How long does it take to clear out a whole house or apartment?

Whole-house or apartment cleanouts can often be completed in just one appointment. Timing depends on how much needs to be taken, how easy the property is to access, including stairs and elevators, and whether items are large or need to be taken apart.

There is no universal number of hours for a cleanout since every job is different. Mostly empty apartments take a lot less time to clear than a large house with a packed basement, garage, attic, and shed.

But beyond just the amount of items that need to go, the time required will also vary based on access, namely around stairs and elevators and the size of the items that need to go. In apartment buildings, this often comes down to loading areas and elevator availability. But even with larger homes, if you have an attic only accessible by pull-down ladder and it’s full of items, that might also increase how long it takes.

Large items may need to be finessed through doorways or possibly disassembled first. Bed frames, shelving units, sectionals, desks, or other oversized pieces may need to be disassembled before they can fit through doors or stairwells. That is normal cleanout work, and very much part of the standard process, but it does change the time estimate.

The Junkluggers sorts loads after pickup. Whenever possible, we donate. When that’s not possible, we recycle. If we’re successful in donating, we’ll pass along any donation receipt we receive on your behalf. Items that can’t be donated or recycled are responsibly disposed of.

If you need the property empty by a certain time, be sure to book a bit early. Cleanouts can be done on short notice, with same-day and next-day appointments often available, but booking at the last minute does leave less room for error if the cleanout turns out to be a time-consuming one.

For a sale deadline, see how estate cleanouts help prepare a home for sale.

Working against a move-out, sale, or turnover deadline? Schedule your pickup online with The Junkluggers serving Fairfield and Westchester Counties to get the cleanout on the calendar.