The Complete Guide to Junk Removal

Whether you are planning to move or you are tired of living in clutter, junk removal is a valuable service. Junk refers to a number of products you cannot easily throw away. This is typically due to size limitations, but sometimes it has to do with the type of material the junk is made out of. A common misconception is junk removal only refers to trash removal or valueless items. While this is one type of junk, it can also refer to more valuable items you need to get rid of. For example, one of the most common types of junk removal when you move is furniture you cannot bring with you.

There are many professional junk removing companies. These companies employ skilled employees who will help you sort and move your junk without damaging your property. In addition to junk removal websites, there are also several websites you can use to try and sell your junk before paying for removal.

Junk Removal vs. Selling

One of the decisions you must make is whether it is worth trying to sell your junk or have it removed. While you may be tempted to sell your junk to get the most value of it, this is not always the practical option. If you have the time, it is worth listing your junk for sale a few weeks before you need to move. If it is getting closer to your moving deadline and you still have the junk, it is better to pay for junk removal services instead of hoping a buyer will appear.

When you hire a junk removal company, you set an appointment day for the crew to arrive. On that day, the crew shows up with a removal truck, going through your home and removing all the necessary items. Some companies require you to be present to make sure the removers only take items you want to get rid of, while others will accept an approved list or only remove items you marked. Some common items junk removal companies get rid of include old furniture, mattresses and bulky electrical appliances. You can also hire a junk removal service after construction to remove any construction debris. As long as it is classified as a non-hazardous material, you can get it removed.

Cost of Junk Removal Services

Junk removal services charge based on where you are located, when you need the junk removed and the type of junk you want removed. The majority of companies have a minimum charge, typically between $70 and $100. Some companies will charge based on the number of hours it takes to move, while others charge based on how much of the truck you fill up, with additional charges if you request multiple trucks. If you are removing an entire house worth of junk, you will pay on average between $1,000 to $1,500.

Craigslist

If you want to sell your junk before resorting to removal, Craigslist is one of the most popular selling sites. Craigslist acts like an online classified section. You have total control over the ads you create. Craigslist is popular because there are no fees to place ads. The downside is, you must handle everything on your own, including communicating with buyers. It is common for buyers to come directly to you to pick up items. This is also one of the hurdles of using Craigslist, as you run the risk of having a committed buyer who flakes on the sale, leaving you stuck with your junk. For bulkier items, is not uncommon to include a first come first serve clause, so whoever arrives first to pick up the item is the one who gets it. Craigslist is typically best for listing larger items, like furniture and appliances.

Bonanza

Bonanza is similar to another selling website, eBay, but it has a few advanced features. The website has a much cleaner look, making it easier for you to upload photos of the items. This is especially important when selling used items, since most sellers will ask about the condition before committing to a purchase. All of the sales are handled directly by the website, with a number of online checkout options. You can even link Amazon or Google Checkout to your ad. There is no fee to post an ad, but the website takes a small percentage from every sale. The website is most commonly used for selling jewelry, watches and other accessories.

1-800-GOT-JUNK

Got Junk is one of the oldest junk removal companies. It is available in 45 states, with select offices available in Australia and Canada. The company offers a clear pricing policy, with no hidden fees. The company charges based entirely on truck volume, charging a minimum price for 1/8th of a truckload. Before hiring the company, you can request a free in-person quote, where you show the removers exactly what you want to remove and how much it will cost.

Junk King

In addition to hauling your junk away in trucks, Junk King also provides dumpster rentals. This gives you a few extra days to go through your home and throw away all the items you want, with the company hauling away the dumpster. Junk King charges based on the total amount of junk you want to remove and the overall items. Like with Got Junk, you can request a free quote before hiring them. The website also contains a price estimator to get a basic idea of the costs. As of writing, you also get a $20 discount if you schedule an appointment online.

Load Up

If you need to quickly remove junk from your home, Load Up is one of the best companies. Load Up has immediate on-demand services for same day removal. The company also has curbside junk removal. This is a good option if you only have a few items you want removed and do not want to pay for an entire truck to show up. The company is also known for having some of the lowest prices of any junk removal service.