How to prepare a Glasgow tenement flat for a clearance

Most of what we clear in Glasgow is up a tenement stair. The building decides a lot about how the day runs, so here is what to think about before we arrive.

The stair

Nearly every tenement job is decided by the stair: how many flights, how tight the half landing turns are, how much a handrail narrows the usable width, and whether the front door opens inward onto a hall already holding material. Tell us the floor level and whether there is a lift when you enquire, and photograph the stair if you can. Large furniture that came in before a handrail was replaced sometimes will not come out whole; we dismantle in the room rather than force anything.

The close

The close is shared, and we treat it that way. We protect floors and stair edges, we do not leave bags on landings between runs, and the door is not propped open longer than a carry takes. Neighbours use that stair to get to work and school. If a job runs over more than one day, the close is left completely clear at the end of each day. You do not need to warn neighbours, though a quiet word sometimes helps; most assume a flat is being emptied for a move.

Parking and loading

Much of the city is in a controlled parking zone. We work out the loading position in advance, arrive early where that gives us a legal spot near the close mouth, and factor a longer carry into the quote where the nearest realistic stopping point is some distance away. If a suspension or permit is genuinely needed for a large job, we will say so at quote stage. Mid morning weekday starts are usually easiest on residential streets.

Shared space: lofts, cellars and back courts

Shared drying lofts, old coal cellars and back courts often hold as much as a room. If the material is yours and access is agreed with the factor or the other owners, we clear it in the same visit. If ownership is unclear, we leave it and tell you rather than removing something belonging to a neighbour. Clearing inside your own flat does not need the factor’s permission; shared space usually does.

A short checklist

What we do on the day

Hall first, always, to create a safe carry route. Then one room at a time so a room can actually be finished. Fridges, electricals and awkward items are handled separately. At the end we sweep, remove our equipment and leave the close as we found it.