Commercial clearances across mainland UK

Warehouse clearance and strip out

Warehouse Strip Out and Clearance

Pallet racking, mezzanine floors, shelving, stock and everything in between. We strip out warehouses safely and efficiently, recover value from steel and stock, and leave the building ready for a new layout, a new tenant or a handover.

What is a warehouse strip out?

A warehouse strip out is the removal of racking, mezzanine floors, shelving, equipment and contents from a warehouse, leaving an open, empty building. It's usually needed when a business relocates, reaches the end of a lease, changes its storage layout or consolidates sites. A strip out differs from a simple clearance because it includes dismantling fixed structures, not just removing loose items.

When do you need a warehouse strip out?

  • Moving to a new warehouse and the racking doesn't suit the new building
  • End of lease and the landlord wants the unit returned empty
  • Changing your layout, such as switching racking types or adding automation
  • Consolidating sites after a merger or downsizing
  • Closing a distribution operation

What's included in a warehouse strip out

Included

  • Free site survey and written quote
  • Pallet racking dismantling and removal
  • Mezzanine floor removal
  • Shelving, cantilever and longspan racking removal
  • Conveyor and handling equipment removal [confirm]
  • Warehouse office and partition strip out
  • Stock, pallets and packaging cleared
  • Steel recovered for resale or recycling
  • Waste removal with waste transfer notes
  • Final sweep of the floor

Arranged separately or through specialists

  • [Floor repairs after racking anchors are removed]
  • [Electrical disconnection of lighting and power to mezzanines]
  • [Asbestos surveys and removal]
  • [Sprinkler system alterations]

How a warehouse strip out works

1

Survey

We measure the racking, check the mezzanines and note access, floor condition and any other equipment.

2

Quote with steel value

Your fixed quote includes the value of racking and steel we can resell or recycle.

3

Safe planning

We prepare risk assessments and method statements, agree exclusion zones, and plan the order of work so the building stays safe throughout.

4

Dismantling and removal

Racking is unloaded, dismantled top-down and removed. Mezzanines are taken apart in sequence, and steel is stacked for collection.

5

Clear floor

We remove the last of the waste, sweep the floor and hand over the paperwork.

Warehouse racking aisle ready for dismantling

How much does a warehouse strip out cost?

Costs vary with the size and type of the installation, so we price every job after a free survey. The main factors are:

  • Amount and height of racking, measured in bays and beam levels
  • Mezzanine size and construction
  • Condition and resale value of the racking: good-condition racking from known manufacturers can be resold
  • Stock and waste left in the building
  • Access and working hours, including any restrictions from neighbouring units

Racking is steel, so it always has some value. On many jobs, that value takes a meaningful amount off the final price.

Pallet racking removal in a warehouse

Pallet racking and mezzanine removal, done safely

Dismantling racking and mezzanines is skilled work. Racking must be fully unloaded and taken down in the right order to avoid collapse, and mezzanines need careful sequencing because they're load-bearing structures. Our teams [are trained in racking dismantling and work to agreed method statements].

Where racking is in good condition, it can be reused, either by another business or in your new building. If you're relocating, ask us about moving your racking rather than buying new.

Steel that can't be reused is recycled through our sister company We Buy Any Scrap Metal.

How to prepare for a warehouse strip out

  • Empty racking of stock, or tell us if you'd like us to buy or clear it
  • Decide whether any racking is moving to your new site
  • Check your lease for floor reinstatement requirements
  • Arrange for power to mezzanine lighting and sockets to be isolated
  • Confirm whether an asbestos survey exists for the building
  • Agree access times, yard space and any restrictions with the landlord

Warehouse strip out FAQs

Do you buy used pallet racking?

Yes. Racking in good condition can often be bought or resold, and its value is offset against your strip out quote.

How long does it take to remove pallet racking?

It depends on the number of bays and their height. A small installation can be removed in a day or two; a large distribution centre may take a few weeks.

Can you remove a mezzanine floor?

Yes. We dismantle and remove mezzanine floors, including stairs, handrails and decking, after any power has been isolated.

Will you repair the floor after removing racking?

[We can fill anchor holes and make good the floor if your lease requires it.] Tell us at the survey so we can include it in the quote.

Can you clear the stock as well?

Yes. We can clear or buy stock left in the warehouse as part of the same job.

Related clearance services

Need a warehouse stripped out?

Book a free survey and we'll measure up, value the racking and give you a fixed written quote.