If your garage has become too cluttered to use, too overwhelming to sort through, or too full to park a car, a professional garage cleanout may be the fastest and most effective solution. But before hiring a service, most homeowners want to know one thing:
How much does a garage cleanout actually cost?
The truth is that pricing varies based on garage size, clutter level, labor needs, and whether you need additional services like junk removal, organization systems, or pressure washing. This guide breaks everything down clearly so you can understand the real costs — and what you’re paying for.
Average Cost of a Garage Cleanout
Most professional garage cleanouts fall into this range:
$300 – $1,500+
Depending on:
- Garage size (1-car, 2-car, 3-car)
- How full the garage is
- Junk removal requirements
- Organization needs
- Local labor rates
- Disposal fees in your area
Light cleanouts cost the least.
Heavy, packed, or estate-level cleanouts cost more.
Cost Breakdown by Garage Size
1-Car Garage
Average: $300 – $700
Best for light clutter, basic cleaning, and minimal junk removal.
2-Car Garage
Average: $500 – $1,200
Most common service. Includes sorting, junk removal, and reorganization.
3-Car Garage
Average: $900 – $1,500+
Larger spaces with more belongings, heavier lifting, and more labor hours.
Estate or Heavily Packed Garages
Average: $1,200 – $3,000+
These projects involve:
- Multi-day work
- Emotional items
- High-volume junk removal
- Donation coordination
- Cleaning
- Sorting sentimental belongings
- Preparing a home for sale
What Impacts the Price of a Garage Cleanout?
Several factors determine where your project falls within the price range:
1. Volume of Items
More items = more time, more labor, and more removal costs.
2. Junk Removal Load Size
Dump fees, weight, and hauling time affect total cost.
Disposal prices vary by county and state.
3. Sorting and Organizing
If your cleanout includes organization, labeled bins, or storage planning, labor time increases.
4. Hazardous Materials
Old paint, chemicals, oils, and solvents must be disposed of according to local regulations.
These items affect labor and disposal fees.
5. Cleaning Needs
Light sweeping is included in most services.
Deep cleaning or pressure washing may be an add-on.
6. Additional Services
These often increase the final cost:
- Shelving installation
- Overhead racks
- Pressure washing
- Minor repairs
- Floor resurfacing
- Estate preparation
- Move-out cleaning
7. Accessibility
Tight spaces, stairs, or long carry-outs can increase labor time.
What’s Included in a Standard Garage Cleanout?
Most professional services include:
- Full emptying of the garage
- Sorting items into keep/donate/sell/discard
- Carrying items outside and back inside
- Junk removal and hauling
- Donation and recycling
- Light sweeping
- Basic organization
- Relocating heavy items
Add-On Services and Pricing
These optional services can be included:
Shelving & Rack Installation
$200 – $1,000
Garage Organization System Setup
$100 – $800
Pressure Washing
$150 – $400
Minor Repairs & Insulation
$100 – $600
Epoxy or Polyaspartic Floor Resurfacing
$2,000 – $4,500+ (Not required, but increases home value)
Estate Sale Preparation
$300 – $1,500+
Organizing, pricing, and staging items for a sale.
DIY vs. Professional Cleanout Costs
DIY Garage Cleanout
Costs: $50 – $300
Supplies include:
- Trash bags
- Dump runs
- Cleaning tools
- Disposable gloves
- Fuel
Downside: DIY cleanouts often take
8–20+ hours
and can be overwhelming, emotional, or physically demanding.
Professional Garage Cleanout
Costs: $300 – $1,500+
But includes:
- Labor team
- Equipment
- Dump fees
- Sorting and organization
- Expert handling
- Faster results (same-day or next-day)
Upside: Saves you significant time, effort, and stress.
When a Professional Cleanout Is Worth It
Hiring a service is the best choice when:
- You’re preparing to sell a home
- You’re cleaning out a parent’s home
- The garage is extremely cluttered
- Items are heavy or hard to move
- You’re on a deadline
- You want the garage staged for photos or showings
- You need help with sorting and donating
In these situations, the cost pays for itself through time savings and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
A garage cleanout isn’t just about removing junk — it’s about restoring order, improving home value, and giving you back a space you already own. Understanding the costs helps you plan better and choose the service level that fits your needs.
If you’re in Utah and need a fast, professional garage cleanout, our team is ready to help — from deep cleaning to sorting, junk removal, organization, and preparing a home for sale.
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