Solo house clearance with a ute

Families after a bereavement or move, downsizing older people, landlords and tenants at lease end, and real estate agents.

A quote per job based on volume and time, plus tip fees passed on. Some extra income comes from selling or donating items worth keeping, where the client agrees.

• Strong physical fitness and safe lifting
• Sensitivity with people going through a hard time
• Estimating volume and pricing jobs
• Reliable and trustworthy in people's homes

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for your vehicle being used for business
• Rules on waste transport and disposal differ by state and council, so check with your local council and state EPA
• Asbestos, chemicals and other hazardous items usually cannot go in general waste, so check how to handle or refuse them
• Physical strain and injury risk, so plan breaks and use proper lifting techniques
• Keep records of what you take and where it goes, and confirm with the client who owns the items

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your vehicle or trailer, lifting gear and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before you start taking jobs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many jobs you take, their size and your pricing. Jobs are usually small to medium, such as a unit, a garage or a granny flat.

Check waste transport and disposal rules with your local council and state EPA, as they differ by state. Also check how to handle or refuse asbestos and chemicals, public liability insurance, and whether you need cover for business use of your vehicle.