"Clear the unit" can mean very different things depending on who you ask. This guide explains the practical boundary between a contents clearance and a full strip-out, and why defining that boundary clearly in the quote matters more in a commercial setting than a domestic one.
The short version
- Contents clearance — furniture, equipment, stock and general waste removed
- Strip-out — partitions, flooring, cabling and fittings removed too, often back to shell
- The right boundary usually comes from your lease, not guesswork
- Get the scope agreed in writing before work starts
Contents clearance: what it covers
A contents clearance removes what is inside the space: desks, chairs, shelving, IT equipment, stock, general waste and loose fittings that are not fixed to the building. The structure itself — walls, flooring, ceiling — is left as it is. This is usually enough when you are simply vacating and handing back a space in reasonable order, without lease obligations to remove alterations.
Strip-out: what it adds
A strip-out goes further, removing things that are fixed to the building: stud partitions, suspended ceilings, carpet tiles, cabling, and any fittings installed during the tenancy. The aim is usually to return the space to “shell” condition, or to whatever condition the lease specifies. This is a bigger job, involving more disposal weight and often some making-good of the surfaces left behind.
Where the boundary usually comes from
For a leased commercial space, the boundary between contents clearance and strip-out is not really a matter of preference — it is usually set out in the lease itself, sometimes with reference to a schedule of condition recorded at the start of the tenancy. If the lease requires reinstatement of alterations, a strip-out may be a contractual obligation, not an optional extra. Checking the lease before agreeing a scope is worth doing, ideally with a solicitor or surveyor if the wording is unclear.
A scope comparison
| Contents clearance | Strip-out | |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture and equipment | Removed | Removed |
| Partitions and ceilings | Left in place | Removed |
| Flooring and cabling | Left in place | Removed |
| Signage and branding | Sometimes included | Usually included |
| Typical use | Simple vacation, no reinstatement clause | Lease requires return to shell condition |
Why getting this wrong is expensive
If a lease requires reinstatement and only a contents clearance is done, a landlord can serve a schedule of dilapidations at the end of the lease, setting out the alleged breaches and the cost to remedy them. This can end up considerably more expensive than doing the strip-out properly the first time, plus the time pressure of resolving it after you have already vacated. Confirming the scope against your specific lease terms before booking a clearance avoids this.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my lease requires a strip-out?
Check the lease for reinstatement or alterations clauses, and any schedule of condition recorded when you took the tenancy. If it is unclear, a solicitor or commercial surveyor can confirm what is actually required.
Can the scope be agreed partway between the two?
Yes. Many jobs fall somewhere in between — removing some fixed items but not others — as long as it is clearly agreed and, where relevant, matches what the lease actually requires.
What happens if the landlord disagrees with what was done?
This is where a schedule of dilapidations can be served, setting out the landlord's view of outstanding work. Having your scope agreed and documented in advance is the best protection against this becoming a dispute.
Does a contents-only clearance cost less?
Generally yes, since it involves less labour and disposal weight than a full strip-out. But if your lease requires reinstatement, a cheaper contents-only clearance now can mean a bigger cost later.
Key takeaways
- A contents clearance removes what's inside; a strip-out removes fixed elements too.
- The right scope usually comes from your lease, not a guess.
- Getting the boundary wrong can lead to a costly dilapidations claim later.
- Agree the scope in writing before work starts.
See office clearance and strip-out or retail shop clearance, or request a quote with your lease’s relevant clauses to hand.