There are few home improvement projects that are as annoying and time-consuming as junk removal. Thankfully, if you have a home full of junk you need to clear out, you don’t need to tackle this task on your own. Junk removal companies specialize in providing you with a team of professionals who focus on handling the brunt of the work when cleaning a home. In some cases (like when cleaning out a horde or removing appliances) junk removal services are essential for health and safety.
At Today’s Homeowner, we know that junk removal can often be a complicated process. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you learn everything you need to know to hire a junk removal service for your project. Read on to learn a little more about:
- The best junk removal companies operating across the country
- What to look for in a junk removal company
- Some of the factors that play a role in the price you’ll pay for services
We’ll also clear up some of the most common misconceptions that homeowners have about junk removal.
The 5 Best Junk Removal Companies
Our top recommended junk removal services of 2023:
- Best for Debris Removal: North American Van Lines
- Best for Donations: College Hunks Hauling Junk
- Best for Single Item Moving: LoadUp
- Best for Major Cleanups: The Junkluggers
- Best for Last-Minute Appointments: 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
Compare The Best Junk Removal
| Company | Website | Our Take | BBB Rating |
| North American Van Lines | Click here | Best for Debris Removal | A+ |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | Click here | Best for Donations | F |
| LoadUp | Click here | Best for Single Item Moving | B |
| The Junkluggers | Click here | Best for Major Cleanups | A+ |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK? | Click here | Best for Last-Minute Appointments | A |
North American Van Lines: Best for Debris Removal
Why We Recommend North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company, but they also offer a wide range of additional services that go well beyond pickup and hauling services. For example, you can set up a full-service move with this provider which includes packing services, loading, unloading, and even unpacking. When they’re finished with the unpacking, you can sign up for North American Van Lines’ debris removal service. Once the team at North American completes your moving process, they will clear away any packing materials from the move. They can also take away unwanted items like broken tools, pieces of damaged goods, or other detritus left over from the moving process. This can make North American an excellent choice if you’re looking to move things from an abandoned property or estate.
Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines
Pros
- Driver simulator to help with driver training
- GPS tracking on all shipments
- A+ BBB rating
- International moves to 175 countries
Cons
- Some customers have reported damage to their items, floors, and walls caused by movers
- Overall poor online reviews
Services Offered
North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company, which means that it offers services above and beyond what you’d usually expect from a junk removal service. You can currently book the following processes through North American Van Lines.
- Full-service packing
- Fragile-only packing
- Boxes and moving supplies
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Custom crates
- Loading and unloading
- Crane vans for large items
- Debris removal
- Storage
- Auto transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-valuation coverage
State Availability: All 50 States
Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.
College Hunks Hauling Junk: Best for Donations
Why We Recommend College Hunks Hauling Junk
College Hunks Hauling Junk does offer some moving services, but they pride themselves on their junk removal services. Whether it’s e-waste like TVs and old appliances, debris from moving, or simply just unwanted items in your basement or attic, College Hunks has you covered. They take away mattresses, old furniture, and even junk donation and recycling.
College Hunks Hauling Junk also has a myriad of other services besides junk removal on offer. They offer home staging services, college dorm moves, estate clean out, and even carpet removal. If you need demolition for a remodel, the Hunks can help out with that as well. They can haul away your old couches, clean up your garage, or take your unwanted stuff to the donation center of your choice. This makes them an excellent, eco-friendly option if most of the junk you’re looking to get rid of can be reused by those less fortunate.
Pros & Cons of North College Hunks Hauling Junk
Pros
- Eco-friendly services
- Offers full-service moving packages
- Free, binding estimates
- Donates or recycles more than 70% of junk removed
Cons
- Limited availability; only in 39 states
- No quotes online; need to speak to a representative
Services Offered
In addition to junk removal services, you can also book the following through College Hunks Hauling Junk’s team.
- Appliance recycling
- Mattress disposal
- Furniture removal
- Garage cleanout
- Basement cleanout
- Hoarding cleanup and removal
- Packing and unpacking
- Moving supplies
- Comprehensive moving checklist
- Storage solutions
- Hourly labor services
State Availability: 39 States
LoadUp: Best for Single Item Removal
Why We Recommend LoadUp
LoadUp is one of the best junk removal companies because they charge per item versus how much space your stuff takes up in their moving truck. This results in their prices being significantly lower than the competition. LoadUp’s junk haulers are committed to sustainability; they take your unwanted junk and look through it thoroughly to see what can be saved to reuse, donated, or recycled. By doing this they have diverted over three million pounds of unwanted items from being left to rot in landfills.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to remove yard waste, building a home and need to remove construction debris, or your furniture has just tapped out and it’s time to say goodbye, LoadUp’s junk removal team will do the heavy lifting for you. They offer curbside pick up services as well as appliance removal and general trash clean up. If you’re not sure what items you should list when filling out your online quote, you can simply text a picture of your random junk that needs to be removed to the number on LoadUp’s website and they’ll give you a quote from there.
Pros & Cons of LoadUp
Pros
- Offers guaranteed upfront pricing online
- Available in all 50 states
- Businesses can schedule regular waste removal services
- Background-checked junk loaders
Cons
- Many ZIP codes aren’t included in online quotes; if that’s the case, you’ll need to call LoadUp to get your quote
- Junk and waste removal only; not a long list of other services
Services Offered
LoadUP specializes in residential junk removal services, but you can also book the following processes through the company.
- Commercial junk removal services
- Full property cleanouts
- Product assembly
State Availability: 50 States
The Junkluggers: Best for Major Cleanups
Why We Recommend The Junkluggers
Over the past fifteen years The Junkluggers has dedicated itself to reducing the amount of waste that fills up our landfills each year as well as removing the hassle and stress associated with clearing out unwanted junk from your home. They aid in helping alleviate hoarding situations, along with commercial junk removal and residential junk removal such as yard waste, attic cleanouts, and garage emptying. The Junkluggers also provides moving services in select areas — in this way they are a full-service junk removal company. However, the company’s services vary by zip code, which means that you’ll need to call to learn more about services in your area.
The Junkluggers can take away just about anything, as long as that doesn’t include hazardous materials. From refrigerators to hot tubs, water heaters and furnaces to clubhouses and swing sets, you can count on The Junkluggers to make your junk pick up efficient and stress-free. Their main focus is helping those in need by using as eco-friendly junk removal methods as possible. The Junkluggers also takes care of something most people dread — senior downsizing. If you have a major cleanout project, The Junkluggers can provide quick assistance.
Pros & Cons of The Junkluggers
Pros
- Donates a long list of charities, including Goodwill, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Alliance Against Homelessness
- Friendly, helpful, professional services
- 100% property damage protection
- Binding estimates
Cons
- Have to call to find out where Lugging Movers is available
Services Offered
The Junkluggers offers moving and junk removal services in most of the zip codes it services. However, you’ll need to contact the company to learn more about the specific processes available in your area.
State Availability: Varies by zip code
1-800-GOT-JUNK: Best for Last-Minute Appointments
Why We Recommend 1-800-GOT-JUNK
1-800-GOT-JUNK is a full-service junk removal company that will come to your home in order to give you a no-obligation estimate. You need to schedule an in-person visit so that they can do this, but you don’t have to worry about paying for the quoting process. The plus side to the in-person quoting process is that if you’re okay with the cost estimate, 1800-GOT-JUNK’s junk haulers can take away your unwanted items the same day, right then. You can find a 1-800-GOT-JUNK branch in 44 states, which means that the company is available in most parts of the country.
1-800-GOT-JUNK can clean out your storage unit that you’ve been afraid of dealing with, estates with too much junk to handle, crawlspaces, garages, attics, and they can even clean up after natural disaster damage. This can make them an ideal choice for cleaning up after a hoarding situation or a property that has fallen into disrepair.
Pros & Cons of 1-800-GOT-JUNK
Pros
- Pre- and post-renovation cleaning service available
- 24/7 customer service
- Each employee is licensed and insured
- Speedy, efficient same day service
Cons
- Need to see your items in person to give you an exact estimate
- Not as many different services as other movers/junk removal services
Services Offered
You can currently book the following additional processes alongside your junk removal services from 1-800-GOT-JUNK.
- Household cleanouts
- Hazardous material removal
- Pre- and post-moving processes
- Storage services
State Availability: 44 States
What To Look for In Junk Removal Services
There are many different options for junk removal services out there, so how can you be sure you’re choosing the best one for your needs? Besides making sure that a franchise or branch of a certain junk removal company is in your area, here are some other things that can make your choice easier.
- Binding quotes: When choosing the best junk removal company for your needs, make sure that they stick to the price that they give you in writing. The companies on this list will either give you a quote in person, or they will send you a quote online based on what waste removal services you require. Unless you add on more services that were not previously on the site estimate, your quoted price should not change.
- Other services: What do you need the junk removal company to do? Some companies, like College Hunks Hauling Junk, offer a laundry list of other services as well as eco-friendly junk hauling. Do you need demolition done to a structure in your yard? What about packing and moving services? If you’d like to go with one company for all the services you need, find one that offers what you’d like to be done. It can be helpful to create a list of all the services you’re interested in so you can find a single company that does it all.
- Customer reviews: Although customer reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt (both the good reviews and the bad) they are a valuable resource when deciding which junk removal company you’d like to hire. Check out unbiased sources like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot to see if these companies are efficient, professional, punctual, and get the job done well. It’s especially telling if the company personally responds to negative reviews on sites like Google Reviews. A polite, professional company will gently but firmly put these previous customers in their place. If a company responds to its customers in a hostile manner, you may want to proceed with caution.
What Costs Are Involved With the Best Junk Removal Services?
Most of the companies on our list will give you a straightforward upfront estimate for their services. For certain items as well as truck space, there are helpful charts and lists on their websites. But how are these costs determined? The following major factors determine how much you can expect to pay for your junk removal services.
- Hourly labor: Junk removal is hard work that requires a lot of training before you’re qualified to do it. Appliances, hot tubs, mattresses, furniture, sheds, and construction debris are all heavy, unwieldy, and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Your junk haulers work hard to remove all your unwanted items, and this is a component of your quote.
- Truckload: Some companies, like LoadUp, charge per item, but most junk removal services charge per truckload of stuff or even half truckload. This cost is meant to cover fuel costs for the truck as well as the cost of paying loaders and drivers to remove your unwanted items. The cost usually does not reflect the weight of your items, only the volume of space that everything occupies.
- Itemized invoice: If you’re looking to remove a very specific item, such as a washing machine, TV, or mattress, you might be able to find a price list with specific items listed alongside the cost on the company’s website. This is in case you just need certain things removed from your home or business but not a whole truckload of junk.
Final Thoughts
With so many factors playing a role in choosing a junk removal service, it can be tempting to skip the process altogether and attempt to handle these tasks on your own. However, it’s strongly advised that you leave junk removal services to the professionals. Heavy items like furniture and appliances can cause serious injuries to your muscles and back if handled improperly. In some cases (for example, when cleaning up a hoarded home) special personal protective equipment is required to get the job done safely. Thankfully, most homeowners are surprised to learn just how affordable junk removal can be — be sure to get a quote from at least three competing companies to be sure that you’re getting the best price on your needed services.
FAQs About Junk Removal
What items will junk hauling and removal services not take?
Junk removal services are not licensed in most cases to remove hazardous items. These include things like asbestos, chemical and oil drums, car batteries, paint, and other chemicals. They are licensed and qualified to remove debris that you would throw out to Waste Management or take to a dump, not chemicals that could be dangerous if disposed of improperly.
How can I plan for DIY junk removal?
If you’re looking to try DIY junk removal, you can opt for a dumpster rental. This is much like a moving container service, but instead of holding your belongings for a move, the container is a dumpster that you can fill at your leisure with everything you’re getting rid of. One note to consider, though, is that junk removal services are often cheaper than renting a dumpster, and they work hard to donate and upcycle the unwanted stuff instead of taking it to a landfill.
How much does junk removal cost?
A typical junk removal service can cost between a few hundred dollars to around $800 — it depends on where you live and the type of pricing structure the company uses. The average cost of junk removal services is around $300. If you have a large truckload, it can be around $600 per load. Each item listed on junk removal companies’ websites have their own price tag as well. For example, furniture can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 to remove, while appliances will cost more.
What is a full-service junk removal company?
With a full-service junk removal company, you don’t have to touch anything during the junk removal process — all you have to do is let your junk removal team know what they need to take away and sign any paperwork dealing with the services. From start to cleanup, the company handles everything.
How much notice should I give my junk removal company?
If you’re working with 1-800-GOT-JUNK, they don’t need any notice at all. But typically, you would want to start the quoting process with your junk removal specialist a few days before you want the stuff removed. A week is fine, but you don’t need to schedule it much more ahead than that with most junk removal services. If you’re also planning a move, schedule your services as early in advance as possible. Most movers request at least a month’s notice before service is needed.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
