How Much Does Estate Cleanout Cost?

Published December 4, 2025 | Estimated read time: 9 minutes

Estate cleanout costs vary widely based on property size, condition, and what needs to happen to the items. Most families spend $2,000–$15,000+ to clear and haul away a full estate. Understanding the factors that influence pricing helps you budget accurately and compare quotes fairly.

Typical Pricing by Property Size

These are ballpark estimates. Actual costs depend heavily on the factors below.

Key Factors That Affect Cost

1. How Full the Property Is

• Light: 30-50% of rooms furnished – Lower end of pricing
• Medium: Most rooms furnished, some storage – Middle range
• Full: Every room packed – Higher pricing
• Very Full (Hoarding): Multiple items per surface, blocked pathways – Premium pricing

2. Property Access & Layout

• Ground-level access with wide doors – Lower cost
• Multiple flights of stairs – +$500–$1,500
• Narrow hallways or tight doorways – +$300–$800
• Long carry from driveway to street – +$200–$500
• Gated community or restricted parking – +$300–$600

3. Specialty Items & Hazards

• Grand piano: +$500–$2,000 (requires specialized movers)
• Gun safe or large safe: +$300–$1,500
• Chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials: +$500–$2,000
• Appliances needing special disposal: +$100–$300 each

4. Property Condition

• Clean, well-maintained: Standard pricing
• Minor odors, some damage: +$300–$800
• Significant odor (animal waste, hoarding): +$1,000–$3,000+
• Biohazard cleanup required: Additional $500–$5,000+

5. What Happens to Items

• Donation: Low/no cost if items are taxable donations
• Recycling: May charge $50–$200 for processing
• Landfill Disposal: Weight-based; typically $0.50–$1.50 per pound
• Specialty Recycling (electronics, metals): May be free or $100–$500

Cost Breakdown Example

3-bedroom house in good condition, moderately full:

• Labor and removal: $2,500–$4,000
• Hauling and disposal: $800–$1,500
• Donation pickup coordination: $0–$200
• Miscellaneous (bags, supplies): $100–$300
• Total: $3,400–$6,000

Pricing Models: How Companies Charge

Flat Rate/Fixed Price

Company quotes a single price for the entire cleanout. Most transparent and predictable for the customer.

Hourly Rate

Typically $25–$75 per person-hour. Good if you have a smaller project, but can add up fast.

Weight/Volume-Based

Charged per pound or cubic yard hauled. Works well for large, bulky items but less predictable upfront.

By the Truckload

Standard truck load: $800–$2,000. Good for consistent, full cleanouts.

Ways to Save Money on Estate Cleanouts

1. Pre-Sort and Separate Items

• Separate donation items yourself – saves the company time
• Box up recyclables separately – easier to process
• Remove high-value items before the cleanout team arrives

2. Use Multiple Vendors

• Hold a small estate sale for valuable furniture first
• List items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for locals to pick up
• Contact donation centers (Goodwill, Salvation Army) for bulk pickups – often free
• Use junk removal only for true waste

3. Get Multiple Quotes

• Prices vary significantly – get 2–3 quotes
• Compare what's included (hauling, disposal, donations)
• Ask about discounts for off-peak scheduling

4. Bundle Services

Some companies offer discounts if you combine cleanout with other services (e.g., property repair or listing prep).

5. Flexible Timeline

If you can wait for off-peak times (weekday mornings, off-season), you might save 10–20%.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• Is the quote all-inclusive, or are there hidden fees?
• Are workers insured and bonded?
• What happens to items – donation, recycling, or landfill?
• Is there a time-of-day or day-of-week preference that would lower cost?
• Do you offer financing or payment plans?
• What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Key Takeaways

• Estate cleanout costs typically range $2,000–$15,000+ depending on property size
• Key cost drivers: property fullness, access difficulty, condition, and specialty items
• Smart pre-planning (sorting, donations, multi-vendor approach) can save thousands
• Always get multiple quotes and compare what's included
• Fixed-price quotes are more predictable than hourly rates