Best Junk Removal Companies (Updated Review)

Look around your home. Survey the stuff in your basement, closets, attic, and storage sheds. Now think about the last time you needed these things. If the answer is, I can’t remember, it might be time to declutter.

The best junk removal companies can help you take charge of your home’s clutter, give it new life to someone who needs it, or recycle it accordingly — all without you needing to do much more than schedule.

Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of our favorite junk removal companies in the country and how they stand out against the competition.

Best junk removal companies

Through vigorous research and in-house expertise, we’ve identified 5 stand-out junk removal companies that provide a range of services for clutter cleanouts:

• Best for additional services: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
• Best for single items: 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
• Best for timeliness: The Junk Luggers
• Best for large cleanouts: Junk King
• Best for affordability: Load Up

Best for additional services: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving got its name when its founders needed to make more money over the summer. The business boomed into an empire serving moving and junk removal needs in 38 states.

College Hunks is a great option if you need to relocate anything during the junk removal process or have tight time constraints. Consider the following pros and cons to decide if they’re the right company for you.

Read our full College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving review.

Best for single items: 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? advertises its convenience and straightforward nature. It doesn’t do anything but take your unwanted items and dispose of or donate them. However, the speed of the quote process and scheduling can sometimes lead to inaccuracies and missed appointments if you’re not careful about communication.

It’s also limited in the types of belongings it can take. For example, it can’t take junk vehicles, paint, or oil drums, but it can take TVs, appliances, glass, and trees. The company offers single-item pricing and charges based on the space demands rounded to the nearest 1/8th.

Read our full 1-800-GOT-JUNK? review.

Best for timeliness: The Junkluggers

The Junkluggers saw an issue in the junk removal market and rose to the challenge. While many competitors receive dozens of complaints about delays and missed appointments, the Junkluggers provide a two-hour guaranteed window.

The company is working to improve its sustainability by committing to a goal of recycling or donating 100% of the items it takes in over the next few years. However, some customers have mentioned surcharges for e-waste recycling, so be cautious of that.

Best for large cleanouts: Junk King

Junk King claims to have 20% more capacity than its competitors, which can make an excellent option if you’re cleaning out a commercial property, estate, or completing a large demolition.

It’s also competitively priced. It will match other quotes for the same scope or work and it will even discount your estimate by $20 when you schedule online. However, the company isn’t available in all states, so availability can be a concern in some areas. Junk King does not provide service in: Delaware, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, or Vermont.

Best for affordability: Load-Up

Load-Up is another full-service junk removal service that’s available in all 50 states. When you make a reservation, you can track the truck to determine when it will arrive at your home.Its pricing tends to be lower than many of its competitors, and it offers pricing by the item, which can further reduce the cost compared to providers that estimate based on volume.

However, the company doesn’t use full-time employees. Instead, it partners with independent contractors, which can lead to varying service quality.

Comparing the best junk removal companies

You can compare the best bunk removal companies conveniently in the table below.

Reasons to use a junk removal company

There are endless reasons to use a junk removal company. If you’re on the fence, consider the following services and how they may fit your needs.

• Decluttering unwanted items: Americans are consumers, and it’s easy to fill up a house with collectibles, photos, gear for your hobbies, and more. It’s all fun until it becomes overwhelming. Junk removal makes it easy to declutter basements, attics, crawl spaces, and other common areas where people store excess.
• Preparing for a move or change of life: If you are getting ready to move, welcome a new family member, or begin working from home, you may find your needs have changed. Junk removal companies can handle furniture removal, so you can focus on the more enjoyable parts of moving or redecorating.
• Safe disposal of hazardous materials: If you’ve been holding onto old batteries or other potentially hazardous materials, junk removal companies can help you dispose of them in the proper landfill.
• Reduced injury: Hiring professionals minimizes your physical labor demands and the potential risk of injury by taking a DIY approach.
• Donation pickup: Some junk removal companies partner with local charities to reuse and donate items in reasonable condition.
• Storage units: Whether you are making space in your home by relocating some items to offsite storage or clearing out a storage unit you no longer need, junk removal companies can often handle the logistics.
• Home improvement: Home renovations create a lot of mess and yard debris. Junk removal companies can help you move into the next stage of home improvement without spending too much time on clean-up.
• Efficient waste removal and clean-out: Junk removal companies can clean out old businesses and manage estates with little to no hassle.
• Waste management: Many municipal and private trash removal companies limit the types of items and volume they’ll pick up at a given time. Junk removal companies streamline pickup, so you don’t have to worry about staggering your items.

For even more information, read our in-depth guide about what junk removal companies do.

Factors to consider when choosing a junk removal company

You can find the best junk removal services for your needs by considering the following factors.

Cost

Reputable junk removal companies have upfront pricing systems. You can request a quote and book online with a pricing estimator tool. If you require complex hauling services or your needs change after booking, you can expect your cost to reflect that. Onsite estimates are going to be the most accurate.

Full-service junk removal services will cost more than self-service dumpsters or single items.

Consider the types of junk you need to dispose of and what you intend to do with it, then request free quotes from several providers and compare. Compare the differences in our guide: Dumpster Rental vs. Junk Removal.

Environmental footprint

Junk removal companies can take the hard work out of sorting your junk and recycling it accordingly. If you want an eco-friendly alternative to taking your stuff to the curb, consider letting a junk removal company recycle your items.

Partnerships with nonprofits and local charities

Junk removal companies may partner with local nonprofits, such as Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity, to ensure your reusable items stay out of landfills. Hiring a junk removal company for donations can be a great choice if you have bulky items or large furniture that may be tedious to deliver in your personal vehicle.

Customer reviews

Like any service provider, it’s important to vet junk haulers to ensure you’re hiring the best junk removal company for your needs. Real-life customer experiences should inform your decision here. Consider the Better Business Bureau’s rating and any negative reviews online.

Waste disposal protocol in your area

You may not be able to throw out a whole household’s belongings in one go. Your trash pick-up company may also restrict the types of items it collects at a given time.

For example, yard debris may only be picked up during the spring and fall, but you may need cleanouts at other times of the year. A reputable junk removal company can help you conquer your home improvement projects without timing them around your area’s waste disposal protocols.

Lead time

You’d be surprised how quickly junk removal companies can fit you in. Many companies offer same-day service, but those that don’t can typically fit you within a week. Ask a few different companies when they can service your property and find the time estimate that best fits your schedule.

FAQs about choosing junk removal companies

What are some of the most common items a junk removal company will take?

Some of the most common items junk removal companies will take include the following types of junk:

• Old furniture and bulky items, including couches and mattresses
• Construction debris
• Yard waste
• Hot tubs
• Scrap metal from large appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines
• Outdated technology and similar e-waste including TVs and old computers

How much does it cost to hire a junk removal company?

The cost to hire a junk removal company depends on the size of your truckload. A full truck will cost more than a half truck, and a half truck will cost more than a single item.

You can save on junk removal costs by opting for a dumpster rental over full-service junk removal services.

A full truck can cost between $590 and $700, whereas a half truck is closer to the $370–$500 range. Single items are priced based on the labor and time required to move them.

Is there a time of year that is best for junk removal?

Junk removal services are available year-round, but ebbs and flows occur throughout the year. Peak season occurs between June and October. From November to December, demand drops off, and then January through March is the slowest time of the year.

Scheduling may be easier during the slower season, but you may encounter more weather-related issues.