Junk Removal FAQ - Common Questions Answered

Single-item curbside pickup in Chicago starts at $79 (mattress, single piece of furniture, small appliance). Full-service indoor removal starts at $149. For multi-item jobs we price by truck volume - a typical 1/4 truck runs $249, a half-truck $399, and a full truck $679. Most one-bedroom apartment cleanouts land between $479 and $679. The fastest way to get an accurate number is to text photos to (773) 377-4148 - we can usually quote within minutes during business hours.

We use two pricing models. Single-item pricing is a flat rate per item (couch, mattress, appliance, TV) - best for one or two pieces. Volume pricing charges for how much space your items take up in the truck, broken into eighths from 1/8 truck up to a full truck. Mixed loads - garage cleanouts, basements, apartments - get volume pricing. All prices include labor, hauling, and disposal/donation/recycling routing.

Yes. $79 minimum for curbside pickup (items already outside). $149 minimum for full-service (we come inside and get them). This covers the cost of dispatching a crew and truck to your Chicago address.

Yes - we give confident estimates over the phone or from photos texted to (773) 377-4148. For single items, the phone quote is usually within $20 of the on-site price. For mixed loads and cleanouts, the photo quote gives a range; the exact final number is confirmed on site once the crew sees the access and the actual volume. We don't raise the price after work starts without telling you and getting your OK.

Yes. Phone estimates, photo estimates, and on-site walkthrough estimates are all free, no obligation. You only pay if you approve the price and we do the work.

Yes, small surcharges apply for difficult access. Walk-ups above the 2nd floor: +$15 per additional flight (a 4th-floor walk-up adds $30). Long carries over 50 feet from the truck to the item: +$25. Basements are included for the first flight - additional flights below grade add $15 each. All surcharges are disclosed before any work begins.

Almost anything that fits in a truck and isn't on the exclusion list below. Furniture (couches, dressers, tables, chairs, bed frames), mattresses, appliances (fridges, washers, dryers, dishwashers), electronics (TVs, computers, printers), household goods (boxes, bags, decor, rugs), yard equipment, light renovation debris, office furniture, retail fixtures. Whole apartments, garages, basements, attics, storage units, and offices. If you're unsure about something specific, text a photo to (773) 377-4148.

The legally-restricted short list: hazardous chemicals (paint, gasoline, motor oil, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals), propane tanks, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, medical waste (sharps, prescription medication, blood-soaked items), firearms and ammunition, explosives and flares, human or animal waste, active infestation materials, and items subject to a probate hold. Chicago's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility on Goose Island accepts most household hazardous waste for free.

Yes - that's full-service removal. The crew comes in, carries the items out (stairs, walk-ups, elevators), protects banisters and doorframes where needed, and sweeps the spot when done. Full-service starts at $149 minimum. Curbside (cheaper) is available if you can move the items outside yourself.

Yes. Refrigerators, freezers, wine fridges, mini fridges, and AC units with refrigerant all go through a certified refrigerant-recovery partner before scrap - required by EPA rules. There's a $30 refrigerant surcharge on top of the appliance price. Please empty and ideally defrost the fridge before pickup so water doesn't leak when we tilt it.

Yes, all TV types. Flat-screen TVs are $49 single-item (curbside). CRT and tube TVs carry a higher fee ($79) because the lead-laden tubes have to go through a specific e-waste recycler that handles the cathode-ray separation.

Yes, but tell us before booking. Stained or visibly damaged mattresses are still accepted; they just can't go through donation channels and follow a different disposal path. Suspected bedbugs: we still take the mattress, with a small surcharge for special handling - but please wrap it in a sealed mattress bag before we arrive to prevent spread.

Yes - high-rise work is one of our specialties. We coordinate the freight elevator booking, work within the loading-dock window, follow building check-in rules, and provide a Certificate of Insurance for buildings that require one (email info@junkmoovers.com to request). We've been doing this in Chicago for years through our parent moving company, MOOvers Chicago Inc.

Yes, and alley pickup is often easier in Chicago - alleys are wider for trucks and there's less obstruction than parking-restricted streets. Tell us at booking that the items will be in the alley, give us the address and a rough description of where in the alley, and we'll route the truck appropriately. Same curbside pricing applies.

Yes - free, usually same-day. Email info@junkmoovers.com with your building's certificate-holder name and address (your building manager can provide this), and we'll send the COI within a few business hours.

Chicago Streets & Sanitation offers free bulk pickup through 311. The trade-offs: wait times of 1–4 weeks, you have to move items to the alley or curb yourself, you only get the one assigned date, and the city won't take inside removal, stairs, or apartments. junkMOOvers costs money but is fast (often same-day), comes inside, handles disassembly and access, and routes usable items for donation.

Rarely. Crews work in rain, snow, and Chicago winters. Severe weather events - heavy ice storms, blizzards with travel advisories, hazardous wind - may push a pickup to the next safe day; we'll call you to reschedule and there's no fee.

Zelle and Venmo (no fees), credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover - 2% surcharge), and cash. No checks. Payment is due on completion of the job - no deposit required for standard residential work.

Cancel or reschedule 48 or more hours before your scheduled service date - no charge. Cancel less than 48 hours before - $79 minimum cancellation fee to cover the crew and truck capacity reserved for your job. To cancel, call or text (773) 377-4148 or email info@junkmoovers.com.