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Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page

How does Junk Removal Work

People often have a lot of misconceptions about how junk removal works. Junk removal is a process of ridding all the things that you don't need in your life anymore. There are junk removal companies that come take out the junk from your house. Some of these companies also take initiatives in giving off things that are useful to charities.

When you call these junk removal companies, they will send their truck to give off the stuff you want to get rid of. They will take it away and then dispose of it properly. It's a good thing that there are a lot of services nowadays that help us in disposing of all the junk we have at home. Usually, it costs some money. However, you can also find companies that will take your junk for free.

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In this article, we will dispel some of those myths and give you a better understanding of the process.

Ways of Junk Removal

Truck Hauling

The junk removal companies come with a truck. They load all your junk on it and then take it away. A junk removal truck is not the same as a dump truck. The latter has a hopper where rubble can be poured in. A junk removal truck doesn't have this. Instead, they will use finger lifts to load the junk into the truck. Junk removal companies usually work on a schedule, or you can also call them anytime that's convenient for you. Junk hauling services are quite popular because of however fast scalable it is. 

This option is also good if you are done with renovations and want to get rid of the old materials. They will dispose of everything for you.

Finger lifts

A junk removal company can also use a finger lift on your house if it's easier that way. This is a good option for houses that aren't so tall. All they need is a ladder or some scaffolding, and then they can load all your junk in bag loads using their arms.

Again, the company will use their truck to load all the stuff in, taking it away. This process is quite quick and efficient in removing junk. However, it can be quite pricey because you need to hire ladders or scaffolding, depending on how high your home is.

Bench Runs

The truck may also come up with a bench run and load all your junk at the back of the truck. This service is usually costlier than simply loading everything on the truck, but again, it's up to you. All you need to do is point out what needs to be disposed of, and they will take care of it for you.

The Truck Compactor

Lastly, the company will also use a remote compactor in your backyard, crush all your junk, and put it inside their remote compactor. This gets rid of the clutter that is not recyclable. They run this over and then load everything into the truck. This is much more efficient in getting rid of all your junk and maximizing the truck's capacity. 

Usually, this service is also pretty pricey depending on how much work it needs to be done.

Of course, these are not the only ways for junk removal companies to properly get rid of your junk. They can also use roll-offs or dumpsters if they need to. However, this is usually a little more expensive than the other options because these junk removal companies have to pay for renting out dumpsters or roll-offs depending on the type they use.

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Things that Junk Removal Companies take

Here is a list of things that junk removal companies take away when they come to clear your house:

  • Appliances (large or small)
  • Mattresses
  • Tires
  • Furniture
  • Old clothes and fabrics
  • Bags of trash
  • Cables and wires
  • Construction materials (if they are not recyclable)
  • Air conditioners
  • Bicycles 
  • Tools
  • Hot tubs and spas
  • Musical Instruments

Things that the Junk Removal Companies Don't Take 

  • Chemicals and toxins
  • Paint
  • Gasoline
  • Ammunition
  • Batteries
  • Hazardous waste materials 

What do Junk Companies do with those things?

Junk removal companies do not go through all the trouble of collecting your junk just to dump them in landfills or without processing. They either recycle the materials, repurpose them, or decommission them properly. For instance:

They may dismantle appliances and use their spare parts for other similar appliances. Sometimes, they also sell spare parts to people who need those parts for their appliances if it's cheaper that way. For example, a junk removal company might take apart a fridge and sell its compressor to someone who wants a cheap compressor for their fridge.

Costings of Junk Removal

So, there isn't a fixed price for removing all junk from your house, and it depends on what you want to remove. The average cost of junk removal is about $150-$350 but can range between $70 - $750. If the company just has to load everything in their truck, they most likely charge per volume of your junk. They might also use different techniques mentioned earlier, which will have a cost difference. If you want them to take most or all of your junk, then it's more expensive because it takes more time and effort for them to do so. If your junk is recyclable, it will be cheaper because they can sell your junk for recycling.

Choosing the Right Junk Removal Company

Choosing the right junk removal company is important to help you out. Look out for at least up to 4 companies and compare; that way, you'd know which one is best for you. Some depend on the location of your house, so you might have to do a little bit of research. Once you've made up your mind, though, you must stick with one company as they know the best ways to deal with all your junk and can also give recommendations on how to recycle or repurpose your junk. They have experience dealing with junk of all types, so just tell them what kind of junk you have, and they'll advise you on the best way to get rid of it properly.

The best thing about junk removal companies is that they are insured, licensed, and trained for doing this kind of work. If you want to stay safe and out of trouble with the law by disposing of your junk properly, then choosing one is a good idea! Don't forget that there are also junk removal companies located in more rural areas which offer similar services at more affordable rates.

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Also See: College Hunk Hauling and Junk Review | 1-800-GOT-JUNK-Review

Conclusion

Junk removal is a great option for people who need to get rid of all their junk quickly and easily. Junk removal companies are insured, licensed, and trained professionals who can help you get rid of your junk quickly and efficiently. They also offer recycling services so that you can dispose of your junk in an environmentally-friendly way. You can choose which services you want them to provide, but it's best to let the company care about what they're good at!

FAQ's

Can I recycle my junk before you take it away?

If your junk can be recycled, this is the best way to get rid of it. Yes, many junk removal companies have recycling services that are included in the price! This means that you could save even more money.

How long will it take for them to pick up my junk?

It depends on the company, but they usually come within 24–72 hours of giving them a call. They can give you an exact time if you ask when you book your appointment!

Does junk removal cost anything?

No, some will even give you discounts for booking your appointment online! Check the company up before you book an appointment so that you'll know how much it costs! The average cost is about $150-$350 but can range between $70 - $750.

Who will take my stuff?

Junk removal companies have employees trained for doing this kind of work, so don't worry about having strangers in your house or garden! They are insured, licensed, and trained professionals who will do the job quickly and efficiently so that you can get on with your day.

How should I prepare for the junk removal company coming to pick up my stuff?

If you have pets, keep them either inside or in a separate room from where the junk is. This will also help to keep your pets safe and out of trouble! Do not let other people in before or during your appointment because it will delay the process!

What if I need longer than 24 hours to get rid of my junk?

Some companies offer long-term options for people who may need more time to get rid of their junk. If you think this will be necessary, then you should contact a company and ask about their rates.

Why can't I do it myself?

You could, but having a professional company help you with your junk will save a lot of time and energy. They have experience, which means they know how to handle your junk in the safest way possible. They are trained for doing this kind of work so you can trust them to do it quickly and efficiently. They use up-to-date tools and machines, which means your junk is disposed of properly and promptly.

What about the disposal of hazardous materials?

The junk removal company you choose should have the experience and knowledge to dispose of your hazardous materials properly. They should also provide certification that they are certified professionals trained for working with hazardous material disposal. You can ask them what kinds of materials they have experience with so that you will know for sure!

Do they donate or re-sell my junk?

No, some companies have recycling services that are included in the price, so you don't have to worry about them throwing away your belongings. If your junk can be donated or sold, they might do this instead of putting it in a landfill! It all depends on what can be done with your items.

How do I know which junk company to choose?

Many different companies out there will do this kind of work, so you'll have plenty to choose from! Make sure they are insured and licensed because that means they are trained professionals. If you want them to recycle some of your junk, then make sure they have a recycling service included in the cost. You can also look online and see what other people say about different companies so that you will know what to expect from your junk removal company!

What happens if my junk is not picked up?

Some companies offer scheduling pick-ups which means you'll never have to worry about this! If you've scheduled your appointment and paid your fee, but they never show up, then call them and ask about the situation. Sometimes the weather or traffic can get in the way of their schedule, but they should be able to send someone out to you as soon as possible.