Residential Junk Removal Service

Haul away unwanted items from homes including furniture, appliances, and general junk

Startup Cost
$15,000-$55,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
3-6 months
Profit Potential
$10,000-$38,000/month

Overview

Residential junk removal services charge $150-$700 per load depending on volume and items.

Completing 30-80 jobs monthly generates $120,000-$450,000 annually with 40-60% margins after truck costs, dump fees, labor, and disposal.

In 2025, homeowners hiring junk removal services for decluttering, moving, renovations, and estate cleanouts create consistent demand.

Services include removing furniture and appliances, hauling away trash and debris, clearing garages and basements, disposing items responsibly (recycling/donating when possible), loading and hauling heavy items, and providing same-day or next-day service.

Successful businesses operate 2-4 trucks, invest in reliable vehicles, hire strong laborers, build relationships with donation centers and recyclers, and provide professional customer service.

Many start with one truck and owner labor before hiring crews.

Volume-based pricing (1/8 truck load to full truck) typical rather than hourly.

Key markets include homeowners downsizing, people moving, renovation projects, and spring cleaning.

Marketing through Google Ads, yard signs, and partnerships with realtors drives leads.

Required Skills

  • Physical Labor
  • Truck Operation
  • Customer Service
  • Waste Disposal Knowledge
  • Team Management
  • Route Planning

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong demand from homeowners year-round
  • Can start with single truck and grow
  • Quick job turnaround (1-3 hours typically)
  • Recurring business from property managers and realtors
  • Cash business with immediate payment

Cons

  • Physically demanding hard labor
  • High vehicle maintenance and fuel costs
  • Dump fees and disposal costs impact margins
  • Need insurance and proper licensing
  • Weather can slow business during heavy rain/snow

How to Get Started

  1. Get proper licensing, insurance, and waste hauling permits
  2. Purchase reliable truck or trailer (box truck or pickup with trailer)
  3. Set volume-based pricing structure ($150-$700 per load)
  4. Build relationships with dumps, recyclers, and donation centers
  5. Create website and Google My Business listing
  6. Market through Google Ads, yard signs, and realtor partnerships
  7. Hire reliable labor as volume increases and expand fleet

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