What a junk removal estimate is for
Junk removal customers want a number before you show up, and the final price depends on how full the truck gets. An estimate based on photos, with the volume range and the items that carry extra fees like mattresses and fridges, sets expectations honestly. It also lists what you will not take, which saves a wasted trip.
What to put on a junk removal estimate
- Estimated truck volume, with a range.
- Items with their own fees: mattresses, appliances, tires.
- Heavy material and weight limits.
- Access: stairs, long carries, tight spaces.
- What you will not take.
- That the final price is set by volume on site.
A worked example
A two-car garage with old furniture, boxes, a mattress and a broken freezer, judged from photos at about half a truck. The volume and mattress lines use the calculator's typical prices.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junk removal, 1/2 truck * | 1 | each | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Mattresses or box springs * | 1 | each | $113.00 | $113.00 |
| Freezer, refrigerant recovery | 1 | each | Your price | |
| Sweep-up after removal | 1 | each | Your price |
Say in the notes that the price is confirmed on site by the volume in the truck. A photo estimate that says so up front does not feel like a bait and switch when it moves.
* Typical price from our free junk removal cost calculator, which lists its sources. Your own costs and market come first.
Line items junk removal companies use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Junk removal by truck volume | load | Quarter, half, three-quarter or full truck; say your truck size. |
| Minimum load | each | Single items and small piles. |
| Mattress or box spring | each | Many areas charge disposal or recycling fees for these. |
| Appliance with refrigerant | each | Fridges and AC units need the refrigerant recovered. |
| Tires | each | Disposal fee per tire in many places. |
| Hot tub removal | each | Cut-up and haul. |
| Shed or deck demolition and haul | each | Light demolition plus the load. |
| Construction debris | load | Heavier than household junk; weight limits may apply. |
| Yard waste | load | Branches, leaves and soil. |
| Heavy material surcharge | each | Concrete, dirt, roofing shingles by weight. |
| Stairs or long carry | each | Third floor walk-ups and long carries. |
| Donation drop-off | each | If you take usable items to charity. |
| Sweep-up after removal | each | Broom clean of the area. |
Terms and deposit language for junk removal
- Deposit. No deposit on most jobs. Large cleanouts and estate jobs may take one to hold the day and the crew.
- Payment. Final price set on site by the volume in the truck, due when the truck is loaded.
- Warranty. Not a warranty trade; say the area is left broom clean.
- Hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, propane and asbestos are not taken unless arranged, and may need special disposal.
- Prices are based on volume; weight limits apply to heavy materials.
- The customer confirms that everything taken can be thrown away or donated.
How to fill it in
- Put in your business details once; this browser keeps them for every template.
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Change the line items to fit this job and add your prices.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print to PDF, download Word or CSV, or send it from Koira.
Free tools for junk removal
The same estimate for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, irrigation, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, septic, snow removal, solar, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.
More for junk removal companies: how junk removal companies run on Koira.