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.  

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.

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.