Are you arranging to remove an old refrigerator ahead of a move or planning a full-scale estate clearout? Hiring the best junk removal company available could help this process go more smoothly. We’ve listed the best companies for junk removal services based on our assessment of each provider’s strengths and weaknesses, service profile breakdowns, junk removal pricing, and availability.
6 Best Junk Removal Services
We’ve listed our picks for the best junk removal companies. Read on for detailed breakdowns of each provider.
- Best Full-Service Junk Removal: LoadUp
- Best Customer Service: 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
- Best for Donating and Recycling: The Junkluggers
- Best for Moving: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- Best Pricing: Junk King
- Best DIY Junk Removal: Dumpsters.com
LoadUp
- BBB rating*: A+
- State availability: 50
- Service type: Full service
*All Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of April 2023.
Why We Chose LoadUp as Best Full-Service Junk Removal
We picked LoadUp as the best full-service junk removal company thanks to its up-front pricing and overall availability. LoadUp provides junk removal and cleanout services to all 50 states and offers transparent pricing. We like that it provides a GPS tracking tool so you know exactly where your crew is ahead of your pickup time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gives guaranteed quotes online
- Offers junk-truck tracking similar to Uber’s tracking system for drivers
- Provides optional curbside pickup
Cons
- Outsources some jobs to local contractors
- Has limited support service offerings such as demolition or cabinet removal
Services
LoadUp advertises eco-friendly debris removal for both residential and commercial clients. It provides removal services at construction sites, medical facilities, office buildings, and more. It can haul away mattresses and box springs, dining sets, miscellaneous trash, furniture, pianos, fitness equipment, and yard debris for residential clients.
Cost
LoadUp offers a quick quote process with guaranteed pricing online. When getting a quote for the removal of a sectional couch, we simply had to enter our contact information and ZIP code to get pricing. We were quoted $174 for the pickup and disposal of a three-section couch.
Negative customer reviews we read mentioned fees being assessed even when LoadUp crews failed to show up for jobs. If you live near a well-reviewed LoadUp location, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Learn more: LoadUp Review
1-800-GOT-JUNK?
- BBB rating: A-
- State availability: 45
- Service type: Full service
Availability excludes Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Why We Chose 1-800-GOT-JUNK? as Best Customer Service
1-800-GOT-JUNK? offers junk removal services for various needs at a cheaper rate than dumpster rentals. You’ll have to schedule an in-person inspection of your goods to get accurate pricing. Thanks to 24/7 customer service, this provider makes the process easy.
Pros
- Has 24/7 customer service
- Provides same-day service on some requests
- Offers home clean-up services after natural disasters such as hurricanes
Cons
- Charges higher rates than competitors
- Requires in-person appraisals for estimates
Services
1-800-GOT-JUNK? is one of the leading options for the disposal of unwanted items. It provides cleanout services for pre- and post-moving waste. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? offers competitive quotes for unwanted materials in your attic, basement, yard, or shed. It also offers moving labor and light demolition service for structures such as small sheds and outbuildings.
Cost
You must schedule an on-site appraisal of your goods for junk removal through 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. When reading customer reviews, we noted a few comments regarding pricing, including minimum charges of $129 for certain single items.
When you get an appraisal from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, your representative will assign single-item or per-truck pricing, depending on your needs. This provider bills by volume; one-eighth of a truck is the smallest non-single-item amount. Based on our research, we estimate sofa removal costs between $170 and $190 in most cases.
Learn more: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Review
The Junkluggers
- BBB rating: A+
- State availability: 32
- Service type: Full service
Availability excludes Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Why We Chose The Junkluggers as Best for Donating and Recycling
The Junkluggers is a waste removal company that specializes in eco-friendly junk removal services. This provider offers qualified labor and aims to donate or repurpose as many items as possible. Its short-term goal is to donate or recycle 100% of its loads by 2025. It also offers full donation receipts for clients to use during tax preparation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides receipts for all donated items
- Plans to donate or recycle 100% of its loads by 2025
- Offers optional delivery and moving services
Cons
- Is not available in every state
- Doesn’t provide instant quotes
Services
The Junkluggers provide junk removal for clients who need both curbside pickup and full-service removal. Services include pre- and post-move junk service, storage unit and estate cleanouts, post-disaster junk removal, and more. To get a quote, you’ll have to schedule a full on-site appraisal for all goods to be removed.
Cost
The Junkluggers features speedy quote processes and a location map that allows customers to easily assess whether they fall in this provider’s service area. We simply submitted our contact information and junk-removal specifications and were given a few sample prices. The minimum charge of $140 would apply for our single-couch removal needs. We were quoted $500 for a half-truckload and $800 for a full truckload.
Learn more: The Junkluggers Review
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- BBB rating: A+
- State availability: 39
- Service type: Full service
Availability excludes Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Why We Chose College Hunks as Best for Moving
As its name suggests, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is a dual-purpose junk removal and moving company. They’re a company that specializes in smaller moves, but you can hire College Hunks for larger local and long-distance moves. It offers quality service for full-service relocation and junk removal. Service availability varies by location.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers full-service moving packages
- Offers same- and next-day service options
- Provides hourly labor for rearranging furniture and other projects
Cons
- Does not provide up-front pricing
- Operates as a franchise, so cost and experience can vary by location
Services
College Hunks offers full-service moving assistance and provides junk haulers for most waste management and disposal needs. Its moving packages include packing, packing supplies, and storage. Its junk removal services are available to both residential and commercial clients. It can remove bulky items such as pianos or large mattresses. College Hunks gives quotes in person and over the phone.
Cost
College Hunks Hauling Junk has an easily accessible quote process. We submitted our job specifications and contact information and received a few set prices. This provider’s minimum junk-removal charge is $145 for single items or one-eighth of a truck. Half a truckload costs $520 to remove, while a full truckload costs $760.
Learn more: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Review
Junk King
- BBB rating: A+
- State availability: 36
- Service type: Full service
Availability excludes Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Why We Chose Junk King as Best Pricing
Junk King is a waste removal company committed to transparency and clear pricing. It offers a low $99 minimum charge for junk pickup and provides a hassle-free online pricing estimator. It’s committed to recycling 60% of the household items and miscellaneous goods it hauls away.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a pricing calculator for junk removal costs
- Gives guaranteed quotes
- Offers discounts and coupons for service
Cons
- Does not provide any additional services
- Has limited availability in many states compared to competitors
Services
Junk King provides a “pay for what you use” pricing model. You won’t have to pay for a full truckload if you’re only throwing away a few items. It specializes in residential junk removal services, including air conditioner removal, appliance removal, and construction debris removal.
Cost
Junk King has a positive reputation within the junk removal side of the moving industry. However, quality depends on which location handles your junk removal needs. It offers a quick and easy price calculator on its website. We used the tool and were quoted a range of $188–$218. This range accounted for a variety of couch sizes and flights of stairs.
Dumpsters.com
- BBB rating: A+
- State availability: 46
- Service type: DIY
Availability excludes Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and Wyoming.
Why We Chose Dumpsters.com as Best DIY Junk Removal
Dumpsters.com is a widely available junk removal company with locations across 46 states. It has six sizes of dumpster options available in most areas and offers all-inclusive quotes for dumpster rentals for residential and commercial junk removal. Its service model allows for indefinite rentals on all dumpsters for easy DIY junk removal.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers six dumpster size options
- Provides long-term business contracts for corporate junk removal
- Has average dumpster prices readily listed online
Cons
- Does not provide any additional services
- Has limited availability in many states
Services
Dumpsters.com has six dumpster sizes ranging from 10 to 40 cubic yards. You can rent its dumpsters for anything from routine spring cleaning to a full-scale estate cleanout. Business owners can schedule recurring pickups for their companies.
Cost
Dumpsters.com doesn’t provide single-item junk removal services. However, it lists average rates for at-home dumpster delivery and rental on its site. Its smallest size, a 10-yard dumpster, costs between $244 and $531. The low-end cost is in line with some junk removal companies’ minimum removal fees. We read several customer reviews that mentioned honest pricing and professional drivers who deliver dumpsters exactly where they’re needed.
Compare the Top Junk Removal Companies
A side-by-side comparison of all your options can help you evaluate providers. See how our top junk removal companies stack up against one another below:
| Provider | Our Rating | BBB Rating | States Covered | Type of Junk Removal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LoadUp | 91 | A+ | 50 | Full service |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK? | 81 | A- | 45 | Full service |
| The Junkluggers | 87 | A+ | 32 | Full service |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 82 | A+ | 39 | Full service |
| Junk King | 81 | A+ | 36 | Full service |
| Dumpsters.com | 74 | A+ | 46 | DIY |
Factors To Consider When Hiring a Junk Removal Service
Evaluate junk removal companies before hiring them for your waste disposal needs. Asking your junk removers to dispose of hazardous materials or e-waste—discarded electrical and electronic devices—can lead to added fees. Some companies have more limited ranges of items they will remove and won’t provide services beyond simple junk removal.
What items will they take?
All junk removal companies should provide detailed breakdowns of the items they remove. These lists can include furniture, yard waste, construction debris, and more. We recommend getting quotes from any company you consider to determine whether it can handle your needs.
How do they charge?
Most junk removal companies have a minimum charge for single-item furniture removal. Some require an in-person estimate, while others offer online estimates. Most junk removal professionals disclose their pricing policies online.
What will they do with my junk?
Many junk removal companies offer green or eco-friendly options for unwanted goods disposal. Some providers partner with Goodwill or local charities to repurpose your old furniture. Ask about disposal methods if you’re concerned about environmental impact.
Why Hire a Junk Removal Company
Here are some options you’ll have available to you when you hire a junk removal company.
Decluttering
This is the most common junk removal service. Working with a professional junk removal company for your general decluttering needs is more efficient than making repeated trips to your local dump or landfill.
Home Renovations
Most providers can help you dispose of construction debris, provided there is no toxic waste included. Concrete, old drywall and plaster, and assorted lumber fall under this category.
Clearing an Estate
People staging estate cleanouts and big moves are among the most frequent junk removal clients. Book with a company that advertises its eco-friendly disposal options if you’re clearing out an old residence. Such companies donate many of the items they take away.
Moving
Some companies, such as College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, also work as movers. Many junk removal companies provide basic moving labor such as packing and unpacking, even if they don’t provide full-service moving assistance.
Our Recommendation
We recommend getting quotes from at least three junk removal companies before booking. During the quote process, ask what items the provider can take away, what its pricing structure is, and how to prepare for the workers when they arrive. Most providers require an on-site estimate before they will provide binding pricing.
LoadUp and 1-800-GOT-JUNK? are great starting points for most junk removal needs. Give yourself enough time to get an in-person quote beforehand.
Junk Removal Services FAQ
Is it better to use a full-service or DIY junk removal company?
This depends on your exact needs. DIY junk removal companies deliver dumpsters of varying sizes to you. You can typically keep the dumpsters for as long as you need. That makes DIY junk removal options better for home renovations or home construction. Full-service junk removal is better and more cost-effective for disposing of fewer items.
Read more: Best Dumpster Rental Companies
What kinds of items will junk removal companies not take?
Junk removal companies typically won’t take toxic chemicals or waste. They won’t remove open paint cans, asbestos, oil drums, gasoline, or fuel of any kind.
Should you tip junk removers?
Tipping your junk removers is never expected but can be a nice way to show appreciation for difficult junk removal jobs. For example, if you have a large item taken away for donation that requires special handling, consider tipping your junk removers.
Other Recommended Resources
If you’re booking junk removal services before a move, check out these articles for help with your relocation.
- Best Interstate Moving Companies
- Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
- Best Moving Container Companies
- Best Cheap Moving Companies
- Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our junk removal company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for removal services, accepted items, additional services, scheduling, availability, and reputation to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.