Most warehouse clearances are pallets, racking and the odd forklift. This one came with Mickey Mouse.
Kids R Us asked us to clear their warehouse in Hayle, and when we opened the doors we found rail after rail of fancy dress: character costumes, wigs, hats, masks, capes and boxes of party props stacked to the roof. Four days later the building was empty, and around four shipping containers' worth of costumes and props had been saved from landfill.
Day one: where do you even start?
With a job this size, the first day is all about a plan. We walked the whole building, worked out what could be resold, what could be reused and what genuinely had to go for disposal, and set up separate areas for each. Costumes went one way, racking and shelving another, packaging and general waste a third.
It is hard to stay serious when you are bagging up a rail of superhero capes and a colleague walks past in a pirate hat. We managed. Mostly.
Days two and three: sorting the treasure
This is where the real work happens. Every rail was checked, every box opened. Good condition costumes and props were packed for resale, which is where most of the value in a job like this sits. Shelving and racking was taken down carefully and kept for reuse, because good racking is always in demand.
By the end of day three, the pile of things heading for landfill was a fraction of the size you would expect from a building that full.
Day four: empty and swept
The last day was about the final loads, the dusty corners and a proper sweep out. The warehouse was handed back empty and ready for whatever comes next.
Why we priced it at £2,000
Honestly, £2,000 did not cover our labour and disposal on this one. We priced it that way because the stock has real value, and we will sell it on over time. That meant Kids R Us got their building cleared quickly and affordably, and thousands of costumes get a second life instead of being thrown away.
It is the same approach we take on every clearance. Sort first, resell and reuse what we can, and only send what is left for licensed disposal. The more that can be saved, the lower the price for you.
Need a warehouse or commercial clearance in Cornwall?
Warehouses, units, shops and offices are all part of what we do. See our commercial clearance page, take a look at the before and after photos from this job, or call 07843 930927 for a free visit and a written quote.
And if you ever need a Mickey Mouse costume, you know who to ask.