LoadUp Reviews: What Customers Actually Say
LoadUp is a junk‑removal company that charges per item, guarantees the quoted price online, and operates in all 50 states. Customers appreciate the upfront cost and the fact that crews handle all loading, hauling and disposal, but they also flag issues such as limited volume flexibility and occasional scheduling hiccups.
How LoadUp’s Pricing Works
Minimum charge and per‑item rates
- Minimum job: $89 (covers a single small item).
- Pricing model: Every item is listed with a flat rate on the booking page (e.g., mattress $70‑$100, sofa $59‑$170, refrigerator ≈ $115). The exact figure can vary by zip code because disposal fees differ, but the price you see online never changes after you book.
What’s included in the price
- Labor: Crew loads items from anywhere on your property – you never have to move them to the curb.
- Hauling: Transport to the appropriate landfill or recycling center.
- Disposal & recycling fees: Included, except where state‑mandated recycling fees apply (e.g., $10.50 per mattress in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island under the 2026 Bye‑Bye‑Mattress program).
- Cleanup: The crew sweeps the area after loading.
Booking process and price certainty
- Online quote: Select each item on LoadUp’s website; the total is shown instantly.
- No phone or on‑site estimate: Unlike many rivals, LoadUp does not send a crew for a free estimate.
- Schedule: Choose a date; crews call 25‑30 minutes before arrival. Same‑day service is offered in many markets.
- Payment: Credit card is required at checkout; no hidden fees appear on the day of service.
Worked example
A typical garage clean‑out might include:
| Item | Online rate (average) |
|---|---|
| Mattress (queen) | $85 |
| Sofa (3‑seat) | $120 |
| Refrigerator (full‑size) | $115 |
| Small trash bag (10 gal) – LoadUp “Flex” bag | $39 |
Total before tax: $85 + $120 + $115 + $39 = $359
If the garage is in California, add the state mattress recycling fee: $10.50 → $369.50. The customer sees this exact total before confirming the booking, and the crew will not ask for extra money on‑site.
Real‑World Customer Feedback
What reviewers like
- Price transparency – “I knew exactly what I’d pay before the truck showed up.”
- All‑inclusive service – “They loaded the couch, the mattress and the old dryer without me moving a thing.”
- Nationwide coverage – “I used LoadUp in Montana and again in Florida; the process was the same.”
Common complaints
- Volume limits – Because pricing is per item, a large volume (e.g., a full truckload of mixed debris) can become expensive compared with volume‑based competitors.
- Scheduling rigidity – Mid‑week slots fill quickly; customers in high‑cost metros report needing to wait several days.
- Item‑specific price variance – Prices for sofas range $59‑$170 depending on market; a customer in Seattle paid the higher end, while a Midwest resident paid near the low end.
LoadUp vs. The Big Three Competitors
| Company | Minimum Price | Pricing Model | Price Certainty | Coverage (states) | What’s Included | Best‑For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LoadUp | $89 | Per‑item, flat rates online | Guaranteed – no on‑site changes | 50 | Labor, loading anywhere, haul, disposal, recycling fees (incl. state fees) | Small‑to‑medium jobs where you want an exact quote up front |
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK? | $100‑$150 (1/8‑truck) | Volume‑based (1/8‑truck increments) | Estimate given on‑site; can vary | 48 (excludes AK, HI) | Labor, loading, haul, disposal, recycling, cleanup | Large loads, full‑truck jobs, customers who prefer an on‑site estimate |
| Junk King | $99 | Volume‑based (half‑truck $389‑$488, full $589‑$658) | Approximate online, confirmed on‑site | 45 (gaps in several states) | Same as 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK, plus optional demolition | Mid‑size loads where you need a crew that can handle demolition |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | $150‑$750 | Volume‑based | $99 dispatch fee added after booking (often a surprise) | 48 (excludes AK, HI) | Labor, loading, haul, disposal, cleanup | Full‑service moves, customers who want a “hand‑yman” feel |
When LoadUp Wins
- You need a guaranteed price before the truck arrives. The per‑item model removes surprise fees.
- Your job fits within a handful of items (mattresses, sofas, appliances). The total usually stays under $400‑$500, cheaper than a half‑truck from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK.
- You live in a state with high landfill tipping fees – LoadUp’s flat rates already factor those fees, whereas volume‑based companies may add surcharges on‑site.
When Another Service May Be Better
- Full‑truck loads – If you have a whole house clean‑out, a volume‑based service like 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK can be more economical because the per‑item rates would add up quickly.
- Complex demolition – Junk King offers crews trained for demolition and heavy‑duty removal that LoadUp does not advertise.
- Desire for a free on‑site estimate – Some customers prefer seeing a crew assess the job before committing.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
Discounts and Savings – The Honest Truth
- No official military, senior, student, or AAA discounts exist for LoadUp.
- Coupon codes you find on aggregator sites are unverified and rarely work at checkout.
- Real ways to save:
- Join LoadUp’s email list – the signup popup on the homepage often sends a $10‑$25 discount code.
- Bundle items – loading everything in one truck avoids multiple service calls.
- Share a truck – coordinate with a neighbor; the company will split the cost based on items.
- Be flexible – mid‑week or off‑season dates are cheaper because crews have lower demand.
- Pre‑sort – removing reusable items yourself reduces the number of billable items.
Common Mistakes When Hiring Junk Removal
- Assuming “per‑item” equals cheap for large jobs – A full‑truck of mixed debris can quickly exceed $1,000 with per‑item pricing.
- Skipping the on‑site inspection for volume‑based firms – Not confirming the final price can lead to surprise fees.
- Ignoring state recycling fees – In CA, CT, RI you’ll pay an extra $10.50 per mattress; plan for it.
- Leaving items on the curb – LoadUp crews load from anywhere; moving items yourself wastes time without saving money.
- Not checking franchise‑specific promotions – Local franchises may run seasonal deals that aren’t listed on the corporate site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does LoadUp charge a service or dispatch fee? A: No. The price you see online includes labor, hauling, disposal and any applicable recycling fees.
Q: Can I get a same‑day pickup? A: Yes, in many markets LoadUp offers same‑day service if a slot is available; you’ll see the option during booking.
Q: What happens if I have more items than the quote? A: The system will prompt you to add the extra items before checkout, updating the total instantly. There are no hidden “extra‑item” charges on the day of service.
Q: Are hazardous materials accepted? A: LoadUp does not accept regulated hazardous waste (e.g., chemicals, asbestos). Those must be handled by a specialized contractor.
Q: How does LoadUp handle large appliances like a refrigerator? A: Large appliances are listed with a flat rate (≈ $115). The crew will disconnect and move the unit without requiring you to clear a path to the curb.
Q: Is there a “Flex” option for DIY loading? A: Yes. LoadUp’s Flex service starts at $39 for a bag or container you load yourself; the crew simply picks it up.
Bottom‑Line Takeaway
If you have a modest clean‑out—say a few mattresses, a couch and a refrigerator—LoadUp’s guaranteed‑up‑front, per‑item pricing is often the simplest and most cost‑predictable choice. For larger, bulk‑heavy jobs, a volume‑based service such as 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK or Junk King may deliver a lower total cost.