DIY Eviction Cleanout vs Hiring a Crew in Denver
Can you save money doing the eviction cleanout yourself? Sometimes. Here's the honest math — including the costs most landlords forget to calculate.
DIY costs $300-$600 in cash but 8-16 hours of your time + zero legal documentation. Professional cleanout costs $495-$2,500 with full CRS 38-12-126 documentation, takes 2-4 hours, and protects you from lawsuits. For a first eviction, the professional route is almost always worth it. For experienced landlords with small units and free time — DIY can work if you document properly.
The Real Cost of DIY
| Expense | DIY | Professional (JSD) |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental | $150-$300/day | Included |
| Dump fees | $50-$100/load | Included |
| Helpers (2-3 people) | $0-$300 (friends/day labor) | 6-10 man crew included |
| Your time | 8-16 hours | 0 hours (crew handles all) |
| Legal documentation | You create your own (risky) | Full PDF package included |
| Liability protection | None | Licensed and insured |
| Hazard handling | You deal with it | Biohazard/firearms protocols |
| Donation sorting | You figure it out | We sort and donate |
| Total cash cost | $300-$600 | $495-$2,500 |
| Total with time value | $700-$1,400+ | $495-$2,500 |
Time value calculated at $50/hr (typical landlord opportunity cost). 8-16 hours DIY = $400-$800 in time value.
The 3 Risks of DIY That Cost Real Money
Without proper documentation, the tenant can claim you destroyed valuable property. No timestamped photos + no itemized log = no defense. Professional cleanout documentation per CRS 38-12-126 is your shield.
Eviction units are hazardous. Needles, broken glass, pest infestations, heavy furniture on stairs, mold. Professional crews are trained and insured. Your buddy who agreed to help for pizza is not.
You deduct cleanout costs from the deposit but can't prove the unit's condition. Without professional documentation, you lose the dispute — and Colorado awards treble damages (3x the deposit). A $1,800 deposit dispute becomes a $5,400 loss.
When DIY Can Work
We'll be honest — DIY makes sense in limited situations:
- Studio or small 1BR with minimal belongings left behind
- You've done this before and know how to document properly
- No hazards visible — no needles, no mold, no biohazard conditions
- You have helpers and a truck already available
- Low-value unit where the tenant is unlikely to file a property claim
If all 5 of those are true, DIY is reasonable. If even one isn't — professional cleanout is the safer and often cheaper choice.
Let the Crew Handle It
2-4 hours. Full documentation. Zero risk. Starting at $495.
Call (303) 324-6014 See Pricing“Called at 10am, crew was here by noon. Three guys cleared my entire garage in under two hours. Donated what they could, recycled the rest. Exactly what was quoted — no surprises.”
“Used them for an eviction cleanout. Full documentation with photos, itemized list, everything I needed for the deposit dispute. Professional crew, fast work. Will use again.”
“Texted photos of my basement junk at 9am, had a quote in 10 minutes, crew showed up same day. They even swept the floor after. Best junk removal experience I’ve had.”
Text us photos of what needs to go. We reply with a price in minutes — no appointment needed.
Family-owned & operated in Denver since 2024 · Licensed & insured · Same-day available
