How to Hire Someone for Fall Leaf Cleanup and Gutter Clearing

1. 01

   Step 1: Decide exactly what you need done

   

   Walk your property with a notepad. Count how many downspouts you have (gutters usually have one every 30–40 feet). Estimate how much lawn is covered in leaves. Check if leaves are piled against your house, in flower beds, or blocking storm drains. Note whether gutters are sagging or if you see plants growing out of them.

   Write down your scope: 'Rake and bag all leaves from front and back yards, clear gutters on entire house, flush downspouts, haul away 10–12 bags.' The clearer you are, the more accurate the quotes you'll get. Also decide if you want the worker to mulch leaves into beds, haul everything away, or leave bags at the curb for city pickup.

2. 02

   Step 2: Find local yard workers and compare options

   

   Look for workers who specialize in seasonal cleanup. Apps like Lumo let you browse local yard pros, see their ratings, and message them directly to describe your job. You can also ask neighbors for referrals or check community boards.

   When you contact someone, describe your scope and ask: Do you have a ladder tall enough for two-story gutters? Do you haul away debris or leave it for city pickup? Are you insured? Most yard workers in mid-sized cities charge $150–$300 for a typical single-story home with a half-acre lot; two-story homes or properties over an acre often run $300–$600. Get at least two quotes so you know the going rate in your area.

3. 03

   Step 3: Book the job and agree on details

   

   Once you pick someone, confirm the date, start time, and exactly what's included. Ask how long they expect the job to take. Clarify who provides bags (most workers bring their own contractor bags) and where debris goes.

   If you're using Lumo, you book directly in the app, pay securely by card, and the worker gets an instant alert. You can message back and forth to finalize details like 'Please don't mulch the leaves near the mailbox' or 'The side gate is unlocked.' Set a realistic window—a full leaf and gutter job on a large property can take three to five hours. Make sure someone will be home or available by phone in case the worker has questions.

4. 04

   Step 4: Prepare your property before the worker arrives

   

   Move cars out of the driveway so the worker has room to maneuver bags and a ladder. Put away garden hoses, kids' toys, and anything breakable near the house. If you have a dog, keep it inside or in a fenced area away from the work zone.

   Unlock any gates the worker needs to access. If your gutters are near power lines or you have a steep roof, point that out in a message beforehand. Leave a note on the door if you won't be home, with your phone number and any special instructions like 'Don't rake the leaf pile in the back corner—that's a salamander habitat.'

5. 05

   Step 5: Let the worker do the job (and stay available)

   

   Most pros prefer to work without you hovering, but stay reachable by phone. Check in once or twice if the job is taking longer than expected—sometimes workers find surprise problems like a wasp nest in the gutter or a downspout that's crushed and needs replacing.

   If the worker discovers something that wasn't in the original scope (like needing to move a heavy patio table to reach leaves underneath), they should message or call before doing extra work. Don't add tasks mid-job without agreeing on extra pay. A good worker will take before and after photos, especially for gutters, so you can see what they cleared out.

6. 06

   Step 6: Inspect the work before calling it done

   

   Walk the property with the worker if possible. Check that gutters are clear by running a hose into them and watching water flow freely out the downspouts. Look for leftover leaf piles in corners or behind shrubs. Make sure bags are tied and either loaded in the worker's truck or neatly stacked where you agreed.

   If something was missed, point it out politely right then—most workers will fix it on the spot. If gutters are still clogged or a section wasn't touched, don't approve the job until it's complete. On Lumo, the worker's payment processes after you confirm the job is done, and you'll be prompted to leave a rating and optional tip (10%, 15%, 20%, or custom). If you're satisfied, a tip is a nice way to thank someone for hard physical work.

7. 07

   Step 7: Plan for ongoing maintenance

   

   Leaves keep falling until late November or early December in most of the U.S. If you have oak or maple trees, you might need a second cleanup in four to six weeks. Some workers offer a discount if you book a fall series upfront—two or three visits spaced a month apart.

   Gutters should be checked again in early spring after winter storms, and once more in late spring if you have trees that drop seeds or flowers. If you found a reliable worker this fall, save their contact info or bookmark their profile in the app. Repeat customers often get priority scheduling and better rates. Regular gutter maintenance prevents wood rot, foundation leaks, and ice dams, which can each cost thousands to repair.

Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.