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7 steps to take before junk removal

7 steps to take before junk removal

Published: 
June 28, 2022
Updated: 
December 31, 2025
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5 min read

Wondering what you need to do before you call in the junk removal pros? Here are 7 things you should do before hiring a junk removal company.

No one likes living with junk, but before you call a junk removal company, you may want to do some legwork first. Junk comes in many shapes and sizes, from a stack of old magazines in your garage to the garage itself. Whatever it is, there’s a way to remove it. Of course, it all depends on what you’re trying to dispose of: household waste removal, yard waste removal, trash removal, or renovation waste.

How to prepare for your next junk removal service

The list below tries to address a bit of everything so hopefully you can begin your junk removal task with a bit more preparation.

1. Make a detailed list of your articles to get rid of

Why? Because you may be surprised at what you actually own. Some items can be recycled, taken away by the city, or given a new life with someone else. A detailed list will also help your junk removal specialist determine a more exact quote for their services when they show up on site.

2. Consider resale value

Not everything is junk. If you have renovation waste, antique wood doors, hinges, handles, knobs, or brass fixtures, they all have a re-sale value to collectors and modelers. If you’re willing to brave the classifieds, eBay, or if you think you should get something appraised, there are many options for getting a few bucks out of your ‘junk’.

3. Create three piles

Sort by: what to keep, what to toss, and what to give away. Be nice about it. Don’t give away items that don’t work or are destined for the junk pile as well.

4. Declutter the closet

Give away unused clothing and household items. If you haven’t worn it or plugged it in for a year, odds are you won’t ever use it. If you’re going to pay for junk removal, you may as well take advantage of it by ridding yourself of basement buildup and attic annoyances as well.

5. Ask if you’re even responsible for this junk

If you have garden waste, is it your problem to get rid of it? After a major storm or flood, certain aspects of the cleanup, such as fallen trees or branches, may have their removal costs absorbed by your homeowner's policy.

6. Don’t panic

Once you’ve made a plan to dispose of waste, you’ve taken the first step in dealing with it. Junk removal can be a taxing and emotional issue, but there are professionals there to help you. Take advantage of their services.

7. Call for a quote

Once you’ve made your list of essential items destined for junk removal, call your favorite local provider (we hope it’s 1-800-GOT-JUNK?) to take care of your unwanted items. Now that you’ve put your junk removal plan into motion, make some tea and relax. Armed with research and information, you can rest assured that your home will soon feel much, much bigger!

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Frequently asked questions

How does 1-800-GOT-JUNK? charge for junk removal?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is more affordable than you may think. Our junk removal prices are all-inclusive, which means you get:

  • Professional, uniformed and insured crew members
  • Junk removal from anywhere on the premises
  • Loading, lifting and sorting
  • Recycling, donating and disposing of items
  • Transfer station tariffs and fees
  • Gas and travel

We charge by the amount of space your items take up in the truck. We think it’s more fair to you to price by volume instead of the length of time it takes us to lift and load. The best part is we’re cheaper in bulk: the more stuff you have, the more value you get!

For materials with a heavy cubic weight, like dirt, concrete, and gravel, pricing is based on the total volume the material takes up in the truck, up to a maximum of one foot in height for a full truck.

Email us at business@1800gotjunk.com or call us at 1-888-475-3461

Do you provide recurrent, bulk-service pricing discounts?

If you need service on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis, we offer bulk pricing discounts. This gives you better value compared to common alternatives, such as dumpsters or less-professional junk removal services.

Interested? Call our business account team at 1-866-916-5865 to discuss your needs as well as pricing options.

When should I expect you to arrive?

On the day of your appointment with us, our friendly, uniformed truck team members will give you a call 15-30 minutes before the start of your two-hour promise window. They’ll say hi, let you know what time they plan to arrive, and confirm any other details about your appointment if needed.

Do you service multiple locations?

Whether your business has a single location or multiple locations, we can create a custom junk removal solution that works for you. We can coordinate pickups at multiple locations at a local, regional, and national level. Rather than work with dozens of regional or local companies, let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? handle the jobs across all your locations.

Can you remove large and bulky items?

Absolutely! We take large items all the time. As long as it can be lifted and loaded into the truck by two people, we'll be happy to take it away for you!

What items can 1-800-GOT-JUNK? remove?

We work with all types of businesses and can handle any type of job - cleanouts, bulk item removal, general junk removal and even specific items like cardboard or pallets. We can take pretty much anything as long as it's not toxic or hazardous. We can remove your items from wherever they’re located, whether it’s your office, store, site or anywhere else—all you have to do is point!

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we're fully licensed, bonded and insured! We have insurance covering damages to both persons and property for every single booking.

Do you service my region/location?

While we don't quite service the entire map, we cover almost every greater metropolitan area across the US, Canada, and Australia. To see if we’re in your neighbourhood, you can start a booking by entering your postal code.

What are your hours of operation?

Our customer service center is open 24/7, so we’re here whenever you need us! While operating hours may vary in our franchise locations, we offer same-day and off-hours service, including weekends.

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