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Emptying house content in french property quickly but remotely.

(12 Posts)
Joseann Mon 14-Aug-23 14:56:08

I think you might probably be sorted by now if you have contacted the Mairie. Good idea.
I used to organise removals for families from France to the UK, and often the companies would do the disposal of unwanted furniture as a sideline. You could try looking at the local groups' adverts online.
Otherwise there is a French organisation that organises a sort of vide maison sale of stuff at your property.
Did your buyers not sign to take on the furniture in the compromis de vente? We had to prepare pages of every item down to coathangers and cutlery, and it would have been the buyers' problem if they had decided later on that they didn't want it.
You can sent me a message if you want help on the French side.

Grantanow Mon 14-Aug-23 14:21:43

Some good advice in previous posts. We gave about a third of our stuff to a charity that helped refugee Syrians to settle in French government-provided accommodation (no, not hotels!), some we took to Emmaus locally, some we gave to local people (especially tools), a few items we sold with the house and we had a van service collect a load which we put in store in the UK pending a house move.

M0nica Sun 13-Aug-23 15:15:33

Google 'House clearance - France' or your region and you will get a list of people doing house clearances in your area.

I just tried it for our area of Normandy.

grandtanteJE65 Sun 13-Aug-23 14:22:19

Try Caritas France if the Maire is unable to help.

M0nica Sun 13-Aug-23 14:17:42

Speak to your local Depot de Ventes. Ours advertises that it does house clearances.

silverlining48 Sun 13-Aug-23 14:07:56

We once came across an Emmaus grand brocant. It was huge. I bought a beautiful casserole dish for a few euros and other bits and bobs. We were happy to be able to contribute as I believe Emmaus raises money fir the homeless.

Hope you get help from the Marie Marginot.

pascal30 Sun 13-Aug-23 13:59:52

I would say Emmaus as well

Margiknot Sun 13-Aug-23 13:31:42

Thank you so much! Ill contact the local Marie!

Mamie Sun 13-Aug-23 11:07:58

Round here it would be the local Catholic Aid, but I think the Mairie will be best placed to know.

Jaxjacky Sun 13-Aug-23 11:01:56

If there’s a local Emmaus they may take unwanted furniture and other household goods.

Mamie Sun 13-Aug-23 10:42:32

I would contact the Mairie (town hall) in the town / village where they lived. You will find the email address on line, so I would write what you need in Google Translate and send it to them. They should be able to help and may also know of charities as well as house clearance companies.

Margiknot Sun 13-Aug-23 10:31:10

We are trying to sell a rural property in France ( Lot and Garrone/ Averon area).
We have an offer but the buyers need to move in very soon. They do not want the furniture ( originally they did). Personal things have already been removed. We cannot get down there just now to empty it ( or organise a garage sale) and speak very little french and are not familiar with local customs or charities (BHF took some of my parents furniture when we cleared their house in England).
Are there the equivalent of house clearance businesses or charities that could remove the larger items ( beds wardrobes/ sofa/chairs etc)?

Thanks!