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How to Find and Hire a Quality Junk Removal Service

Margaret Wack
Written by Margaret Wack
Updated October 22, 2021
Men loading household into truck
Nadya So - stock.adobe.com

Finding the right company to haul away your trash is really a treasure

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When working on a big home project, you probably give a lot of thought to the task at hand, but one important factor may fall by the wayside: How will you get rid of the residual mess when you’re done? And who should you hire to do it?

A reputable junk removal company should be a full-service organization that can handle a single item, such as a couch or refrigerator, or the removal of an entire property. If you’re at a loss for where to begin, don’t worry—we’ll take you through the process of finding and hiring a junk removal company from start to finish.

How to Find a Junk Removal Company

One of the best ways to find a junk removal company is by word of mouth. You can ask friends and family members for recommendations or go online to look for well-reviewed junk removal professionals near you. Companies can range from smaller independent contractors to a franchised behemoth.

Plan Your Junk Removal Project for Accurate Quotes

You should have a good handle on your junk removal project before getting in touch with a professional. For instance, if you’re cleaning out a whole home, you’ll likely need more assistance than if you just needed to get rid of an appliance or two. It’s a good idea to make a list of everything you need them to remove, along with any particular circumstances or concerns.

You should get at least three quotes from different professionals and talk with them to determine what goes into the pricing model. This conversation can help ensure that you get a good rate for the service.

Check Qualifications and References

Once you’ve decided on a junk removal company (but before you hire them), it’s a good idea to ask for their qualifications and references. Talk to people the individual or company has worked with in the past to see if they were satisfied. You can also read online reviews and ratings for the junk removal company you’re considering.

Questions to Ask Your Junk Removal Company

Dumpster full of cardboard and construction debris in front of a garage
ALAN - stock.adobe.com

Come prepared with a list of questions to ask the company to make sure you’re on the same page. These include:

What Is Your Availability?

Ideally, the junk removal company you pick should be one that responds to your inquiry quickly. Good junk removal companies can coordinate a pickup within 24 to 48 hours of your call, but it never hurts to call further ahead of time.

Are There Any Limitations to What You Can Pick Up?

The junk removal company you choose should be game to take on any trash you need to be hauled away, from tree branches to old furniture. However, most companies will not dispose of hazardous materials like bleach, oil and fertilizer, so keep this in mind.

What Tools and Equipment Will You Use?

Any company or provider you hire should have the necessary tools, equipment, and vehicles for the job. Be sure to ask about the specific tools needed to haul away your junk and how they’ll plan to execute the job from start to finish. Depending on your needs, they may need to have the contacts to drop a dumpster for a larger job or be nimble enough to get through the small city streets.

How Do You Determine Price?

The pricing format for a junk removal company should be simple for you to understand. Prices are typically based on volume or the amount of space filled up in the truck. You should look for a company with affordable prices, but also keep the quality of the service and customer reviews in mind.

What Are Your Disposal Methods?

The company needs to have an established system of junk disposal. They should get rid of hazardous and non-hazardous junk responsibly, with a mind for environmental protection. They should also have relationships with recycling centers, dumpster services, and other facilities to ensure the junk removed is reused or recycled when possible. Simply put, the company should be able to tell you what happens to all your stuff once it leaves your home.

Will You Clean the Space After You’re Done?

A good, professional junk remover will clean up and sweep the areas after the job is done so you can move on with your day. Just be sure to ask to what extent they’ll clean the space so you know what to expect. 

Hiring Your Junk Removal Company

When you hire your junk removal company, you should nail down the details of exactly what the project will entail. This includes what items they’ll remove, when they’ll do it, and how much it will cost. It’s a good idea to get this agreement in writing if possible.

After Your Junk Removal Company Has Finished

Once they have successfully removed your junk, all that’s left to take care of is payment. It’s a good idea to decide upon the payment method before they start. If you’re satisfied with their work, you should also consider leaving a positive review or agreeing to be a reference for them in the future.

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