Most people searching for junk removal have one core concern: knowing what they will pay before a truck shows up at their door. It’s a reasonable expectation, and it is exactly where LoadUp and 1-800-GOT-JUNK differ most.
Both companies offer full-service junk removal. Both send a crew, handle the heavy lifting, and dispose of your items responsibly. But their pricing models work in fundamentally different ways, and that difference can have a real impact on your final bill.
LoadUp was founded in 2014 by Greg Workmon with a mission to bring transparency and fairness to junk removal pricing. The company charges per item and provides a guaranteed price online before you schedule a pickup. 1-800-GOT-JUNK is the world’s largest junk removal franchise, founded in 1989. It has built decades of brand recognition on full-service convenience, but uses a volume-based model that requires an on-site assessment before confirming your price.
This guide covers both companies in detail so you can choose the right service for your situation.
Quick Comparison: LoadUp vs. 1-800-GOT-JUNK
[su_table responsive=”no”]| Feature | LoadUp | 1-800-GOT-JUNK? |
| Pricing Model | Per item (upfront, guaranteed) | By truck volume (confirmed on-site) |
| Minimum Charge | ~$90 (varies by location) | ~$100 to $150 |
| Price Known Before Arrival? | ✓ Yes, guaranteed online | ✕ No (single-item exceptions in select ZIP codes) |
| Coverage | All 50 states | 46 states |
| Curbside / Outdoor Pickup Option | ✓ Yes (lower cost) | Unclear based on research |
| App Tracking | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
| Price Match Guarantee | ✓ Yes | Not specified |
| Assembly Services | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
| Moving / Hourly Labor | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
| Eco Partnership | One Tree Planted | Donation to local charities |
The most important distinction between these two companies: LoadUp guarantees your price before the truck arrives, covers all 50 states, and offers furniture assembly and hourly labor alongside junk removal. 1-800-GOT-JUNK does none of the three.
Pricing: How Each Company Charges
Pricing is the most searched topic when comparing these two companies, and for good reason. The models are different enough that the same job can carry a noticeably different price tag depending on which service you choose.
LoadUp: Per-Item, Upfront Pricing
LoadUp charges per item rather than by truck volume. Customers enter their ZIP code on the website, select the items they need removed, and receive an instant guaranteed quote. That price does not change when the crew arrives.
Prices start at around $90 for the first item depending on location. Each additional item is added at a lower incremental cost, and LoadUp offers volume discounts when removing multiple items in a single booking, making it especially cost-effective for larger residential cleanouts. According to Move.org, this structure benefits customers with smaller loads most, but the savings grow as you add items. Sofa removal through LoadUp averages around $90, compared to $150 or more at other full-service providers. Appliance removal starts at $75, and a single refrigerator runs around $120, versus a typical industry average closer to $140.
LoadUp also offers a discounted curbside pickup option. Customers who can move items outside pay a lower rate and do not need to be present when the crew arrives. It is a practical option for straightforward pickups.
Real-world example: A customer needing a mattress, a couch, and a dresser removed can enter all three items on the LoadUp website and see a single guaranteed total, often in the $150 to $200 range depending on location. That number is locked in at booking.
1-800-GOT-JUNK: Volume-Based, On-Site Pricing
1-800-GOT-JUNK prices based on how much space your items occupy in the back of the truck. Their trucks are divided into increments, from one-eighth of a load up to a full truckload. The minimum charge typically runs between $100 and $150 for the smallest increment.
The key limitation: customers do not receive a confirmed price until a two-person crew arrives and assesses the items in person. For a single item in select ZIP codes, an estimated range may be available by phone, but for anything beyond one item, volume-based on-site pricing applies.
A full truckload averages around $600. A half truckload runs approximately $400. Using the same three-item scenario above, the price is determined by how much truck space those items actually occupy, which can vary based on how the crew loads the vehicle.
Once you accept 1-800-GOT-JUNK’s on-site quote, that price is binding. Labor is included, and the cost will not increase if the job takes longer than expected. If the price does not work for you, there is no obligation to proceed.
Availability and Coverage
LoadUp operates in all 50 U.S. states through a network of independent, licensed, and insured loaders. Coverage extends to major metros and smaller markets alike, with over 1,600 driver teams active across more than 18,000 U.S. cities.
1-800-GOT-JUNK operates in 46 states and Washington, D.C. The company currently does not serve Mississippi, South Dakota, West Virginia, or Wyoming. It does have a well-established international presence in Canada and Australia, which is relevant for commercial clients managing operations across multiple countries.
For customers located in any of those four unserved states, LoadUp is likely the only full-service junk hauling option available.
Beyond Junk Removal: A Service Gap Worth Knowing
One distinction that does not always show up in standard comparisons: 1-800-GOT-JUNK does not offer furniture assembly or hourly moving labor. The company’s service is limited to junk removal. A crew will haul away your old sofa, but assembling a replacement or helping you move items around your home is outside the scope of what they do.
LoadUp offers a broader range of home services. In addition to junk hauling, customers can book:
Furniture and product assembly: LoadUp’s assembly service covers beds, dressers, sofas, office furniture, exercise equipment, outdoor furniture, and more. Pricing typically starts at $99 and varies by item complexity and location, with same-day service available when booked before noon.
Moving and hourly labor: Need help rearranging furniture, loading a truck, or moving items between rooms? LoadUp offers hourly labor services starting at around $100 per hour for a two-person team. It is a practical option for smaller moves or tasks that do not require a full moving company.
Bundled removal and assembly: Customers can combine services in a single booking. A LoadUp professional assembles new furniture, removes old pieces, and handles any labor needs in one visit, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple appointments with multiple companies.
This flexibility is particularly useful during a move, a room refresh, or a home office setup. If your project involves getting rid of old items, setting up new ones, and moving things around, LoadUp covers the full scope in one booking. 1-800-GOT-JUNK does not.
Where 1-800-GOT-JUNK Has an Edge
An honest comparison includes what the competitor does well.
1-800-GOT-JUNK carries significant brand recognition built over more than three decades in business. Their uniformed crews, standardized process, and nationwide franchise network deliver a consistent, familiar experience across markets.
Same-day service is available in most major markets on a first-come, first-served basis, which is a genuine advantage when timing is critical.
For large-volume commercial work, 1-800-GOT-JUNK offers bulk pricing and can coordinate pickups across multiple locations at regional or national scale. Businesses that need recurring removal services or large estate cleanouts may find their franchise infrastructure useful.
Their international coverage is also a real differentiator. For clients who need junk removal in Canada or Australia, 1-800-GOT-JUNK is available. LoadUp operates exclusively within the United States.
Where LoadUp Wins
For most residential customers, LoadUp holds a consistent advantage across several key areas.
Guaranteed upfront pricing. Customers know their exact cost before scheduling. No truck visit is required, no estimate window to wait through, and no price adjustments on service day. Both Move.org and Bob Vila have independently recognized LoadUp for its pricing transparency and convenient services, including no-contact pickups and real-time order tracking.
Lower cost on most loads. Item-based pricing typically runs 20 to 30 percent less than volume-based competitors, particularly for small to mid-size loads. Customers removing a few pieces of furniture or a single appliance benefit the most from this structure.
Nationwide coverage. LoadUp’s all-50-state footprint means it is accessible to customers in markets that other services do not reach.
Curbside pickup. Placing items outside for removal costs less and does not require the customer to be home, making it a convenient option for straightforward pickups.
Price-match guarantee. LoadUp will match any legitimate written quote from a competitor.
Assembly services included. No other major junk removal company offers the ability to bundle furniture assembly and removal in a single booking the way LoadUp does.
Eco-Friendly Disposal: Where Does Your Junk Go?
Responsible disposal is increasingly important to customers, and both companies have made commitments in this area.
LoadUp prioritizes donation and recycling before considering landfill disposal. Items in usable condition are directed to local charities, including the Furniture Bank of Atlanta and Mustard Seed of Central Florida. The company has diverted more than three million pounds of material from landfills through its recycling and donation programs.
LoadUp formally partners with One Tree Planted, a global reforestation nonprofit. For every order placed, including junk removal, assembly, and property cleanouts, one dollar is donated and one tree is planted on the customer’s behalf. There is no extra charge and no opt-in required. It is built into every booking.
1-800-GOT-JUNK is also committed to keeping items out of landfills. The company donates reusable goods to organizations including the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity, and recycles materials where possible. Some franchise locations go further by collecting medical equipment for underserved communities or organizing charity sales. Eco practices vary by franchise location and do not include a universal environmental offset program.
Both companies approach disposal responsibly. For customers who want a consistent, verifiable sustainability commitment tied to every order, LoadUp’s One Tree Planted partnership provides that assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 1-800-GOT-JUNK give prices over the phone?
Not a confirmed price. Because 1-800-GOT-JUNK uses volume-based pricing, the crew needs to see your items in person before providing a binding quote. For a single item in select ZIP codes, an estimated price range may be available by phone, but the final price is always confirmed on-site. Customers are under no obligation to proceed once the crew arrives and presents a number.
Is LoadUp cheaper than 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
In most cases, yes. LoadUp’s per-item pricing typically runs 20 to 30 percent below volume-based competitors, particularly for smaller loads. Independent pricing research from Move.org confirms that LoadUp consistently charges less than the industry average, with the gap most noticeable when removing a handful of items rather than a full truckload.
Which company covers more of the U.S.?
LoadUp covers all 50 states. 1-800-GOT-JUNK operates in 46 states, with no service in Mississippi, South Dakota, West Virginia, or Wyoming. Customers in those states looking for cheap junk removal near them will find LoadUp to be the most accessible full-service option.
Does 1-800-GOT-JUNK offer furniture assembly or moving services?
No. 1-800-GOT-JUNK specializes in junk removal only. They do not assemble furniture or provide hourly moving labor. LoadUp offers both, with the option to combine assembly and removal in a single booking.
Is same-day junk pickup available?
Both companies offer same-day service in select markets. LoadUp offers same-day pickup when orders are placed before noon. 1-800-GOT-JUNK makes same-day appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis in most major cities.
Which Company Is Right for You?
Not sure which service fits your situation? Here is a quick breakdown.
Choose LoadUp if:
- You want a guaranteed price before anyone shows up
- You are removing a smaller load and want to pay per item rather than fill a truck
- You need furniture assembled and old items removed in one visit
- You live in a state that 1-800-GOT-JUNK does not serve
- You want the option to leave items curbside and skip the appointment entirely
Choose 1-800-GOT-JUNK if:
- You have a very large load and prefer volume-based pricing for bulk jobs
- You need junk removal in Canada or Australia
- Brand familiarity and a nationally recognized name matter most to you
For most homeowners, renters, and anyone managing a move or cleanout, LoadUp is the stronger choice. The guaranteed upfront price, lower per-item cost, and added services like assembly make it the more complete and typically more affordable option.
The Bottom Line
Both LoadUp and 1-800-GOT-JUNK are established, professional junk removal services. Each has genuine strengths, and neither is the wrong choice for every situation.
1-800-GOT-JUNK is a strong fit for customers who value brand familiarity, need service in Canada or Australia, or are managing large commercial cleanouts that benefit from a national franchise network. Their same-day availability in major markets is a real operational advantage.
LoadUp is the better fit for most residential customers. Guaranteed upfront pricing, per-item cost structures that favor smaller loads, nationwide coverage across all 50 states, and the ability to bundle furniture assembly with removal make it the more versatile and typically more affordable option. The price-match guarantee and real-time tracking add further confidence to the booking process.
For a move-out, couch removal, appliance removal, same-day junk pickup, or any job where knowing the price upfront matters, LoadUp delivers a level of pricing transparency that the volume-based model simply cannot match before the truck arrives.
Ready to get a guaranteed upfront price? Get an instant quote from LoadUp in under 60 seconds with no truck visit required.
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By Marissa Allen | Last updated: May 2026
Sources: Move.org – LoadUp Junk Removal Review | Move.org – Best Junk Removal Companies | Bob Vila – Best Junk Removal Services | This Old House – LoadUp Review | 1-800-GOT-JUNK Pricing Page | One Tree Planted | GoLoadUp.com