Clearing out an apartment – ​​tips, costs and what to do in the event of death

Types of apartment and household clearances

First of all, it is important to differentiate between apartment and house clearances. A house clearance often goes beyond the scope of a normal apartment clearance, as larger areas and often outbuildings such as garages, sheds or gardens have to be included. The time and personnel effort is usually higher, meaning that a professional service provider is often necessary. These service providers take care of all steps of the dissolution, from planning to disposal and cleaning of the apartment, which is a significant relief.

Private apartment or household clearances are usually carried out by those affected themselves or their relatives. This can happen for various reasons, for example:

• Selling the house: The house must be completely cleared before it can be sold.
• Moving abroad: If a household has to be completely dissolved because the residents are moving abroad permanently, this requires thorough planning and organization.
• Moving to a smaller apartment: When downsizing your living space, many items have to be sorted out, sold or disposed of.
• Dissolution after death: Emotional challenges often have to be overcome here because personal mementos are affected.

In these cases, those affected are responsible for planning and carrying out the dissolution, which can represent a significant burden.

Costs of clearing out a household and apartment

The costs of clearing out a private household or apartment can vary greatly and depend on various factors.

Size of the apartment or house

The larger the living space, the more time and effort it takes to resolve it. A small apartment can often be cleared in a few days, while a large house can take several weeks.

Amount of household goods

The number and size of the items to be disposed of plays an important role. A household with lots of furniture, electrical appliances and personal items requires more manpower and transport capacity.

Condition of the apartment

If the apartment is very dirty or in need of renovation, the costs of additional cleaning or renovation work will increase.

Disposal costs

Not all items can simply be thrown away. The professional disposal of bulky waste, electronic waste and dangerous materials (e.g. paints, chemicals) incurs additional costs.

Travel costs

The distance between the service provider's home and the apartment to be vacated can also influence the costs, especially if the journey is long.

Special requests

Additional services such as storing items, transporting them to a new home, or carrying out renovations increase the overall cost.

The costs of clearing out an apartment or household depend on the specific circumstances of the apartment and influence the price. If the apartment is on a higher floor without an elevator, additional labor and time may be required to transport items. Handling valuable or delicate items also requires special packaging materials and caution, which can increase costs.

In general, the costs of clearing out a household or apartment can vary greatly. The following average values ​​can serve as a rough guide:

• Small apartment (up to 50 m²): 500 to 1,500 euros
• Medium apartment (50-100 m²): 1,500 to 3,000 euros
• Large apartment or house (over 100 m²): 3,000 to 5,000 euros and more

These prices are indicative only and may vary depending on the factors mentioned above. It is advisable to obtain several estimates from different service providers in order to find the best conditions.

Dissolving a household when staying in a home – who covers the costs?

When a resident is placed in a home, those affected usually bear the costs of clearing out the apartment themselves. If the resident is unable to cover the costs, relatives must first step in if they are financially able to do so. If the financial resources of those affected and their relatives are not sufficient, they can apply for social assistance benefits.

In detail, the cost coverage depends on several factors:

• The resident's own assets: First, it is checked whether the resident has sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of clearing out the apartment.
• Relatives: If the resident's assets are not sufficient, children or close relatives can be called upon to cover the costs under certain conditions.
• Social assistance: If neither the resident nor their relatives have sufficient financial resources, social assistance benefits can be claimed. In such cases, the social welfare office will cover the necessary costs, but usually only within the framework of the legal regulations and after a thorough examination of the financial circumstances.

Conclusion

Clearing out a home is a complex and often emotionally challenging process that requires thorough planning and organization. From distinguishing between different types of dissolutions to considering legal considerations to potential costs, there are many factors to consider. However, with careful preparation, timely planning and, if necessary, the help of professionals, the process can be made efficient and stress-free. In this way, you can not only manage the liquidation of an apartment successfully, but also minimize the associated burden.