Cleaning out a house can be a daunting task, whether you're preparing a property for sale, dealing with an estate after a loved one passes, or simply decluttering. One of the most pressing questions when starting this process is: how much does a house clean out cost?
House clean-out costs can vary widely based on several factors, but having a general idea of what to expect will help you budget appropriately. Here’s a breakdown of what influences these costs and what you can expect to pay.
Factors Influencing House Clean Out Costs
Size of the Home The size of the property is one of the biggest factors impacting the overall cost. Naturally, a larger home will take more time and labor to clean out. The number of rooms, square footage, and whether the property includes additional areas like garages, basements, attics, or outdoor sheds will also affect the price.
Volume and Type of Items The amount of furniture, belongings, and trash to be removed will heavily influence the price. Homes filled with large, bulky items (appliances, furniture, etc.) or homes hoarding excessive clutter will require more effort and resources. Additionally, the type of items being removed matters—some materials, like hazardous waste or electronics, require special disposal methods that can increase costs.
Labor and Time Involved How much labor is required? A basic clean-out could take a day or two, while more involved projects (such as removing construction debris or large amounts of furniture) can take longer. If the job requires special handling or packing, it could add to the labor costs.
Dumping and Disposal Fees Disposing of junk, furniture, or appliances involves landfill or recycling center fees. In some areas, this can be quite costly, especially for items like electronics, mattresses, or construction waste, which require specific disposal methods. Some companies may include these fees in their service quotes, while others might add them as a separate line item.
Specialty Services If the house requires additional services, such as deep cleaning after the removal, mold remediation, or pest control, these add-ons will increase the final cost. Homes with biohazards or extreme clutter may need specialty clean-up services that come at a premium.
Average Cost Breakdown for a House Clean Out
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect to pay based on different factors:
Small Home or Apartment (1-2 bedrooms): $500 - $1,500+
A small property with minimal items will generally be on the lower end. This estimate includes labor and disposal for a basic clean-out.
Medium-Sized Home (3-4 bedrooms): $1,200 - $3,000+
A mid-sized home with more furniture, belongings, and potentially larger waste disposal needs will likely fall in this range. Additional costs may arise if there’s a garage or basement involved.
Large Home (5+ bedrooms): $2,500 - $6,000+
Larger homes take significantly more time, labor, and disposal fees. If the property is filled with excess belongings, hoarded items, or specialty materials (e.g., hazardous waste), expect costs to be higher.
Extreme Clean Out (hoarding situations): $3,000 - $10,000+
In cases where the home is significantly cluttered, hoarded, or requires special services such as pest control or biohazard removal, costs can skyrocket.
Additional Considerations
DIY vs. Professional Services Some homeowners may opt to clean out the house themselves to save money. However, this can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. A professional clean-out company will handle all the heavy lifting, transportation, and disposal, making the process much smoother and less stressful. When considering DIY, factor in the cost of truck rentals, landfill fees, and your own time and energy.
Time-Sensitive Clean Outs If you need the clean-out done on a tight deadline (for example, to meet a real estate closing date), some companies may charge a premium for expedited services.
Donations and Recycling Some clean-out companies offer donation services, where they’ll take usable items to charity, which could save you some disposal fees. Others focus on eco-friendly practices, ensuring that recyclable items are diverted from the landfill, often reducing costs and environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning out a home is a significant task, both physically and emotionally. Understanding the costs involved will help you make an informed decision and budget appropriately. Whether you’re handling a loved one’s estate, downsizing, or just decluttering, hiring the right professional service can make the process much smoother and more efficient.
If you’re considering a house clean-out, reach out to us at (888) 528-4426 for quotes and ask about any additional services we offer to help make the transition easier.