Will a Removals Company Get Things from My Loft?

Moving house? You’ve boxed up your books, bubble-wrapped your crockery, and labelled every carton. But there’s one space most people forget until the last minute: the loft.

What’s up there? Christmas decorations? Old baby clothes? Boxes you haven’t opened since 2004?

More importantly:
Will the removals company go up there and get it for you?

Let’s unpack this.

Why the Loft Gets Overlooked

It’s easy to forget about the loft. It’s not a room you use every day. It’s often out of sight, out of mind—until you realise on moving day that it’s packed to the rafters.

Here’s why it causes problems:

• Accessibility: Most lofts don’t have fixed staircases. Some only have a hatch and a rickety ladder.

• Safety concerns: Not all lofts are boarded. That means you can’t step safely between joists without risking a foot through the ceiling.

• Lighting: Many lofts are poorly lit or not lit at all.

• Contents: Items stored long-term may be heavy, dusty, or awkwardly shaped.

So, will your home removal crew tackle it?

Short answer: sometimes—but not always.

Let’s break it down.

What Removals Companies Typically Expect

Most reputable removals firms will be upfront about what they do and don’t include. Standard services usually cover:

• Packing (if you’ve paid for it)

• Loading and unloading

• Transporting your belongings

• Furniture disassembly and reassembly (on request)

But the loft? That’s often considered a grey area.

Most companies will expect you to bring down loft items yourself, unless:

• The loft is fully boarded and safely accessible

• You’ve agreed in advance that loft access is required

• You’re paying for a premium or full-service package

Let’s explore why.

Safety First: The Main Concern

No removals company wants a member of staff getting injured on the job.

Imagine a scenario:

A mover climbs a wobbly ladder, in a dark space, on a tight schedule. They twist awkwardly while lifting a heavy suitcase. Result? A strained back—or worse, a broken leg from falling through unboarded joists.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury in the workplace in the UK.

That’s why most removals companies won’t send staff into an unsafe loft. It’s just not worth the risk.

So, What Counts as “Safe”?

You might think your loft is fine. But from a professional’s point of view, a “safe” loft means:

• A fixed or secure ladder (not a flimsy stepladder or attic pole)

• Full boarding, so workers don’t risk falling through plaster

• Adequate lighting, either natural or electric

• Headroom to stand upright and manoeuvre safely

If your loft ticks all these boxes, you’re in a stronger position to request help.

But even then, it’s not guaranteed.

The Importance of Asking in Advance

Here’s where most people slip up: they don’t mention the loft until moving day.

That’s a problem.

Removals teams work to tight schedules. Every extra task—like emptying a loft—adds time, effort, and liability. If they haven’t planned for it, they may refuse outright or charge extra.

To avoid last-minute surprises:

✅ Ask your removals company specifically about loft access
✅ Get their answer in writing
✅ Show them the loft during the pre-move survey

Some companies may offer it as an optional add-on. Others may point-blank refuse. The only way to know? Ask.

What About Packing Services?

If you’ve booked a packing service, you might assume they’ll pack everything, including the loft.

That’s not always true.

Packing crews follow the same safety rules. If they can’t access the loft safely, they’ll skip it. Even if the loft is safe, they’ll usually want:

• Advanced notice

• A clear idea of what’s up there

• Extra time factored into the job

Think about it this way: if you haven’t been in the loft in years, how can they know what they’re getting into?

Real-World Scenarios

Let’s look at two common cases:

Scenario 1: The Safe, Boarded Loft

Mark and Lianne in Kent have a newly renovated home. Their loft is fully boarded, has built-in lights, and a sturdy pull-down ladder. They tell the removals company during the quote stage and even provide photos.

Result: The removals crew agrees to access the loft. They bring down 12 boxes of keepsakes and a couple of suitcases.

Cost: An extra £60 for the added time.

Scenario 2: The Dusty, Dangerous Loft

Brian in Woking lives in a Victorian terrace. His loft has no ladder, no floorboards, and piles of old insulation. He asks the removals crew to grab a few things during the move.

Result: They decline. Too risky, not enough time, and no prior agreement.

Brian has to go up there himself—after moving day—then arrange another van to transport the leftover items.

How to Prepare Your Loft for the Move

Want to make sure your loft doesn’t become a moving-day headache? Follow these steps:

1. Declutter Early

• Don’t wait until the week of the move

• Bring items down in small batches

• Recycle or donate anything you no longer want

• Bin anything broken or unusable

2. Sort and Label

• Use clear plastic boxes instead of cardboard—easier to stack and see inside

• Label everything clearly (e.g. “Xmas lights”, “Old files”, “Kids’ toys”)

• Group by category so it’s easier to load into the van later

3. Make it Accessible

• If your loft has no ladder, consider hiring a loft ladder installer

• Add temporary lighting (battery-powered LED lamps work well)

• Lay temporary boarding if needed—but only if it’s safe to do so

Should You Empty the Loft Yourself?

In many cases, yes.

Unless you’re physically unable or the loft is large and accessible, it’s often safer and quicker to do it yourself.

Don’t want to climb ladders?

• Ask friends or family for help

• Hire a handyman or labourer for a couple of hours

• Consider a clearance company for loft-specific jobs

According to Checkatrade, the average cost to empty a loft in the UK is around £150–£300, depending on contents and accessibility.

Key Questions to Ask Your Removals Company

Before you sign any contracts, ask the following:

1. Do you include loft clearance as part of the service?

2. Are there any extra charges for accessing lofts?

3. What are your safety requirements for entering a loft?

4. Can I show you the loft during your pre-move survey?

5. Will you bring down items if I’ve already placed them near the hatch?

6. What happens if something is too awkward or heavy to lift down?

The clearer you are upfront, the smoother your move will go.

When You Might Need Specialist Help

Some loft contents go beyond what a regular removals company will handle.

Here are a few examples:

• Asbestos insulation or materials: requires licensed specialists

• Pest infestations (e.g. mice, wasps, birds): needs pest control

• Heavy safes or awkward machinery: may need lifting equipment

• Extensive hoarding or mess: call a clearance team

Don’t expect a general removals team to deal with hazardous or specialist tasks. That’s not what they’re trained for.

What Happens If You Forget the Loft?

Let’s be honest—some people do.

If you move out and leave things in the loft, the consequences depend on your sale contract.

• Selling? The buyer could demand you remove leftover items—or even withhold part of the sale money.

• Renting? The landlord may charge you for clearance.

• Moving in with someone else? You’ll have to figure out what to do with those forgotten boxes eventually.

Save yourself the stress. Deal with the loft early.

Final Thoughts

Removals companies are there to help—but they’re not mind readers. The loft is your responsibility unless stated otherwise.

To avoid problems:

• Talk to your removals team early

• Check their policy on loft access

• Make the loft safe and accessible if you want help

• Or bring things down yourself well before moving day

The loft might be out of sight, but don’t let it be out of mind.

It’s your move. Make it a smart one.