5 Factors That Affect the Cost of Cleanouts

Are you getting rid of some things gathering dust in your garage? Maybe you're moving out and need to clear all your stuff from an apartment. Whatever the case may be, you be looking for help from a junk removal company. However, you may need to budget for it, so you may be wondering what impacts the costs of hauling stuff away. Here are five key factors that affect the pricing of cleanouts.

1. Volume of Junk

Generally, the more you need to be hauled off, the more you'll pay. Some cleanout companies charge by volume, with minimum truckload rates and per-item fees added on for large furnishings. An overflowing three-story house crammed with things built up over decades will have a drastically different price than clearing leftover belongings from a small one-bedroom rental unit.

2. Type of Materials

Bulky furniture, appliances, yard waste from landscaping projects, construction and demolition debris from renovations, electronics, hazardous chemicals -- different materials hold different removal and disposal regulations and costs. If part of your pile needs special handling, counts as oversized, or can't go to a standard waste center, expect added charges.

3. Access Issues

Staircase locations, narrow hallways, blocked-off pathways, and elevator outages can all create access issues. Sites that pose challenges to getting bulky loads of debris off of the property may impact the service costs. Be upfront about any accessibility limitations so the crew arrives prepared with proper equipment to safely maneuver unwieldy junk through the property.

4. Weekend, Holiday, or Emergency Service

As with other industries, less desirable hours often come with premium rates for labor and other fees. While they typically offer extended availability, most junk removal franchises charge extra for weekend, holiday, or last-minute emergency cleanouts. Schedule well in advance and during regular weekday hours when possible to avoid excess charges.

5. Distance to Waste Disposal Centers

The dump doesn't always reside right around the corner, and further destinations mean bigger fuel charges. Cleanout crews planning longer hauls have to account for gas, added wear and tear on vehicles, extended employee hours to manage roundtrips, and similar operational expenses that they'll recoup through your bill.

With insight on key pricing factors for cleanout services, you can set realistic expectations on removal costs whether you're clearing a garage or an entire estate worth of clutter. According to Forbes, the amount that someone pays for junk removal services and cleanouts can vary, but, on average, the cost is around $225. If you're ready to start the process of cleaning out your home, Junk Collectors can help. Reach out to us today for an estimate.