Even if you have plenty of help, getting rid of the junk that's amassed in your home, basement or garage can be a major chore. Not only does it take a lot of effort to decide what to keep and what to toss out, but you may have certain types of items that are hard to safely dispose of. One of the best junk removal companies can help ease that burden, but like any company, you need to consider certain factors when you're looking to hire one.
If you're considering hiring a junk removal company, it helps to be equipped with some basic info to pick the best company for your project. Here's everything you need to know about junk removal companies.
Related reading from Yahoo Local: 5 reasons to hire a junk removal company before moving — and 3 not to
How much do junk removal companies cost?
The cost of junk removal can vary quite a bit based on how much you have to dispose of, what types of items you have, and where you live. However, the average cost of junk removal services is around $242, according to service review site Angi . Your project may cost a little more or less than that figure, but it's firmly in the middle of the normal range of $133 to $372 for the U.S. as a whole. "Green" or eco-friendly junk removers may cost even more.
If you have a small job, like getting rid of a single major appliance, you might pay as little as $60 to $150, according to Ang. Large jobs involving items like construction debris can tip the scales at more than $800.
You can expect a junk removal company to price your haul based on volume or weight. For example, 1-800-GOT-JUNK , a nationwide junk removal company, says it prices by 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full truck loads. It also offers single-item pricing for mattresses, TVs and other individual goods.
Can you get an online junk removal quote?
No, not with most companies. Reputable junk removal companies require an on-site estimate to get an accurate price for your project. In-person quotes are required because companies charge by how much volume your load takes up in their truck, so an inspection of what they're taking is necessary.
For common single-item pickups, like a mattress or TV, companies may provide an estimated price over the phone. Otherwise, you'll have to schedule an appointment for a member of the junk removal team to come to your home to provide an estimate. You aren't obligated to go through with the service if you don't like the quoted price, so there's no harm in scheduling multiple in-person estimates to compare prices.
Can you get same-day junk removal service?
Many junk removal companies offer same-day or next-day service if you have an urgent job. Companies such as College Hunks and Two Men and a Junk Truck advertise same-day and next-day service prominently on their websites. Note that you may be charged an extra fee for this service.
What will junk removal companies take?
Junk removal companies can vary a bit on what they'll take, but most will handle the majority of household items you want to get rid of. Here's a list of typical items junk removal companies will haul away.
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Furniture
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Mattresses
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Exercise equipment
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Large appliances
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Clothes
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Toys
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Bicycles
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Paper goods
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Electronics
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Yard waste
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Boxes
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Miscellaneous household items
While the above items are commonly accepted by junk removal companies, note that some may incur an extra fee for recycling. For example, electronics and refrigerators can add to your estimate because they contain hazardous chemicals and materials that require special disposal.
What won't junk removal companies take?
Junk removers will refuse to take anything dangerous or hazardous to handle during transportation, and the list is similar to common items that moving companies also won't move . This includes anything that's combustible, such as fireworks, ammunition and gasoline.
Certain chemicals, solvents and other materials are off-limits, including asbestos, oil, pesticides and some household cleaners. Many companies won't take open paint cans, but some will if you prepare them properly. College Hunks, for example, offers a paint disposal service, but you must follow specific steps to dry the paint out first .
If you're unsure about a particular item, ask about it while obtaining quotes from junk removal companies.
Do junk removal companies donate and recycle items?
In some cases, junk removal companies offer a donation service for items that are in good condition. Likewise, many companies try to recycle what they can. For example, 1-800-GOT-JUNK has a thorough process for separating items and directing them where they need to go once they leave your home.
"Once we leave your home, our first step (and the most common across our +150 locations) is separating each load at our local warehouse to identify the recyclables," 1-800-Junk said in a blog post describing its process. "This means separating the plastics, wood, metals and paper." Materials then go to facilities where they're cleaned and sorted to be recycled or donated if they're still in good condition.
Not every company offers recycling and donation services, however. If either is important to you, ask about these services when calling to schedule your estimate or specifically seek out a green junk remover.
Should you hire a junk removal company?
Junk removal companies can prevent stress, headaches and potential injury if you can budget for one. They'll take care of all of the heavy lifting and are experts at knowing where items need to go once they're out of your home. However, if you're considering doing your own junk removal, check out our guide to the pros and cons of do-it-yourself junk removal versus hiring a company .
