What Junkluggers does and who runs it
Junkluggers is a junk removal franchise that sends a crew to your home, loads items into their truck, and hauls them away. The company operates through independently owned franchises across the United States, so pricing, service area, and availability depend on which local franchise serves your location. You contact the franchise in your area directly — there is no single national phone line or website that books all locations.
The company focuses on residential junk removal: furniture, appliances, construction debris, yard waste, and general household items. They do not typically handle hazardous materials like paint, batteries, or chemicals. Each franchise sets its own rates and may offer additional services like same-day removal or donation coordination, but these vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Junkluggers is a franchise system, so you book through your local franchise, not a national office, and pricing and service terms differ by location.
- The crew loads and hauls items for you — you do not need to do the physical work — and they typically charge by volume or by the truckload rather than by the hour.
- You can request that items be donated or recycled, though what actually happens depends on the local franchise's partnerships and what condition the items are in.
- Pricing is usually provided over the phone or through an in-home estimate, and you pay after the job is complete, not in advance.
How to find and contact your local Junkluggers franchise
The Junkluggers website has a location finder tool where you enter your zip code and see which franchises operate near you. Each franchise has its own phone number and may have its own website or social media pages. Call the franchise directly to discuss what you need removed, get a price estimate, and schedule a pickup time.
Some franchises offer phone estimates based on your description of the items; others require an in-home visit before quoting a price. Ask which method your local franchise uses when you call. If you are not sure whether Junkluggers serves your area, the location finder will tell you, and you can then look for other junk removal services in your region.
What happens during a Junkluggers pickup
On the scheduled day, the crew arrives at your home with a truck. You show them what needs to be removed — items can be inside your house, in the garage, basement, yard, or driveway. The crew loads everything into the truck themselves; you do not need to carry or lift anything. The whole process typically takes 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how much stuff there is and how spread out it is.
You pay after the job is done. Most franchises accept cash, credit cards, and checks. Ask your local franchise about their payment methods when you book. If you have a large amount of junk or items in hard-to-reach places, mention that when you call so the crew can bring the right equipment and plan accordingly.
Pricing and what affects the cost
Junkluggers charges by volume — typically measured as a fraction of the truck bed they fill — rather than by weight or by the hour. A small load might cost $150 to $300, while a half-truck or full-truck load could range from $400 to $1,000 or more, depending on your location and what is being removed. These are rough ranges; your local franchise will quote based on what you describe or what they see during an in-home estimate.
Factors that affect price include how much stuff you have, how difficult it is to access (stairs, narrow hallways, distance from the truck), whether items need to be dismantled, and local labor costs. Some franchises charge extra for heavy items like refrigerators or pianos. Ask your local franchise for a full breakdown of any extra fees before you commit.
Donation and recycling options through Junkluggers
Many Junkluggers franchises partner with local charities, thrift stores, or recycling centers and will donate or recycle items if they are in usable condition. When you book, tell the crew what you would like donated — furniture, clothing, books, working appliances — and they can often drop those items off instead of sending them to a landfill. You may receive a receipt for tax purposes, though tax deduction rules are set by the IRS, not by Junkluggers.
Not all items can be donated or recycled; it depends on their condition and what local partners accept. Broken furniture, stained mattresses, or non-working appliances typically cannot be donated and will be disposed of. Ask your local franchise which charities they work with and what condition items need to be in before you schedule the pickup.
Comparing Junkluggers to other junk removal options
Junkluggers is one of several national or regional junk removal services. Other well-known options include 1-800-Got-Junk, College Hunks Hauling Junk, and local independent junk removal companies. The main differences are usually in pricing structure, service area, and whether they emphasize donation or recycling.
Some services charge by the hour, others by volume or truckload. Some offer same-day service; others require advance scheduling. Local independent services may be cheaper but may not have the same booking infrastructure. If Junkluggers does not serve your area or their price is higher than you want to pay, get quotes from other services in your region to compare.
What to do before the crew arrives
Clear a path from your items to the front door or driveway so the crew can move easily and safely. If items are in a locked room or storage unit, make sure you can open it when they arrive. Let the crew know about any items that are particularly heavy, fragile, or in awkward spots — this helps them plan and bring the right equipment.
If you want certain items donated rather than thrown away, point those out to the crew when they arrive. Have your payment method ready — cash, card, or check — so the transaction is quick. If you have questions about what will happen to specific items, ask the crew before they load the truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Junkluggers remove everything, or are there things they won't take?
Junkluggers removes most household junk, but they typically do not take hazardous materials like paint, chemicals, batteries, or propane tanks. They may decline very heavy items like safes or large hot tubs depending on the crew and equipment. Call your local franchise with a list of what you need removed to confirm they can handle it.
Can I get a price estimate over the phone, or do they always come to my house first?
Some franchises quote over the phone based on your description; others require an in-home estimate. When you call, ask which method your local franchise uses. Phone estimates are faster but may be less accurate if items are hard to describe. In-home estimates take longer to schedule but give you a firm price before the crew shows up.
What if I'm not home when they arrive?
You need to be home to show the crew what to remove and to pay them afterward. If you cannot be there on the scheduled day, call your local franchise to reschedule. Do not leave items outside unsecured or assume the crew will know which items to take without you pointing them out.
Do I get a tax deduction if Junkluggers donates my items?
You may be able to deduct the fair market value of donated items on your taxes, but the IRS sets the rules, not Junkluggers. Ask for a receipt listing what was donated, and keep records of the items and their condition. Consult a tax professional about whether your donation qualifies for a deduction.
How far in advance do I need to book?
This varies by franchise and how busy they are. Some offer same-day or next-day service; others may have a wait of several days or a week during peak seasons. Call your local franchise to ask what their current scheduling looks like and whether they have openings on your preferred date.