If you hire a junk removal company near you, take precautions to avoid person-to-person contact, sanitize involved surfaces and use virtual payments. If possible, it might also be a good idea to move the items that are getting picked up outside so the junk remover doesn’t need to enter your home.

You can set up consultations and appointments with a junk removal service near you during the COVID-19 pandemic by messaging the professional of your choice in an online search. Ask if they are willing to set up a video call to assess the project and answer any questions you have. Discuss a strategy for staying safe during the job, including sticking to guidelines on social distancing as well as paying through digital platforms instead of cash or check.

Junk removal may be considered essential in certain cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. A good place to start is by searching your city or state government’s website for a list of guidelines.

For national guidelines, visit CISA’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19 webpage, which identifies 16 types of essential infrastructure sectors that can continue operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure.  

The average cost to haul away junk is $150, though this price can be expected to vary between around $75 and $375, depending on several factors. 

The first factor is the quantity of junk removed. Most junk removal services charge by the truckload, and most residential projects only require filling up part of a truckload.

Another factor is the type of junk. E-waste like computers and TVs may cost more to dispose of, as will more hazardous materials like mercury, paint and used motor oil. It also may cost more to remove big items like beds and couches.

To find out how much it will cost to get rid of your junk, get free estimates from the best junk removal companies near you.

Today, digital payment platforms are gaining popularity across many services, including junk removal companies. Digital payment services such as PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo, Zelle and Google Pay are common options for customers.

Conduct an online search for junk removal services in your area, and ask whether they accept digital payments. Make sure you have a plan in place to take all necessary precautions to comply with any mandated social distancing guidelines.

A junk remover may not need to enter your home if all of the materials are located outside. If a junk remover needs access to your home and the project is deemed essential, you’ll need to discuss a strategy for safety. For example, avoid being near each other, sanitize involved surfaces and conduct payments using digital platforms. Discuss potential strategies with junk removal companies in your area.

Because junk removal requires manual labor, it is not typically a remote service. However, if you see a profile that states the junk removal company is offering remote services, ask the company what those services include. And schedule a phone or video consultation with local junk removers, and ask what precautions can be taken to comply with social distancing guidelines. 

To get rid of your junk fast, start by organizing and making a list of what you have. Sell what you can, and give away items that you value but you don’t want to friends and family. 

If you don’t have the means to transport items or if you have too much junk to get rid of on your own, it’s time to hire a pro. A junk removal service can quickly and efficiently get rid of junk for you, including lifting heavy objects and making sure nothing is damaged.

Find a junk removal service near you and start asking for free estimates.

You may want to tip your junk removal team if they did an exceptional job. For instance, if they show up on time, are courteous and professional, take extra care not to damage your possessions and home, and leave a clean site afterwards, you may feel like giving them a tip. A reasonable tip might be $20 per crew member.

It’s also nice to tip them on especially hot days, or when the weather is inclement. You can also provide food and drinks for them.

You can get rid of a couch by hiring a junk removal pro who can get it safely out of your house and dispose of it. There are other options as well, including renting a trailer and hauling it to a proper disposal facility, or leaving it out for someone to pick up. 

However, a junk removal service is the easiest option. This keeps you from having to lift a heavy object or risk scuffing up your walls. Furthermore, a licensed junk removal service can responsibly dispose of a couch, saving you from having to find a site.