Garage Cleanout Costs and How to Save Money

Garage cleanout project before and after

Updated December 8, 2025

A professional garage cleanout costs $300-$800 on average. Full-service cleanouts take 1-4 hours, depending on the size of the garage, volume of junk, and how easy it is to access the space.

If you’re trying to get rid of clutter fast, hiring a junk removal company is the quickest, most convenient option. For a more budget-friendly alternative, renting a dumpster and completing the cleanout yourself can reduce costs by $100+.

This guide explains everything you need to know about garage cleanout pricing, timelines, cost factors, and how to find reputable garage cleanout companies near you.

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Garage Cleanout Costs and How to Save Money Infographic

Benefits of Professional Garage Cleanout Services

Hiring a junk removal company is ideal when you need a fast, stress-free garage cleanout. Here’s why:

Fast Completion (Often Under 1 Day)

Most junk removal crews can clean out an entire garage in 1-4 hours, depending on the level of clutter.

No Lifting or Sorting Required

Full-service crews handle everything, including lifting, loading, and hauling, even sweeping the area afterward.

Saves Time

DIY cleanouts often take a full weekend or longer, especially if you need to make multiple trips to donation centers, the landfill, or a recycling facility.

Handles Hard-to-Dispose Materials

Pros can safely remove items like appliances, chemicals, paint, tires, and bulky furniture that many local centers refuse.

DIY Option Available

If minimizing costs is your priority, renting a dumpster and doing the cleanout yourself is often the cheapest solution.

Average Cost to Clean Out a Garage

Garage cleanout pricing depends on the amount of junk, type of waste, location, and level of service.

Below is a breakdown of typical garage cleanout prices:

Typical Garage Cleanout Price Range

  • Full-Service Cleanout: $400-$800
  • Curbside Pickup: $300-$600
  • Dumpster Rental: $250-$450 per week for a 10 yard
  • Overweight/Heavy Items: $20-$75+ per item
  • Hazardous Materials: Fees vary depending on type

Garage Cleanout Cost Comparison Table

Garage Cleanout Service Type Typical Cost Description
Full-Service Cleanout $400-$800 Crew removes everything from garage and loads it
Curbside Pickup $300-$600 You move items to driveway; crew picks them up
Dumpster Rental $250-$450 DIY option; 10-yard dumpsters are the most common
Large/Heavy Items Add-On $20-$75+ each Tires, appliances, hazardous materials, oversized items

 

There are also different types of junk removal services that will determine the total cost of your project based on how involved the work is.

Full service garage cleanout involves the junk removal crew to come into your garage and cleanout the entirety of it as is. There is no organization or cleaning done by you beforehand and they take care of it all start to finish, including even sweeping up afterwards to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Full service garage cleanout services tend to run between $400-$800.

There are less involved services offered by junk removal companies if you don't need to clean out your entire garage and would like to save some money. Piling up your unwanted garage items at the end of your driveway for quick and easy pick-up and loading will cost less than having a company go into your garage and sort through an unorganized mess. The cost of this type of junk removal service will mainly depend on the amount of junk you have to get rid of, but you can expect it to run anywhere from $300-$600.

When given an estimate for junk removal services, like a garage cleanout, it is generally all-inclusive and includes the cost for picking up the materials, loading it onto the truck, and disposing of it properly.

Additional fees can apply in some cases, for example:

  • Handling/Disposal of hazardous materials
  • Volume of waste exceeds the originally stated amount
  • Handling/Disposal of very heavy item(s)

On-site junk removal estimates are the most accurate and the preferred way for most junk removal companies to provide quotes because it allows them to see the job in person and have a thorough understanding of the work required.

When getting garage cleanout prices from junk removal companies, be sure to ask what is included in the cost. Knowing this information upfront can save you a headache later.

If you find that junk removal services are out of your budget and are looking for a cheaper way to clean out your garage and dispose of large quantities of unwanted items, renting a dumpster is a great alternative. 

Dumpster rentals come in all different sizes, but the most popular size for a garage cleanout is a 10 yard dumpster, which costs $250-$450 on average for a weeklong rental.


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What Affects Garage Cleanout Costs

Garage cleanout costs vary depending on several factors:

1. Geographic Location

Where you live impacts pricing. Areas with higher disposal fees or labor costs (California, New England, Seattle, etc.) may see prices 10-30% higher than average.

2. Volume of Junk

Most junk removal companies charge by the truck load. Example:

  • ¼ load: ~$200-$300
  • ½ load: ~$300-$450
  • ¾ load: ~$450-$600
  • Full truck: ~$600-$800+

3. Debris Type

Special handling increases cost. Common garage hazardous materials include:

  • Wet paint
  • Oils & automotive fluids
  • Solvents, varnishes & stains
  • Aerosols
  • Tires
  • Liquids
  • Explosive or flammable items
  • Moldy or asbestos-containing debris

Not all companies accept hazardous waste, so always ask first.

Learn More: What Junk Removal Companies Will and Won't Take

4. Accessibility

Costs may increase if:

  • The truck can’t park close to the garage
  • Items require navigating stairs or narrow pathways
  • Heavy or bulky objects require extra labor

More labor typically means a higher cost.

How to Save on Garage Cleanout Costs

There are a few easy things you can do to ensure you're getting the best value for your garage cleanout.

  1. Declutter Beforehand: Sell, donate, or recycle items to reduce the load.
  2. Create a Clear Path: The easier it is for the crew to load items, the lower the labor cost.
  3. Pile Items in One Spot: This reduces time and can reduce cost for curbside pickup.
  4. Ask About Dump Fees & HAZMAT Policies: Avoid surprise charges.
  5. Bundle Items: If you need other things removed (furniture, appliances), bundle them to get a lower per-item rate.

How to Find Garage Cleanout Services Near You

Local haulers often offer lower pricing, faster service, better recycling and donation rates and more personalized customer service.

To find reliable and affordable garage cleanout companies near you:

  1. Search local junk removal companies with strong reviews
  2. Request 2-3 quotes for comparison
  3. Ask if pricing is volume-based or flat-rate
  4. Confirm they accept hazardous items if needed
  5. Verify they are licensed and insured
  6. Ask about same-day or next-day availability
  7. Confirm what is included in the total cost

FAQs

How much does it cost to clean out a garage?

Most garage cleanouts cost $300-$800, depending on junk volume, location, and whether you choose full-service or curbside pickup.

Is it cheaper to rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company?

Dumpster rental is usually cheaper ($250-$450), but junk removal is faster and more convenient.

How long does a garage cleanout take?

A professional crew typically finishes in 1-4 hours.

Do junk removal companies take hazardous waste?

Some do, but many charge extra for paint, oils, chemicals, and tires. Always confirm this in advance.

What size dumpster do I need for a garage cleanout?

A 10-yard dumpster is the most common size and fits the contents of a typical one-car garage.


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