before or after the clearance?
Beforehand or in parallel. That way the documents stay together and you know early on what proceeds are realistic, which matters for dividing the estate or covering care costs.
Does the property have to be completely empty for the sale?
No, but a cleared, swept-clean property sells better. Handover "swept clean and cleared" is usually set out in the purchase contract; fixtures such as the kitchen can be sold along with the property.
Related life situations
Note: This article provides general information and does not replace legal or tax advice in individual cases. The costs stated are non-binding guide values. As of: July 2026.
