HAUSE FIELD GUIDE · REVIEWED 25 OCTOBER 2026
Name the decision maker
Before sorting starts, identify who may approve retention, specialist assessment, storage and disposal. Estates, tenancies and commercial premises can involve several people with different authority. The cleanup contractor should receive one agreed instruction path rather than conflicting requests.
Create useful categories
Use clear working categories such as retain pending assessment, ordinary disposal, specialist review and owner collection. These categories record decisions; they do not establish that an item is decontaminated. Keep items with uncertain ownership or sentimental value on a documented hold list.
Protect sensitive information
Medical records, identity documents, devices and personal correspondence need an agreed handling route. Do not attach sensitive documents or identifying scene photographs to an initial enquiry. Ask what secure communication and storage arrangements are available before transferring them.
Track the handoff
For retained contents, record who takes custody, where they go and what remains to be assessed. Compare storage, transport and specialist costs separately from room cleanup. At completion, reconcile the hold list and outstanding decisions rather than assuming that every removed item was authorised for disposal.
The project questions are HAUSE planning prompts. Refer to the responsible authority and qualified provider for requirements that apply to your situation.