How to Find and Hire a Junk Removal Company

When working on a big home project, you probably give a lot of thought to the task at hand, but one important factor may fall by the wayside: How will you get rid of the residual mess when you’re done? And who should you hire to do it?

A reputable junk removal company should be a full-service organization that can handle a single item, such as a couch or refrigerator, or the removal of an entire dumpster. If you’re at a loss for where to begin, don’t worry. We’ll take you through the process of how to hire a junk removal company from start to finish—and take you through the debate of junk removal versus dumpster rental. 

How to Find a Junk Removal Service Company

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a junk removal company. You can ask friends and family members for recommendations or go online to look for well-reviewed junk removal professionals near you. Companies can range from smaller independent contractors to franchised behemoths.

Before Hiring a Junk Removal Service

Narrow down your list by determining who can haul away junk in your area. Always hire a junk removal company that is familiar with local regulations, permits, and recycling options. You should research at least three companies to compare quotes, reviews, and service packages.

Get a Quote 

You should have a good handle on your junk removal project before getting in touch with a professional. For instance, if you’re cleaning out a whole home, you’ll likely need more assistance than if you just needed to get rid of an appliance or two. It’s a good idea to make a list of everything you need them to remove, along with any particular circumstances or concerns.

You should get at least three quotes from different professionals and talk with them to determine what goes into the pricing model. For example, while most junk haulers break down costs by bulk and weight, others will charge by large individual items. The cost to remove furniture, for example, will differ from hauling away bags of construction debris. This conversation can help ensure that you get a good rate for the service.

Check Qualifications and References

Once you’ve decided on a junk removal company (but before you hire them), it’s a good idea to ask for their qualifications and references. Talk to people the individual or company has worked with in the past to see if they were satisfied. You can also read online reviews and ratings for the junk removal company you’re considering.

Questions to Ask Your Junk Removal Company

Come prepared with a list of questions to ask the junk removers to make sure you’re on the same page. These include:

What Items Do You Accept?

The junk removal company you choose should be game to take any trash you need to be hauled away, from tree branches to old furniture. However, most companies will not dispose of hazardous materials like bleach, oil, and fertilizer, so keep this in mind.

What Tools and Equipment Will You Use?

Any company or provider you hire should have the necessary tools, equipment, and vehicles for the job. Be sure to ask about the specific tools needed to haul away your junk and how they plan to execute the job from start to finish. Depending on your needs, they may need to have the contacts to drop a dumpster for a larger job or be nimble enough to get through the small city streets.

How Do You Determine Price?

The pricing format for a junk removal company should be simple for you to understand. Prices are typically based on volume or the amount of space filled up in the truck. Costs can also fluctuate based on demand and the season. For example, the best time to get rid of junk for less is often in the winter and early in the week. You should look for a company with affordable prices but also keep the quality of the service and customer reviews in mind.

What Are Your Disposal Methods?

The company needs to have an established system of junk disposal. They should get rid of hazardous and non-hazardous junk responsibly, with a mind for environmental protection. They should also have relationships with recycling centers, dumpster services, and other facilities to ensure the junk removed is reused or recycled when possible. Simply put, the company should be able to tell you what happens to all your stuff once it leaves your home.

Is Cleanup a Part of the Service?

A good, professional junk remover will clean up and sweep the areas after the job is done so you can move on with your day. Just be sure to ask to what extent they’ll clean the space so you know what to expect. 

Tips for Hiring a Junk Removal Company

When you hire your junk removal company, you should nail down the details of exactly what the project will entail. This includes what items they’ll remove, when they’ll do it, and how much it will cost. It’s a good idea to get this agreement in writing before they begin.

Discuss Preparation

Speak with your prospective junk removal team about how they would like you to prepare for the big haul-away day. The discussion will clarify whether the team will haul items out of your home or if you transport everything to the curb the night before.

Determine a Timeline

In many cases, junk removal will only take a few minutes, particularly if they're tossing an old couch in the back of a dump truck. In other cases, you may need to schedule between three and five hours for junk removal. Cleaning up after a renovation, emptying a garage into a dumpster, or disassembling a complex item or appliance can lengthen the job. 

Check for Hidden Costs

Junk haulers typically determine the final price of a project based on the final numbers. The flexibility allows you to estimate the amount of junk leading up to the date and make last-minute changes. 

Discuss which items or requests can change the estimate on the day so you're prepared. For example, the cost of mattress removal can raise the price if you toss it at the last minute.

After Your Junk Removal Pro Finishes

What can you expect after your junk removal team picks up your trash? Here are some tips to finish up the job smoothly.

Consider Tipping

Should you tip your junk haulers? While junk haulers don’t expect tips, it is a kind gesture if they do an excellent job. Consider adding between 10% and 20% split between the team, or between $10 and $20 each, depending on the size of the job. 

Complete Your Payment

If your contract specified payment on the day of the job, be sure to check the final bill and complete the payment process based on their specifications. In some instances, you will also be able to add a tip at this stage, either online or by phone.

Spread the Word

The best way to hire a junk removal company is to ask around for personal recommendations. Pass along your discovery to neighbors so they're ready for their next large cleanout. Some haulers will even offer referral discounts.

Junk Removal Service vs. Dumpster Rental

Before you settle on hiring a junk removal service, consider whether or not a dumpster rental might be a better fit for the job. For example, junk removal is ideal when you have a lot of stuff to get rid of and need it gone ASAP, like when you’ve got only days before a move, or you missed trash day. 

On the other hand, dumpster rentals are more convenient if you’re not in a rush and would prefer to have the ability to make multiple trips, like when you’re working on a multi-day gardening or pruning project and need to dispose of cut branches and the like on a daily basis. And what you’ll pay is comparable to the cost of a junk removal service—between $240 and $480 depending on dumpster size and length of rental.

Audrey Bruno contributed to this article.