5 Questions to Ask Any Junk Removal Company Before You Book

Not all junk removal companies work the same way, and the difference usually shows up after the truck is already in your driveway. Before you book anyone, us included, these five questions will tell you a lot about who you're actually hiring.

1. Will my quote change once you see the job in person?

This is one of the most common complaints people have about junk removal companies: a phone or photo quote that turns into a much bigger number once the crew shows up. Ask this directly, and ask what happens if your load turns out bigger or smaller than described. A company that gives you a straight answer, instead of a vague "it depends," is one that's confident in how it prices jobs. (Here's how our pricing actually works, if you want the specifics.)

2. Are there any fees not included in the quoted price?

Card processing surcharges, "extra item" charges, fuel fees: some of these are reasonable, but they should be disclosed before the job, not added to the invoice at the end. Ask what's included in the number you're given, full stop.

3. Who's actually showing up?

You're letting people into your garage, your driveway, sometimes your home. It's fair to ask who will actually be doing the work, whether that's the owner or a crew sent out by a call center, and who you'd talk to if something came up during the job. A local owner you can reach directly is usually the easiest person to sort things out with.

4. What happens to my stuff after you haul it away?

Some companies donate and recycle what they can before anything hits a landfill; others take the fastest route to the dump regardless. If responsible disposal matters to you, ask directly, and ask them to be specific, not just "we're eco-friendly." (See what actually happens to your junk after we haul it away.)

5. What can't you take?

Every legitimate junk removal company has a list of items they can't haul: hazardous materials, asbestos, medical waste, and a few other categories. If a company says "we take anything, no questions asked," that's worth being a little skeptical of. A company that's upfront about what it can't take is usually upfront about everything else too. (See our full list of what we can and can't haul.)

The short version

None of these questions are meant to be a "gotcha." They're just the practical things that separate a smooth pickup from a frustrating one. Ask them of anyone you're considering, us included, and you'll book with a lot more confidence either way.