Charities launch affordable house clearance service

Daniel Thompson from Kennet Furniture Refurbiz and Sarah Cardy from Age UK Wiltshire have teamed up for the scheme

An affordable house clearance service has been launched to reduce the stress and financial burden for those who need it.

The new scheme, by Age UK Wiltshire and refurbishment charity Kennet Furniture Refurbiz (KFR) Devizes, means people will not have to pay for items to be taken away if they can be reused.

The charities will repurpose white goods, clothing and bric-a-brac and redistribute items to those in need, with some goods used to stock charity shops.

KFR's general manager Daniel Thompson said the "reuse revolution" will help individuals while contributing to a "more eco-conscious future."

The KFR warehouse stores lots of furniture to redistribute or sell at a low cost

Sarah Cardy, CEO of Age UK Wiltshire, said the charities "understand clearing a property can be an emotionally challenging and stressful experience".

"We're committed to supporting individuals through this process with care and compassion," she added.

How it works

KFR usually picks up furniture and appliances to redistribute to households with a limited income. In the past couple of years, the charity has started house clearances - but this has come at a cost.

Mr Thompson said between two-and-a-half and three tonnes of goods is collected from an average house clearance and it costs about £230 per tonne to dispose of.

"Unfortunately the client has to have that end cost," he said.

But now items like clothing and bric-a-brac, which KFR would previously have had to throw away, will be used as stock in Age UK Wiltshire's charity shops - meaning the disposal cost is less.

"It's all about keeping usable stuff out of the bin," Mr Thompson added.

Age UK Wiltshire says women's clothes sell well in its shops

Ms Cardy explained women's and children's clothes sell particularly well in its charity shops, alongside some types of bric-a-brac.

"We get some amazing items, some of them really high value," she said, explaining they have had a tea set worth £200, boots worth £500 and pictures from house clearances which have gone to auction in the past.

Ms Cardy said: "It's a win-win-win because we're sharing the goods coming out of people's homes, it's a cheaper option for people to be able to get rid of things... and we're then able to use that money to keep the charities going."