How Much Does Junk Removal Cost in Chicago?
At junkMOOvers, every junk removal job in Chicago has two parts: a labor and truck fee starting at $450, which depends on the distance and location of the job, plus a flat junk fee for each item based on its size, from $50 to $150. Understanding how those two parts add up helps you plan and avoid surprises.
How Chicago Junk Removal Companies Price Their Services
Professional junk removal services in Chicago generally use one of a few pricing models:
- Volume-based pricing - price is based on how much of the truck your items fill.
- Per-item pricing - the company charges per piece (per couch, per mattress, etc.).
- Labor plus per-item fees - a base fee covers the crew and truck, and each item adds a set disposal fee.
junkMOOvers uses the third model. The labor and truck fee covers the crew, the truck, and getting to your address. The per-item junk fees are flat, so you can see exactly what each piece adds to the total.
junkMOOvers Junk Fees by Item Size
| Item Size | Junk Fee | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $50 | Microwave, nightstand, end table, single dining chair, vacuum, small bookshelf under 3 ft, computer monitor, small printer |
| Medium | $75 | 6-drawer dresser, coffee table, armchair or recliner, home office desk, flat-screen TV under 55 in, TV console |
| Large | $100 | Sofa up to 3 seats, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven or stove range, flat-screen TV 55 in and up, standard dining table, large bookcase over 5 ft, queen or king bed frame |
| Extra-large | $150 | Mattress (any size), china cabinet, sectional sofa (4-6 seats), refrigerator, pool table, treadmill, large wardrobe or armoire, full dining set, upright piano |
The labor and truck fee of $450 and up is added to every job. Items that don’t fit these sizes, and heavy materials like concrete, brick, dirt, and tile, are quoted individually. Large cleanouts are quoted from photos or on site.
Example Totals
- One sofa and a mattress: $100 + $150 = $250 in item fees, plus the labor and truck fee from $450.
- A washer and dryer: $100 + $100 = $200 in item fees, plus the labor and truck fee from $450.
- A bedroom set (queen bed frame, mattress, dresser, two nightstands): $100 + $150 + $75 + $50 + $50 = $425 in item fees, plus the labor and truck fee from $450.
We confirm the full price before any work starts, and you approve it first.
Factors That Affect Price
1. Number and Size of Items
Each item adds its flat junk fee, so a bigger list means a higher total. Heavy materials like concrete, brick, and tile are quoted separately because of their weight and disposal costs.
2. Item Type
- Mattresses: Some companies charge extra due to Chicago’s mattress disposal requirements
- Appliances with refrigerants: Freon recovery adds cost
- Electronics: E-waste fees may apply
- Hazardous materials: Not accepted
3. Access and Labor
Stairs, long carries, and building access (elevators, loading docks, tight hallways) take more time and effort, and they can affect the labor fee.
4. Distance and Location
The labor and truck fee depends on where the job is. Chicago’s density also makes parking and access more challenging than in many suburban areas.
What You Should NOT Pay For
Reputable Chicago junk removal companies don’t charge for:
- Showing up and giving you a quote
- Changing your mind after seeing the price
- Sweeping up after themselves
If a company charges a “quote fee” or a “fuel surcharge” on top of the quoted price, that’s a red flag.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The fastest way is to text photos of your items to (773) 377-4148. We can sort each item into its size and give you a price based on the photos.
For complex jobs (estate cleanouts, full garages), a free on-site quote is worth requesting - prices can vary significantly based on what’s inside.