Apartment clearance: How much does it cost?

An apartment clearance costs an average of 40 euros per square meter.
In general, prices range between 20 and 60 euros per square meter.

Household clearance – decluttering after a death.
An apartment or household clearance involves clearing out an entire household.

This usually concerns the households of deceased persons, where furniture, furnishings, household goods, and personal items are sold, given away, or disposed of. Some of these items may be transferred to another household.

Normally, the relatives commission the clearance.
In cases where the deceased has no heirs, the authorities may order it — the key point is that the clearance must be approved.

Be sure to coordinate the procedure in detail with the company performing the clearance and remove all items that are important to you in advance.

The following factors can influence the total price:

• Size of the household

• Disposal of special items

• Personal contribution

• Additional services such as renovation or painting

DIY Clearance: Where Does the Waste Go?

Often, a large portion of the remaining household items is no longer usable and becomes waste.

Before throwing them away, check whether someone might still be interested in them. By listing items as “free to take,” you can often find people who will reuse them — contributing to sustainability.

Professional clearance companies handle the disposal themselves. If you do it without a company, you are responsible for proper waste disposal.

Items that cannot be given away should be disposed of as follows:

• Bulky waste → collected by bulky waste services

• Hazardous waste (e.g. paints, batteries, used oil) → special disposal containers

• Electronic waste (e.g. old refrigerators) → large appliances can go with bulky waste, small ones should be taken to an e-waste collection site

You can also rent a container from a waste disposal site or landfill. This is ideal if you need to dispose of large quantities. The experts there can help you sort the contents correctly.

Who Offers Household Clearance Services?

If you want to hire professionals, look for clearance companies in your area.

There are many commercial providers as well as charitable organizations that assist with household clearances.

For example, the AWO (Workers’ Welfare Association) often provides such services, typically financed through donated household goods.

Private providers can also be found on social media or in the Yellow Pages. They often have specialized knowledge — for instance, in handling antiques or art collections — and can even appraise valuable items.

Is It Worth Hiring a Clearance Company?

A clearance takes a lot of time, effort, and energy.
For small spaces such as basements or a few leftover furniture items, you can manage it yourself — perhaps with help from friends.

However, for larger or full-house clearances, it’s best to hire professionals.
Although it costs more, you’ll save considerable time and stress, and ensure that everything is disposed of properly.

How Much Does an Apartment Clearance Cost?

The total cost depends on the size and type of the property, as well as the lifestyle of the previous residents.

You can have the apartment, basement, or garage cleared. On request, the company may sell or auction valuable items for you, which could offset part — or even all — of the cost.

Estimated costs:

• Apartment: 20 – 60 €/m²

• House: 2,500 – 5,000 € (for 150 m²)

• Basement: 250 – 1,000 € (for 20 m²)

• Garage: 400 – 800 € (for 30 m²)