Apartment Cleanout Cost by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lightly Furnished | Moderately Furnished | Fully Furnished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $200–$400 | $350–$600 | $500–$800 |
| 1-Bedroom | $300–$500 | $450–$750 | $650–$1,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | $400–$650 | $600–$950 | $800–$1,400 |
| 3-Bedroom | $500–$800 | $750–$1,200 | $1,000–$1,800 |
Prices reflect national averages for 2026. Urban markets (NYC, SF, LA) run 20–40% higher.
What Drives Apartment Cleanout Costs
- Volume of items: The single biggest factor. More items = more truck space = higher price
- Heavy furniture: Sofas, mattresses, dressers, and bed frames require extra labor and handling
- Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, and dryers carry a surcharge of $25–$75 each due to disposal fees
- Floor level / elevator access: Third-floor walk-up with no elevator adds 20–40% to labor
- Hazardous items: Paint, batteries, chemicals — some companies don't take them; others charge extra
- Urgency: Same-day or next-day service may add $25–$75
What's Included in the Price
Standard junk removal pricing includes:
- Labor to carry items from inside the apartment to the truck
- Loading and hauling
- Disposal fees (landfill, recycling, or donation drop-off)
It does not include cleaning, repairs, or organizing. Hire a cleaning service separately for move-out cleans.
Landlord vs. Tenant: Who Pays?
When a tenant leaves items behind (skip-out, eviction, or abandonment), the landlord typically arranges and pays for removal upfront — then deducts the cost from the security deposit. Most state laws allow this. Document with photos before and after removal in case of a deposit dispute.
Tips to Lower Your Cleanout Cost
- Sell or donate first: Removing furniture before the crew arrives directly reduces truck volume and cost
- Consolidate items: Stack and group items in one area to speed up load time (some companies bill partially by time)
- Get 3 quotes: Prices vary by 20–40% between companies for the same job
- Avoid peak times: End-of-month and weekends are busiest; mid-week appointments sometimes come with lower rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to clean out a studio apartment?
A studio apartment cleanout typically costs $200–$500 if mostly empty with some remaining items, or $400–$800 for a fully furnished studio. Price depends on the amount of furniture and junk left behind.
Who pays for an apartment cleanout when a tenant leaves?
The tenant is responsible for removing their belongings. If the tenant leaves items behind, the landlord arranges removal and can typically deduct the cost from the security deposit under most state tenancy laws.
How long does an apartment cleanout take?
A junk removal crew of 2 typically completes a studio in 1–2 hours, a 1-bedroom in 2–3 hours, and a 2-bedroom in 3–5 hours. Fully furnished units or heavy items take longer.
Does apartment cleanout cost include cleaning?
No. Junk removal companies remove items and haul them away — they do not clean or sweep. You will need a separate cleaning service for broom-clean or move-out cleaning requirements.
Can I get a same-day apartment cleanout?
Many junk removal companies offer same-day service for apartments. Call in the morning for afternoon availability. Same-day bookings may carry a small premium of $25–$50.