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You’ve just regained possession of a rental property after an eviction, and the tenant left behind everything furniture, trash, personal belongings, sometimes even appliances you didn’t provide. The clock’s ticking because you need to prep the unit for your next tenant, and you’re not sure what you’re legally allowed to toss versus what requires storage.
I’ve handled hundreds of eviction cleanouts across DC, and the process is more straightforward than most property managers think. Here’s what actually happens to the junk and how to handle it properly.
Eviction Cleanout Pricing in Washington DC
Eviction cleanouts in Washington DC typically run between $400 and $2,500 depending on how much was left behind and how accessible the property is.
| Unit Size | Typical Load | Price Range | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR | 1/4 to 1/2 truck | $400–$800 | 2–3 hours |
| 2BR apartment | 1/2 to full truck | $800–$1,400 | 3–5 hours |
| 3BR+ house | Full truck or more | $1,400–$2,500+ | 5–8 hours |
These prices include labor, hauling, disposal fees, and dump charges. We give you the final quote after seeing photos or doing a quick walkthrough. You can see our full pricing structure on our pricing page.
What an Eviction Cleanout Includes
We handle the entire property, room by room. You don’t touch anything.
- All furniture removal beds, couches, tables, dressers
- Appliances the tenant left behind (microwaves, window AC units, mini fridges)
- Personal belongings, clothing, household items
- Trash removal from every room, closet, and storage area
- Garage or basement cleanout if applicable
- Yard debris if they left outdoor junk
We sort through everything as we go. Anything salvageable gets donated couches in decent shape, working electronics, clothes. The goal is to keep as much out of the landfill as possible while getting your property rent-ready fast. This is part of our standard commercial services for property managers and landlords.
What We Don’t Remove
We can’t take hazardous materials paint cans, chemicals, asbestos, or biohazard waste. If the eviction involved hoarding or serious contamination, you’ll need a specialized cleaning crew first. We handle the junk removal after that’s cleared.
How Fast Can You Schedule an Eviction Cleanout?
Most eviction cleanouts in DC happen within 24 to 48 hours of your call. If you reach out in the morning, we can often get there same-day, especially for smaller units in Capitol Hill, Navy Yard, or Columbia Heights.
For larger properties or multi-unit buildings, we’ll schedule within 2–3 days to make sure we bring the right size crew and truck. The actual cleanout takes anywhere from a couple hours to a full day depending on volume.
We also handle residential services for tenants who need to clear out quickly before or during a move.
What Happens to the Items After We Haul Them?
Here’s where we go after loading the truck:
- Donations: Furniture, clothing, working appliances, and household goods in decent condition go to local charities and shelters across DC and Maryland
- Recycling: Metal, electronics, mattresses, and certain plastics get sorted and sent to recycling facilities
- Disposal: Broken items, actual trash, and anything unsalvageable goes to the dump
We recycle or donate about 60–70% of what we haul from eviction cleanouts. It’s good for the environment and keeps disposal costs down, which we pass on to you.
When You Shouldn’t Hire Us
If the eviction is still in legal limbo and you don’t yet have official possession of the property, don’t call us. Removing a tenant’s belongings before the eviction is finalized can land you in serious legal trouble in DC. Wait until you have the writ of restitution and the marshal has posted the notice.
Also, if the unit requires mold remediation, pest control, or deep biohazard cleaning, handle that first. We’ll come back after and remove everything left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be present during the cleanout?
No. Most property managers give us access, tell us what stays and what goes, and we handle it. We’ll text you photos when we’re done.
What if the tenant left valuables or documents?
We set aside anything that looks valuable or personal documents, photos, jewelry and let you decide how to handle it according to DC’s abandoned property laws.
Can you do an eviction cleanout in an apartment building?
Yes. We work in apartment buildings across DC all the time. As long as we can access the loading area or get a truck close to the unit, we’re good to go.
How much notice do you need?
Ideally 24 hours, but we’ve done same-day eviction cleanouts when a property manager calls us early in the morning. It depends on our schedule that day.
Do you clean the unit after removing everything?
We remove junk and sweep out debris, but we’re not a cleaning service. You’ll still need someone to scrub, paint, and do turnover work. We just get the property empty.
Ready to Clear Out an Eviction Property in Washington DC?
We’ve handled eviction cleanouts in every neighborhood across DC from row houses in Shaw to apartment buildings in Navy Yard. You give us access, we haul everything out, and your property’s ready for the next step. No hassle, no hidden fees.
Call (202) 702-6891 or visit Junk Guys DC to book your Washington appointment.
