Top Estate Clearing & Cleanout Services in Manhattan: 2025 List

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Between September and November 2025, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of professional estate clearing and cleanout services operating throughout Manhattan. 

We evaluated over 25 different companies using a data-driven algorithm that weighted the following five factors:

  • Year Founded (25%): Business longevity and proven experience in the estate cleanout industry
  • Average Review Score (25%): Customer satisfaction ratings across Google, Yelp, and industry platforms
  • Manhattan Expertise Score (25%): Specific experience navigating Manhattan’s unique challenges (co-op boards, building regulations, vertical living logistics)
  • Price Range (15%): Cost accessibility and value for Manhattan residents
  • Response Time (10%): Average time to respond to initial inquiries

We ranked the companies using this algorithm to showcase the top performers serving Manhattan. In the table below, we break down Manhattan’s leading estate clearing and cleanout services to help you find the right fit for your needs and budget.

Top Estate Clearing & Cleanout Services in Manhattan (2025)

Ranking Company Name Location / Service Area Year Founded Avg. Review Score Price Range Manhattan Expertise Score Response Time
1 Done & Done Home Manhattan (all neighborhoods) 2011 5.0/5 $$$–$$$$ Excellent 6–12 hrs
2 Cleanout Express NYC (serves Manhattan) 1997 4.8/5 $$$ Very Good Same day
3 The Junkluggers of Manhattan & Brooklyn Manhattan & Brooklyn 2004 (local franchise) 4.9/5 $$–$$$ Very Good 24–48 hrs
4 Lightning Junk Removal NYC (Bronx-based, serves Manhattan) 2015 4.9/5 $$ Good 24 hrs
5 The Standard Clean Outs NYC (serves Manhattan) 2016 4.8/5 $$ Good Same day
 

Done & Done Home, for Estate Transitions and Luxury Home Clearing

Done & Done Home stands apart as Manhattan’s premier estate clearing service, distinguished by over 13 years of founder-led excellence and a comprehensive approach that goes far beyond simple junk removal.

Founded in 2011 by mother-daughter duo Ann Lightfoot and Kate Pawlowski, DDH has evolved from a two-person operation into a 14-member all-women team serving Manhattan’s most discerning clients. What truly sets DDH apart is its unique integration of professional organizing with estate management, making it the go-to choice for complex life transitions. The company’s deep Manhattan expertise spans luxury condos in Tribeca to co-op apartments on the Upper East Side, with intimate knowledge of building regulations, co-op board requirements, and the intricate logistics of vertical living.

The team specializes in emotionally sensitive estate clearouts, helping families navigate everything from item appraisals and consignment coordination to donation management and property preparation for sale. The company’s approach emphasizes compassion during difficult transitions while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

  • Location: Manhattan, NY (all neighborhoods)

  • Year Founded: 2011

  • Price Range: $$$-$$$$

  • Average Review Score: 5.0/5.0

  • Services Offered: Estate clearing, decluttering, organizing belongings, appraisal coordination, donation management, consignment assistance, junk removal, property preparation

Summary of Online Reviews

Clients consistently praise DDH’s “patience and attention to detail,” noting the team’s “incredible professionalism while dealing with our grandmother’s apartment.” Reviewers emphasize the “thought and care put into each decision” and appreciate that the service “was like I was doing it myself (but much better).” Multiple clients highlight the team’s ability to accomplish significant work quickly while maintaining a compassionate approach during emotionally challenging situations.

Cleanout Express, for Volume Estate Cleanouts

Cleanout Express brings nearly three decades of experience to estate cleanouts, having served the NYC metropolitan area since 1997. As one of the longest-established junk removal companies in the region, Cleanout Express has refined its systems for efficiently handling large-volume estate clearances.

The company emphasizes speed and scale, offering same-day service and the capacity to clear entire properties quickly. Their uniformed crews are trained to handle everything from single-room clearances to full estate liquidations. Cleanout Express has built a reputation for reliability and professional conduct during emotionally challenging times.

With multiple locations throughout NYC and Long Island, the company can deploy teams quickly across Manhattan neighborhoods. They pride themselves on their “we truly care” approach, treating every property with respect while maintaining efficient timelines.

  • Location: NYC (serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Long Island)

  • Year Founded: 1997

  • Price Range: $$$

  • Average Review Score: 4.8/5.0

  • Services Offered: Estate cleanouts, junk removal, sorting assistance, recycling, donation coordination, property clearing

Summary of Online Reviews

Customers describe Cleanout Express as “professional and reliable,” with many noting the team is “on time” and “handles the heavy lifting efficiently.” Reviewers appreciate the “uniformed staff” and “free estimates,” though some mention that “scheduling during peak times requires advance notice.”

 

The Junkluggers of Manhattan & Brooklyn, for Eco-Friendly Estate Clearing

The Junkluggers of Manhattan & Brooklyn is part of a national franchise network founded in 2004, bringing proven systems and environmental commitment to Manhattan estate cleanouts. The local franchise has established itself as a leader in eco-conscious junk removal, prioritizing donation and recycling over landfill disposal.

The company’s “Green Guarantees” program ensures that items are carefully evaluated for donation potential through partnerships with local NYC charities and organizations. This commitment to sustainability resonates particularly well with environmentally conscious Manhattan residents who want their loved ones’ belongings to find meaningful second lives.

The Junkluggers specializes in navigating Manhattan’s building access challenges, including narrow hallways, coordinating freight elevators, and complying with co-op board requirements. Their experience with urban logistics makes them particularly effective in high-rise buildings typical throughout Manhattan.

  • Location: Manhattan & Brooklyn

  • Year Founded: 2004 (national); local franchise established

  • Price Range: $$-$$$

  • Average Review Score: 4.9/5.0

  • Services Offered: Estate cleanouts, eco-friendly disposal, donation coordination, furniture removal, building logistics management

Summary of Online Reviews

Clients rave that The Junkluggers provides “compassionate care during difficult times” and consistently praise the “professional approach” and “eco-friendly practices.” Reviewers note the team’s expertise with “Manhattan building regulations” and appreciate the “transparent pricing,” though some mention that “premium eco-services come at slightly higher costs than basic haulers.”

 

Lightning Junk Removal, for Fast and Affordable Estate Clearing

Founded in 2015 and based in the Bronx, Lightning Junk Removal has quickly built a strong reputation for responsive, affordable estate cleanout services throughout NYC, including Manhattan. The company emphasizes speed, accessibility, and straightforward pricing in a market where estate clearances can be prohibitively expensive.

Lightning’s founder, Angel, and his team have earned praise for their compassionate approach during bereavement, recognizing that estate cleanouts often occur during emotionally challenging times. The company offers seven-day-a-week service with same-day availability in many cases, making them an excellent option for families facing time-sensitive property clearances.

Their cubic-foot pricing model provides transparency, and the company is fully licensed and insured. While based in the Bronx, Lightning serves all Manhattan neighborhoods and has developed efficient processes for navigating city parking, building access, and disposal logistics.

  • Location: Bronx, NY (serves all NYC boroughs, including Manhattan)

  • Year Founded: 2015

  • Price Range: $$

  • Average Review Score: 4.9/5.0

  • Services Offered: Estate cleanouts, junk removal, furniture removal, appliance disposal, sorting assistance, recycling

Summary of Online Reviews

Customers consistently describe Angel and his team as “professional and quick,” with reviewers noting they “exceeded expectations” and completed jobs “efficiently and affordably.” Multiple clients mention the “fair, transparent pricing” and appreciate the “same-day service,” with one reviewer specifically praising their “compassionate response when we had a death in the family.”

 

The Standard Clean Outs, for Hoarding and Complex Estate Situations

The Standard Clean Outs, established in 2016, has carved out a specialized niche in handling complex estate situations, including hoarding cleanouts and challenging property conditions. Featured on the PBS show “Hoarders,” the company brings specialized training and sensitivity to estates that require more than standard junk removal.

Operating throughout the tri-state area with a focus on NYC boroughs, The Standard Clean Outs understands that some estate situations involve overwhelming accumulation, sanitation concerns, or emotionally complex family dynamics. Their team is trained to approach these situations with discretion, patience, and non-judgmental professionalism.

The company is licensed with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for waste transport and maintains full insurance coverage. They offer same-day and emergency services, recognizing that some estate situations require immediate attention to preserve property or ensure legal compliance.

  • Location: NYC (serves Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester)

  • Year Founded: 2016

  • Price Range: $$

  • Average Review Score: 4.8/5.0

  • Services Offered: Estate cleanouts, hoarding cleanup, property cleanouts, junk removal, post-vacancy cleaning, and sanitization

Summary of Online Reviews

Clients describe The Standard Clean Outs as “understanding and discreet,” with reviewers appreciating the team’s “non-judgmental approach to difficult situations.” Customers note the “quick response time” and “ability to handle complex cleanouts,” though some mention that “hoarding-specific services may require multiple visits for thorough clearing.”

 

The Top Estate Clearing & Cleanout Services in Manhattan by Subcategory

We also broke down the top estate clearing and cleanout services into three subcategories based on specialty and client needs.

The Top Estate Clearing Services in Manhattan for Luxury Homes

  1. Done & Done Home
  2. The Junkluggers of Manhattan & Brooklyn
  3. Cleanout Express
  4. Lightning Junk Removal
  5. The Standard Clean Outs

The Top Fast-Response Estate Cleanout Services in Manhattan

  1. Cleanout Express
  2. Done & Done Home
  3. The Standard Clean Outs
  4. Lightning Junk Removal
  5. The Junkluggers of Manhattan & Brooklyn

The Top Budget-Conscious Estate Cleanout Services in Manhattan

  1. Lightning Junk Removal
  2. The Standard Clean Outs
  3. Cleanout Express
  4. The Junkluggers of Manhattan & Brooklyn
  5. Done & Done Home

Trusted Estate Clearing & Clearout Services in Manhattan

Ready to navigate your Manhattan estate clearing with professional support? 

Whether you’re managing a loved one’s estate, preparing a property for sale, or handling a complex transition, the estate clearing services listed above bring proven expertise to Manhattan’s unique challenges. 

Contact DDH (Done & Done Home) to download a free PDF or schedule a free consultation. Discover how compassionate, professional estate clearing can transform an overwhelming process into a manageable one.