Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about junk removal or cleanouts?
Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from homeowners across the Twin Cities. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out, we’re always happy to help.
How does pricing work for a cleanout or junk removal job?
Our pricing is based on three main factors:
• Volume: how much space the items take up in our truck
• Disposal or recycling fees: some items require special handling or facility fees
• Time: how long it takes to safely remove the items from the space
Because every job is different, the best way to provide an accurate estimate is by seeing the space.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We provide free estimates.
The most accurate estimate is when we can visit the home and take a look at the space in person. If that isn’t possible, we can also estimate using:
FaceTime or video call
A short video walkthrough
Photos of the items
The more information we can see, the more accurate the estimate will be.
What is your minimum job cost?
Our minimum job is $149, which typically covers the removal of a single item.
What kinds of items do you remove?
We remove most common household items, including:
• furniture
• mattresses
• appliances
• electronics and TVs
• household goods
• garage and basement items
• bagged yard waste
• scrap metal
• general household clutter
Large or unusual items can often be removed as well.
If you're unsure about a specific item, just ask, we’re happy to help!
Do you take construction debris?
Yes, we can remove construction debris, although it’s not the majority of our work.
If you have materials from a renovation or home project, feel free to reach out and we can talk through the details.
Do you recycle or donate items?
Yes, whenever possible.
Many items removed during cleanouts can be donated, recycled, or repurposed rather than sent to the landfill.
Depending on the condition of the items, they may go to local donation partners, recycling centers, or scrap facilities throughout the Twin Cities area.
Landfill disposal is always our last option, not the first.
What’s the difference between junk removal and a cleanout?
Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there is a difference.
A junk pickup is usually a quick removal of a few items.
A cleanout often involves clearing an entire space, such as a garage, basement, home, or estate — and sometimes includes sorting, organizing, or preparing the property for the next step.
We use the word cleanouts because many of the jobs we do involve helping homeowners move through a transition, not just hauling away junk.
How does the process work?
Our process is simple and designed to be easy for homeowners.
Reach out by phone, message, or through a platform like Thumbtack
We ask a few quick questions about the items and location
We schedule an estimate or review photos/video
Once the estimate is approved, we schedule the job
Our team arrives, removes the items, and completes the cleanout, we take a picture of the reclaimed space and send it to our customer
Most of our customers are surprised by how quickly the process moves once the job begins.
Do I need to move items outside before you arrive?
No, you don’t have to move anything.
We can remove items from inside the home, basement, garage, or wherever they are located.
That said, if items are already outside or staged for pickup, it can sometimes make the process faster and reduce the cost.
Do I need to be home during the cleanout?
Not necessarily.
We’ve completed cleanouts where:
• the homeowner was present
• the homeowner stepped out during the job
• the homeowner was not present at all
Many of our customers trust us to complete the work while they’re away.
As a small, local, family-run business, we take that trust very seriously.
How long does a typical job take?
Most smaller cleanouts are completed in under 30 minutes.
Even fairly large jobs are often finished in under an hour.
Whole-house cleanouts or larger projects can take one to two days, depending on the size of the space and the amount of material.
How soon can you schedule a job?
In many cases, we can provide same-day or next-day service.
Otherwise, most cleanouts are scheduled within two to three days.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the northwest Twin Cities metro, including:
• Saint Michael
• Rogers
• Albertville
• Maple Grove
• Buffalo
• Elk River
For the right project, we also work throughout the greater Twin Cities area, including Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Do you work with realtors or property managers?
Yes.
We regularly help with cleanouts related to:
• homes being prepared for sale
• rental property turnovers
• Airbnb turnovers
• estate transitions
Our goal is to help get the property cleared and ready for the next step as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Do you help with estate cleanouts after a death in the family?
Yes. This is something we approach with a lot of care and sensitivity.
Clearing out a loved one’s home can be emotional and overwhelming. Our goal is to make the process easier for families by working respectfully and thoughtfully throughout the cleanout.
Many families have shared that they appreciate the way we handle these situations.
What if the job is bigger than expected?
If we arrive and the scope of the job has changed, we will always pause and discuss it with you first.
We will explain:
• what has changed
• how it affects timing
• whether it affects pricing
We never start additional work without making sure you understand and approve the plan.
Are you insured?
Yes. Twin Cities Cleanouts is fully insured.
How do you treat customers' homes and spaces?
We treat every space the same way we would want someone to treat our own home.
That means working carefully, communicating clearly, and respecting the fact that we are guests in someone else's space.
A lot of our work happens during important life transitions, and we never take that lightly.
What kinds of jobs do you handle most often?
Some of the most common cleanouts we help with include:
• garage cleanouts
• basement cleanouts
• estate cleanouts
• move-out cleanouts
• preparing homes for sale
• clearing space after tenants move out
But every home and situation is different, and we’re always happy to talk through what you need.
How do I get started?
The easiest way to get started is to reach out for a free estimate.
We’ll ask a few quick questions and help you figure out the best next step for your cleanout.