Junkluggers vs LoadUp: Which Should You Pick?
LoadUp gives you an upfront, guaranteed price online, while Junkluggers provides a volume‑based on‑site estimate that can be cheaper for big loads. Choose LoadUp if you want price certainty and a simple per‑item quote; choose Junkluggers if you have a large amount of junk that fills a truck and you’re comfortable waiting for a local crew to size the job.
1. How Each Company Prices the Job
LoadUp’s pricing model
- Minimum charge: $89 per job.
- Structure: Prices are calculated per item (e.g., mattress, sofa, refrigerator).
- Price certainty: The quoted total you see online does not change on the day of service.
- Geography: Available in all 50 states, so the same online formula applies everywhere.
Because LoadUp charges by item, the total can stay close to the minimum for a few small pieces, or climb quickly if you have many bulky items. The company advertises “quotes 20‑30 % below competitors,” but the exact per‑item rates are only disclosed after you select the items on the booking page.
Junkluggers’ pricing model
- Volume‑based: Prices are set by how much space your junk occupies in the truck.
- Truck sizes (official dimensions):
- Minimum load – 1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft (≈0.5 cubic yd)
- Half load – 5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft (≈5 cubic yd)
- Full load – 10 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft (≈18 cubic yd)
- Price range: Varies by market. In most U.S. metros, a half‑truck runs $400‑$600, while a full‑truck is $600‑$1,099.
- On‑site estimate: A crew visits your property, measures the load, and gives a final price before any work begins. No online quote is provided.
Because the price is tied to volume, a single huge item (like a couch) can fill a large portion of a truck and drive the cost up, while a collection of many small items may stay within a lower‑priced half‑load bracket.
2. What’s Actually Included
LoadUp
- Labor & loading – Crew lifts items from anywhere on your property (no curb‑only rule).
- Hauling & disposal – All transportation, landfill tipping, and recycling fees are covered.
- Cleanup – The crew sweeps the area after loading.
- Insurance – Licensed, insured crews protect you against damage.
Junkluggers
- Labor & loading – Same “load from anywhere” policy as LoadUp.
- Hauling & disposal – Includes all disposal, recycling, and any local tipping fees.
- Cleanup – Crew leaves the site tidy.
- Insurance & licensing – Local franchises are required to be licensed and insured.
Both companies bundle everything into a single price; there are no hidden disposal or dump fees that appear on the invoice.
3. Head‑to‑Head Comparison
| Company | Minimum Price | Pricing Model | Price Certainty | Coverage (states) | What’s Included | Best‑For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LoadUp | $89 | Per‑item (online) | Guaranteed – price locked at booking | All 50 states | Labor, loading, haul, disposal, cleanup, insurance | Small‑to‑medium jobs where you know each item |
| Junkluggers | Varies (≈$100‑$150 for a minimum 1/8‑truck) | Volume‑based (on‑site estimate) | Estimate‑based – final price given before work | 48 states (some gaps) | Same as LoadUp | Large, bulky loads that fill a truck |
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK (reference) | $100‑$150 (1/8‑truck) | Volume‑based (on‑site) | Estimate‑based | All 50 states | All labor, haul, disposal, cleanup, insurance | Customers who want a national brand with a “Flex” self‑load option |
Note: Junkluggers’ minimum load (1/8‑truck) is roughly 0.5 cubic yd, which translates to a price in the $100‑$150 range depending on zip code. The exact figure is given by the crew after they see the load.
4. Worked Example – 2‑Bedroom Apartment Clean‑out
Imagine you are clearing a two‑bedroom apartment with the following items:
| Item | Typical price range (based on 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK data) |
|---|---|
| Mattress | $70‑$100 |
| Sofa (3‑seat) | $59‑$170 |
| Refrigerator | ≈ $115 |
| Coffee table + 2 nightstands | ≈ $40 |
| Box of books (≈30 lb) | ≈ $20 |
| Subtotal | $304‑$440 |
LoadUp calculation
LoadUp quotes per item online. Suppose the per‑item rates you see are:
- Mattress – $80
- Sofa – $120
- Refrigerator – $115
- Coffee table & nightstands – $40
- Box of books – $20
Add them together:
$80 + $120 + $115 + $40 + $20 = $375
Because the total exceeds the $89 minimum, the final bill is $375 – a guaranteed amount you see before you schedule the pickup.
Junkluggers calculation
A Junkluggers crew arrives, measures the volume, and determines the load fills about 60 % of a half‑truck. In a mid‑cost metro, a half‑truck is quoted at $500 (mid‑point of $400‑$600). The crew gives you that price on the spot.
Result:
- LoadUp – $375 (price known up‑front)
- Junkluggers – $500 (volume‑based estimate)
If you could consolidate the items into a single half‑truck and avoid a second trip, the $500 stays stable. If you had a larger load that required a full‑truck, the price would jump to $800‑$1,099, making LoadUp even more attractive for item‑by‑item jobs.
5. Common Mistakes When Choosing a Junk Removal Service
- Assuming “minimum price” equals the final cost. LoadUp’s $89 is a floor; the total grows with each item. Junkluggers’ $100‑$150 minimum is for a tiny 1/8‑truck load; a half‑truck will cost much more.
- Ignoring volume vs. item count. A single couch can fill a half‑truck, making a volume‑based quote higher than the sum of per‑item prices.
- Skipping the on‑site estimate. With Junkluggers, the crew’s measurement is the only way to lock in the price. Failing to be present can lead to surprise charges.
- Overlooking local landfill fees. High‑cost metros (NYC, SF, Seattle) push the upper end of each range; a Midwest city may land near the low end.
- Chasing “coupon codes.” No verified military, senior, student, or AAA discounts exist for either company. The only reliable savings come from email‑list offers, flexible scheduling, or sharing a truck with a neighbor.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does LoadUp charge a hidden “dispatch” or “service” fee?
A1. No. LoadUp’s price you see online includes labor, haul, disposal, and cleanup. The amount is locked in at booking, so there’s no surprise fee later.
Q2. How do I know if Junkluggers will be cheaper for my job?
A2. Request an on‑site estimate. If your junk fills less than a half‑truck, the price will likely fall between $400‑$600. Compare that to the sum of per‑item rates you’d get from LoadUp.
Q3. Are there any real discounts for military, seniors, or students?
A3. Neither LoadUp nor Junkluggers offers official discounts for those groups. The only proven way to get a small reduction is to sign up for the company’s email list, which occasionally sends $10‑$25 off codes.
Q4. What happens if I have hazardous waste (e.g., old paint or batteries)?
A4. Both companies treat hazardous items as “special disposal” and will either refuse them or charge an additional fee. Always disclose such items during the estimate.
Q5. Can I do a “self‑load” and have the truck pick it up?
A5. LoadUp does not have a self‑load program. Junkluggers sometimes offers a “DIY” option through local franchise promotions, but you must confirm with the crew. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK’s “Flex” service lets you load a bag or container yourself for a flat fee starting at $39.
Q6. How far in advance should I book?
A6. Both companies accept same‑day bookings in many markets, but mid‑week and off‑season dates increase the chance of getting the lowest price and the most flexible scheduling.
7. Bottom‑Line Takeaway
Pick LoadUp if you have a known list of items, want an online, guaranteed price, and your load is modest.
Pick Junkluggers if you’re dealing with a large volume that fills a truck, you don’t mind waiting for an on‑site estimate, and you’re comfortable negotiating the volume‑based rate.
Both companies include labor, hauling, disposal, cleanup, and insurance in a single price. The decisive factor is price certainty vs. volume flexibility.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
Final Thought: The cheapest option isn’t always the fastest or the most convenient. Evaluate your load size, item list, and scheduling flexibility, then match those needs to the pricing model that gives you the most predictable cost.