What to look for in a junk removal company
Junk removal companies are designed to offer an easy way to clear out items from your home or office, giving you peace of mind. So, when you look for a junk removal company, you should expect them to remove the unwanted items as efficiently as possible, in a professional manner and for a reasonable price. What follows are several other considerations you should keep in mind.
Range of services
Typically, junk removal companies will provide you with two options for getting rid of your stuff: truck hauling and dumpster rental (though, as you’ll see below, some companies might offer a slightly different service model with alternative DIY options). If you choose truck hauling, the junk removal company will use a truck fitted with a dumpster in the back to haul your stuff away. It’s the best option if your junk is already piled up in one spot and is ready for pickup.
Pricing
Like in most industries, you get what you pay for. So, if you think you’ve found a bargain, think about what reasons might be lurking behind that good deal. Pricing is a big deal, so getting estimates and comparing the rates of at least three companies is essential. Most companies base their estimate on the cubic yardage of junk. If they won’t offer an estimate, that’s a red flag and not in line with industry standards.
Environmental policies
Many junk removal companies strive to be eco-friendly these days and show a strong and transparent commitment to following best environmental practices. When contacting companies for quotes, ask about their environmental commitment and practices.
These practices generally fall under the avoidance of landfills as much as possible. They may include upcycling and recycling, partnering with local charities, shelters and donation centers to unload needed items in good condition (furniture, clothing, toys and linens). Some junk removal companies are so committed to being eco-friendly that they only operate on bio-diesel fuel trucks.
Customer service policies
Can you get the service on the same day, or do you need an appointment? Is the company website updated and informative? Is there more than one option to get in touch? Is the information about the company’s availability and flexibility easily accessible? By looking into this, you can see whether customer satisfaction is a priority.
Reviews and referrals
With national companies that have multiple locations across the U.S., Canada and other countries, customer experience and satisfaction can differ widely. So, take those with a grain of salt when you look up reviews. Someone’s negative experience with a franchise in one state may not accurately reflect the professionalism of your local one. Better yet, try to get a direct referral from someone who has used a junk removal company in your area.
Equipment
It’s one thing to move a few items from your office and another to demolish your pool. Before hiring a junk removal company, it’s good to ask if it has the equipment needed for the job, what size trucks and/or dumpsters it has, and how many trucks there are in the fleet.
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A clear picture of what a junk removal company will and won’t take
The list is pretty extensive regarding what junk removal companies will take. In general, if they can haul it, they will. This doesn’t include hazardous materials, for example.
What junk removal companies will take:
- Air conditioners
- Bicycles
- Books, toys, and other miscellaneous home items
- Boxes
- Clothing
- Computers, monitors, TVs, and other electronics
- Construction debris (roofing materials, old carpeting, etc.)
- Exercise equipment
- Furniture
- Hot tubs and spas
- Large and small appliances
- Mattresses
- Musical instruments, including pianos
- Tools
- Yard waste
What junk removal companies won’t take:
These items are dangerous to transport and need to be disposed of properly.
- Asbestos
- Chemicals and solvents
- Gasoline
- Oil drums and oil tanks
- Opened cans of paint
- Any other kind of corrosive, combustible, reactive and toxic waste
These types of hazardous waste need to be disposed of according to the specific laws of your county. Check out our article on how to dispose of hazardous waste for guidance.
Post-job cleanup
Many junk removal companies offer to clean up after they remove the junk. It’s a good service to include since you probably wouldn’t want to do it yourself. We recommend getting at least three quotes from different providers as with moving companies. And if you have some schedule flexibility, you might get a better deal if you opt for service on a weekday instead of on the weekend, though that’s not a given.
FAQs
Methodology
Our top five junk removal companies have been thoroughly vetted and researched. When assessing and comparing junk removal companies, we looked at several key factors (in alpha order, below), including
- Availability
- Customer service
- Costs
- Eco-friendliness and environmental/recycling policies
- Fleet size
- Overall customer reviews and experience
- Price transparency
- Schedule flexibility
- Services offered
- Better Business Bureau accreditation and overall standing
- Types of estimates offered
- Website accuracy and online presence
We’ve found that these five junk removal companies have services and qualities that set them apart from the competition.