Has anyone used/have experience of Age UK and British Heart Foundation house clearance service?

Debbie9009

I had the same experience of BHF refusing a good quality item with a very small chip in the veneer, when I pointed out to them that I bought it from BHF with the chip present they decided they would take it after all, then damaged my walls moving it carelessly, they also weren’t all that pleasant overall, so I don’t donate anything to them anymore.  

I now put items outside my house with a note saying free and they always go.  I do live in an area with quite a few student houses, and HMO’s so that probably helps, and I only have one or two items at a time, but maybe worth a try for anyone who only has a few small items to give away.

ss2020jd

Debbie9009 said:

I had the same experience of BHF refusing a good quality item with a very small chip in the veneer, when I pointed out to them that I bought it from BHF with the chip present they decided they would take it after all, then damaged my walls moving it carelessly, they also weren’t all that pleasant overall, so I don’t donate anything to them anymore.  

I now put items outside my house with a note saying free and they always go.  I do live in an area with quite a few student houses, and HMO’s so that probably helps, and I only have one or two items at a time, but maybe worth a try for anyone who only has a few small items to give away.

That’s not good at all. Seems to be a common theme here so appreciate the warning and will definitely avoid. 

forgotmyname

Sadly we had a similar issue with BHF refusing many items and yet were happy to take a couple of expensive items, we declined their
offer and just asked around ourselves.

They didn't want the bed and almost new (expensive) mattress because they did not match but would be happy to take the mattress on its own.
As others have mentioned they sell them mismatched in the shop and items with damage so I think they pick and choose randomly
or cherry pick depending on how easy it is to load the van.

ss2020jd

forgotmyname said:

Sadly we had a similar issue with BHF refusing many items and yet were happy to take a couple of expensive items, we declined their
offer and just asked around ourselves.

They didn't want the bed and almost new (expensive) mattress because they did not match but would be happy to take the mattress on its own.
As others have mentioned they sell them mismatched in the shop and items with damage so I think they pick and choose randomly
or cherry pick depending on how easy it is to load the van.

Yes this seems to be the case. To be honest they were so unreliable with even trying to arrange a visit and a quote that combined with what I’ve read on here and heard I’ve been trying other charities and for the final items that nobody wants it will have to be a house clearance. 

General_Grant

Years ago, I phoned local Trinity Housing (TH) with a household goods outlet offering them a wardrobe and described it (including likely decade and it still having the key to lock the door). 
They arrived and then said it was not modern enough but, for a fee, would take it to the local tip.
We took it to the tip ourselves but should perhaps have contacted the Salvation Army who had gladly taken furniture of a similar vintage from my late parents' house in a different city.

ss2020jd

General_Grant said:

Years ago, I phoned local Trinity Housing (TH) with a household goods outlet offering them a wardrobe and described it (including likely decade and it still having the key to lock the door). 
They arrived and then said it was not modern enough but, for a fee, would take it to the local tip.
We took it to the tip ourselves but should perhaps have contacted the Salvation Army who had gladly taken furniture of a similar vintage from my late parents' house in a different city.

Yes that’s a good idea. I will try the Salvation Army as well. That sounds familiar. I’ve been told they don’t take ‘dark’ wood as it doesn’t sell, neither do glass cabinets, they say. 

Newly_retired

I must have struck lucky with BHF, though just for a couple of items, not a full house clearance. I sent them photos of the item ( a reclining chair ) and of the fire label. They also took a box of crockery and glassware. No charge and came when they said they would.
I also donated dark wood items to another charity which supports recovering addicts. They restore the items and sell them online and in their shops at quite high prices - so someone wants them!

RAS

Do check labelling on all the upholstered furniture and mattresses, beds if upholstered, and curtains. Even charities have to comply with the law re fire retardant. We had to scrap almost unused mattresses (one may have been completely unused) and nice curtains because they didn't comply.

However, you might get people prepared to take a risk if you offer a "yard sale" with some free stuff.

ss2020jd

Thanks again for the replies. In case anyone is interested I have had lots of stuff taken by a local Age UK shop who have been fantastic and have taken so much stuff, although they don’t have room for large pieces.
 

A large dark chest was taken by another local charity that supports older people and their carers, and finally a breast cancer charity who is coming back to take a couple of wooden beds and some other bits of furniture. They said if they have room they will take the large oak table but whilst they can’t take the chairs to sell (as they don’t have fire labels) they can offer them for free with the table. So I am keeping crossed they have room when they come back. I think that’s a good way round it. 

I have had to arrange a conventional house clearance (who do donate some stuff if they can) to do anything that’s left and the garage and loft which is full of stuff. I’ve found someone that’s fully licensed and checked it online. Unfortunately some charities I called and emailed about clearances just never got back to me so at least I’ve tried to give as much as possible to some good causes. 

Hoenir

They are going to take what they can sell on or reuse. They aren't a free/cheap house clearance service. Unfortunately there's some hard work on occassions for executors/family members. Refuse disposal costs money as well. If you need the Council to come out and collect and dispose of.