How Much Does a Professional Cleanout Cost? 2025 Pricing Guide
One of the most common questions we receive: "How much will this cost?" The honest answer depends on several factors, but this guide will give you realistic expectations and help you budget for your cleanout project.
How Cleanout Pricing Works
Most reputable cleanout companies price based on volume—how much space your items occupy in a truck, measured in cubic yards.
Typical Pricing Ranges (2025)
*Prices vary by region. Alaska pricing is typically higher due to disposal costs and logistics.*
Factors That Affect Cost
Volume (Primary Factor)
The more items you have, the higher the cost. This is straightforward—more material requires more labor, time, and disposal fees.
Weight
Heavy items (appliances, safes, pianos, wet materials) cost more than light, bulky items because:
- More labor to move
- Higher disposal fees at landfills
- Specialized equipment may be needed
Location & Access
- **Stairs** — Second floor or basement items add labor time
- **Distance from truck** — Long carries take more time
- **Tight spaces** — Difficult access paths slow the process
- **Rural locations** — May include travel fees
Item Type
Certain items carry additional disposal costs:
- **Mattresses** — Often $25-50 extra due to special processing
- **Appliances** — May include recycling/freon removal fees
- **Electronics** — Require e-waste processing
- **Hazardous materials** — Typically not accepted or require special handling
Regional Variations
Disposal costs vary significantly by location:
- **Alaska** — Limited landfill options, higher transport costs
- **Urban areas** — Higher labor costs, but closer disposal sites
- **Rural areas** — Lower labor costs, but potentially longer haul distances
Cost by Project Type
Garage Cleanout: $400 - $1,500
- Single-car garage: $400-700
- Two-car garage: $600-1,000
- Heavily packed or oversized: $1,000-1,500
House Cleanout: $1,500 - $5,000+
- Small home (1-2 bedroom): $1,500-2,500
- Medium home (3 bedroom): $2,500-4,000
- Large home or heavily furnished: $4,000-6,000+
Estate Cleanout: $2,000 - $8,000+
Estate projects often involve:
- Full home contents
- Additional sorting time
- Multi-day projects
- Sensitive handling requirements
Storage Unit Cleanout: $200 - $800
- 5x5 unit: $200-350
- 10x10 unit: $350-500
- 10x20 or larger: $500-800
Office Cleanout: $500 - $5,000+
Commercial pricing depends on:
- Square footage
- Furniture density
- After-hours scheduling requirements
- Data destruction needs
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Free In-Person Estimates
The most accurate pricing comes from a walkthrough. A professional can assess:
- Actual volume and weight
- Access challenges
- Special items requiring extra handling
Photo/Video Estimates
For smaller projects, many companies offer estimates based on photos or video walkthrough. Include:
- Wide shots of the full space
- Close-ups of heavy or unusual items
- Access path to the truck
What to Ask When Getting Quotes
- Is this an all-inclusive price?
- What's included (labor, disposal, donation)?
- Are there any items that would incur extra fees?
- What happens if there's more than expected?
Ways to Reduce Cleanout Costs
Do Some Prep Work
- Separate obvious trash from donatable items
- Clear a path for easier access
- Remove items you're keeping before the crew arrives
Be Flexible on Timing
- Weekday appointments may be cheaper than weekends
- Off-peak seasons (winter) sometimes offer better rates
Donate Before the Cleanout
- Items donated directly don't need to be hauled
- Tax deductions may offset costs
Combine Projects
- If you have multiple spaces (garage + basement), doing them together is usually cheaper than separate visits
Why "Cheap" Isn't Always Better
Beware of quotes significantly below market rate. These may involve:
- **Illegal dumping** — Your items end up in a field instead of proper disposal
- **Bait and switch** — Low initial quote, then "surprises" on site
- **No insurance** — You're liable if something goes wrong
- **No donation priority** — Everything goes straight to the landfill
A reputable company provides:
- Clear, written estimates
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Donation and recycling practices
- Professional, uniformed crews
SpaceBack Pricing Philosophy
We believe in transparent, fair pricing:
- **Free estimates** — Always at no obligation
- **All-inclusive quotes** — Labor, disposal, and basic cleanup included
- **Donation priority** — We divert usable items from landfills
- **No surprises** — If scope changes, we discuss before proceeding
Get your free estimate today and know exactly what your cleanout will cost.