Partial clearance instead of full clearance
A partial clearance affects a single area while the rest of the flat stays lived-in. That sounds simple but is often laborious: cellars and attics sit on narrow stairs, the volume is regularly underestimated and access is tight. If you only outsource one room, describe the volume as precisely as possible — photos in the request help firms quote realistically.
Cellar & attic — typical finds and hazardous waste
Cellars often pile up old paint, varnish, thinner, batteries and waste oil — that is hazardous waste and does not belong in normal rubbish. The attic brings furniture, boxes, electrical appliances and sometimes valuables to light. A good firm separates on site: usable items, recycling, hazardous waste. Ask whether proper hazardous-waste disposal is included in the price.
Clearing garage & loft
Garages are a category of their own: tyres, tools, scrap metal, sometimes engine oil. Scrap metal and tyres have their own disposal routes, and tyres are partly chargeable. In the loft, access and load-bearing capacity are the issue — bringing heavy items down a loft ladder takes experience and sometimes two people.
What clearing costs (guide figures 2026)
Calculated by volume: an average cellar compartment or garage sits at a guide figure of CHF 400–1,200, excl. VAT 8.1%; a full attic accordingly higher. Price drivers are hazardous waste, heavy single items and tight access. If a skip is placed, its rental is added. The price becomes binding after inspection — for smaller amounts often already from photos.
DIY or firm — where the line lies
Half an afternoon of moving boxes is fine to do yourself. As soon as heavy furniture, scrap metal, hazardous waste or a skip transport come into play, a firm is worth it — for the proper disposal and to spare your back. With Offerio you gather quotes without obligation and then decide.
Frequently asked questions
- What does clearing a cellar cost?
- An average cellar or garage sits at a guide figure of CHF 400–1,200 (excl. VAT 8.1%), depending on volume, hazardous waste and access. For small amounts a photo quote is often enough.
- Is a firm worth it for just one cellar?
- As soon as heavy items, scrap metal or hazardous waste are involved, yes — for the proper disposal and transport. For a few boxes you do not need a firm.
- What do I do with old paint and chemicals?
- Paint, varnish, thinner, waste oil and batteries are hazardous waste and belong at a collection point or in the hands of the clearance firm. Ask whether hazardous-waste disposal is included in the price.
- Is a skip provided for the clearance?
- For larger volumes, yes. The skip rental and its placement — partly permit-required on public ground — are then added to the clearance price. For small amounts a van is often enough.
- What if I misjudge the volume?
- Describe it generously and attach photos. Reputable firms calculate with a reserve or confirm the price after a brief inspection, rather than charging extra on the day.