How much does house clearance cost?

Our homes are our personal sanctuaries. Coming home to a spacious, clean, and tidy home can easily uplift our moods after a long, tiring day. If you get too busy and need help in making some space in your home, house clearance is a good idea! But how much does a house clearance cost?

On average, how much a house clearance costs start at $100 for an extra small clearance or (a fourth of a truck) and $450 for a large clearance (one full truckload!).

However, costs are measured differently by different service providers. Some measure by volume, some by weight, while others prefer a one-off fee. These could get confusing especially for first-timers! Want more guidance in doing your house clearance? With our price guide, you can find out exactly how much is a house clearance and make an informed choice for your own home.

Factors that affect house clearance costs

Whether you just want to make some space at home, planning to move out, or doing some renovation, a house clearance can improve your home. When it comes to cost, the volume of items will be reflected in the prices. To help you prepare the right budget, we listed the essential factors to keep in mind that will affect house clearance costs.

Quantity of items

As mentioned, a house clearance can be paid according to volume, weight, or item type. Whichever method you choose, the more items you need to be cleared, the more expensive. A clearance that will cover the load of half a truck will be cheaper than a clearance that will cover the whole truck.

Aside from these, you may also opt to rent a dumpster which costs around $300 to $800 per week. Renting a dumpster is convenient if you have ongoing home renovation and need the convenience of loading trash anytime during the construction. However, the cost to rent a large dumpster is usually more expensive than hiring a house clearance service.

Type of items

House clearance and junk removal costs differ according to the classification of the items you wish to put away. Junk removal starts at $70 but can go as high as $500 for bigger home appliances and furniture. Composting which is mainly food wastes and other debris costs around $70 to $100.

In general, there are five key item classifications involved in house clearance:

• Junk removal

• Trash removal

• Hazardous waste removal

• Electronic waste removal

• Construction debris

• Composting

Aside from removing loads of wastes together, you can also choose to get rid of individual items instead. Of course, bulkier and heavier items will be charged higher compared to smaller and lighter items. The cost of clearing a small appliance like an AC unit which will cost around $35 to $60 will differ from clearing a piano which is around $50 to $100.

Location  

In addition to these, the price of house clearance will vary depending on the location. For example, full load house clearance prices in New York cost higher ($800) compared to Oklahoma which is around $500.

Aside from this, you might also face extra fees if you live in a far and remote location as it will be more challenging and it will take longer to bring the truck or van to your area.

Per-item price list

If you want to get an idea what is the average cost of a house clearance per item, we’ve prepared an itemized list showing estimated costs of the most common items:

Additional costs to consider

Aside from the quantity, type of item, location, recycling costs, vehicle costs, and special disposal of items are additional costs to consider.

Depending on the house clearance provider, items that need special disposals such as electrical and electronic goods or radioactive goods might incur an additional fee. Disposal of the said items need special handling and must follow government standards. Some of these also require special equipment in the process hence the additional fee.

Tips to minimize costs

To reduce house clearance costs in the US, it helps to do initial preparations like pre-sorting of items and personally reselling these online or within your close circles. Checking multiple quotes from house clearance specialists as well as availing free county and city trash services can also help minimize costs.

Do an initial sorting

Do an initial sorting of your items and check if some items can be resold in an online marketplace like eBay. Aside from generating an added revenue, you will also help make the clearing process faster and more efficient by doing initial segregation. This will also reduce the amount of stuff to be cleared which will help decrease costs especially if you book a house clearance service costs based on volume.

Check free local trash removal services

You can also check with your local county or city on the schedule of free trash removal services for appliances and furniture items. This is usually offered every quarter and will help in decreasing the number of items to be cleared.

Get multiple quotes

Having a range of options is always helpful, so it’s worth it to ask for a few quotes. Get quotes from house clearance specialists nearest your location and find one that suits your budget and has good reviews.

Feel like refreshing your attic, basement, or the entire home? Whether you want a full room clearance or just want to rid a bunch of bulky items, get personalized house clearance quotes in minutes when you put up a task on Airtasker.