Updated June 27, 2024
Are you considering junk removal services for your office, warehouse, restaurant, retail store, event venue, hotel, or healthcare facility?
Commercial junk removal services are ideal for all types of situations, and this guide is designed to be a convenient and helpful resource, answering the biggest questions most people have when it comes to commercial junk removal.
Table of Contents:
- What are commercial junk removal services?
- When are commercial junk removal services used?
- How is commercial junk removal done?
- How long does commercial junk removal take?
- How much does commercial junk removal cost?
- How do you compare commercial junk removal bids?
- How do you hire the best company for commercial junk removal?
- What are alternative options to commercial junk removal?
Find commercial junk removal services near you
What It Is
Commercial junk removal is a service that helps businesses or organizations get rid of unwanted items, clutter, or debris. It could involve clearing out old furniture, appliances, e-waste, scrap metal, paper/cardboard, sensitive documents, or anything else that's taking up space and isn't needed anymore.
The junk removal company will collect these items, load them into their truck or trailer, and transport them to the nearest facility to dispose of them responsibly, either by recycling, donating, or taking them to the nearest landfill.
It's like hiring someone to clean out your garage or office, but on a larger scale and often with a focus on eco-friendly disposal methods.
When It's Used
One of the most convenient things about junk removal is the flexibility that it offers. Whether you have a warehouse full of unwanted items to get rid of or a small office worth, junk removal is a great option for you.
In most cases, a business owner, office manager, warehouse manager, or administrative assistant will reach out to a commercial junk removal company looking for services when their lease is up, they're moving, selling, or experiencing a similar change. These times can be hectic and stressful, and junk removal companies are experts at helping take some of that stress off your plate, and saving you time, too.
How It's Done
Step 1: Get In-Person Quote
The first step of any commercial junk removal job, no matter how big or small, is to get a quote, and these junk removal quotes are almost always provided in person.
In-person junk removal estimates allow the company to see the scope of your project, roughly how much space it will take up within their trucks (or how many trucks they'll need to complete the job), how many people it will take to complete the job, and other important cost factors they need to know to provide you an accurate estimate for the work.
They'll walk the property with you to determine exactly what needs to go and what needs to stay, access points for safely carrying your items out to their truck, and other site considerations, like whether or not there will be stairs to traverse, tall shelving, etc.
Step 2: Hire Company
Once the in-person estimate is given, you can choose to move forward with the services or wait and get additional estimates from other companies. If you choose to move forward with hiring that company for your commercial junk removal, some companies will offer to immediately get started, or you can schedule a time in the future that works best.
Step 3: Junk Removal Begins
On the agreed upon start date and time, the company—typically at least two workers, but often much more, depending on the project's size—will arrive and get to work.
Through simple manpower and some basic equipment, like dollies, moving straps, pallet jacks, and electrical straddle stackers in some cases, the company will haul your unwanted items onto their truck, making sure to separate landfill items from recycling facility items, donations, etc.
How Long It Takes
The time required for professional commercial junk removal services can vary widely depending on the size of the space, the amount and type of junk, accessibility, and other circumstantial requirements. With that said, the average time it takes to complete a commercial junk removal job is 1-2 days, with larger venues, like event venues, hospitals, or warehouses taking an additional 1-3 days to clear.
Keep in mind that factors such as the efficiency of the junk removal team, the availability of equipment (like trucks or specialized tools for heavy items), and any additional services required (like hazardous waste disposal or recycling efforts) will influence the overall time taken for the junk removal process. It's always advisable to consult with a professional junk removal service for a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
How Much It Costs
The average cost of commercial junk removal services is $500-$2,000.
However, the cost of commercial junk removal services can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the space, the amount and type of junk that needs to be removed, the location, and the service provider you hire.
For example, a small office or retail store with very minimal junk costs $200-$500 on average. A medium office or retail store with a moderate amount of junk costs $500-$1,500 on average. A large warehouse or retail space with a large amount of junk costs an average of $1,000-$5,000, or more depending on the amount and type of junk.
Keep reading: How to Save Money On Your Commercial Business Cleanout
How to Compare Bids
At Hometown, we strongly believe in the importance of getting multiple bids, and for good reason. Not only is it essential to get quotes from multiple junk removal companies to compare prices, but to also compare companies' level of service, communication, and availability.
Because companies offer free estimates, it's no cost to you to get multiple quotes, especially when utilizing Hometown's quote request feature at the top of this page. We make it easy to request up to three quotes from local companies offering commercial junk removal services, saving you time and making it easier than ever to compare quotes and hire the best company for the job.
Each quote should include detailed information about the price, including labor, disposal fees, if there are any additional charges for specific items or materials, as well as information about accepted forms of payment, payment terms, project start and finish date, etc.
Once you have multiple quotes and all the pertinent information, you'll have a clear picture of what each company offers and which one you'd like to hire for your cleanup project.
Learn more: How to Compare Quotes and Hire the Right Junk Removal Company
Who to Hire
If you're unsure who to hire, there are a handful of things a contractor should have that make them a good hiring decision...
Licensed & Insured
First and foremost, the company you hire should be licensed and insured to perform commercial junk removal services. This should be considered a non-negotiable.
If any unforeseen issues or injuries come up, you'll want the peace of mind knowing that you, your property, and the workers on your property are protected. If you hire a company that is not insured, and someone gets injured in the process, you and your business would be held liable.
Good Reputation
Second, the commercial junk removal company you hire should have positive reviews and a good reputation in the area. Look into what customers have to say online about the companies you're considering hiring. With Hometown, our published reviews are verified, so you can trust that they're real.
If a company has multiple negative reviews, read them and take them into serious consideration when hiring. Some reviews online can be fake—good or bad—so be wary of any reviews that seem extreme. They could be real, or they could be posted by the company or a competitor.
Competitive Pricing
Most junk removal quotes are provided in-person, especially for large or complex projects like many commercial junk removal projects can be. Because of this, it may be tempting to go with the first company you speak to if their services and pricing sound reasonable to you, but we recommend getting at least two or three quotes so you can truly know what a "competitive price" looks like for your specific project.
You should never feel pressured or obligated to hire a company after they provide an in-person quote, but if you truly feel good about a company's services, reputation, and pricing, then hiring them and having them start as quickly as possible is a great way to save time, which also saves you money. This is especially true for business owners in the middle of a remodel, move, or closing, when time is of the essence.
Eco-Friendly Disposal Methods
Junk removal services are designed to be a more eco-friendly waste removal solution. The company doesn't haul all your unwanted items straight to the landfill, like is done with a dumpster rental; they first separate your items with the intention of keeping as much out of the landfills as possible. Junk removal companies donate whenever possible, recycle whatever they can, and only haul to the landfill as a last resort.
If your unwanted items consist of any usable furniture, electronics, appliances, desks, chairs, materials, etc., hiring a commercial junk removal company can be very fulfilling, because those items will be donated or recycled, minimizing your company's carbon footprint and helping your local community. In addition, junk removal companies provide receipts for any donations on your behalf. According to the Internal Revenue Service, a taxpayer can deduct the fair market value of used furniture, electronics, books, and so forth.
With professional junk removal services, you eliminate the stress of having to do all of the manual work yourself and the guilt of throwing out items that can be donated or recycled instead.
Availability
The final sign of a commercial junk removal company you should hire is that the company has availability when you need it. No matter how great a company is, if you’re on a strict timeline that they can't accommodate, that's not the best company to hire.
Keep in mind that spring and summer are considered the busy seasons in the midwest for these types of services and, fall and winter in the south, during which times, companies can be booked days to weeks in advance. If you are anticipating needing a junk removal company for an upcoming commercial cleanout, plan early to avoid delays and get scheduled with the best company for the job.
Don't forget that, before signing any contract or moving forward with any junk removal services, you should be sure you understand everything it’s saying. If you're even the slightest bit unsure about something, speak up and ask for clarification. If a junk removal company is unwilling to explain their estimate, potential overage charges, or answer your questions, that is a red flag and a sign that you should find someone else to do business with.
Alternative Options
While commercial junk removal services are a convenient, efficient, and easy-to-use option, they're not the only option available when it comes time to clean out an office, store, warehouse, or other commercial building.
Dumpster Rental
Renting a dumpster is another convenient option, but is more labor-intensive and less efficient than junk removal. Dumpster rental is easy to schedule. Simply request quotes and book services with local service providers via Hometown. Once service is scheduled, the dumpster rental company will drop off the dumpster at the agreed upon time, and then it's up to you to load the dumpster. Most dumpster rental periods are anywhere from 3-7 days long, but most companies are willing to extend this period if necessary, often for a fee. With a dumpster, you can fill it as your cleanout is completed over a series of days or weeks, or you can fill it in a single day.
The main downside to dumpster rental is that it isn't a very eco-friendly option—the dumpster is hauled to the landfill and nothing gets sorted or diverted. If you decide to rent a dumpster for your company cleanout, we recommend recycling, donating, or selling as much as possible first.
Find out more:
- Dumpster Rental Price Guide
- Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental
- Choosing the Right Commercial Dumpster Service
- The Ultimate Guide to Dumpster Sizes
DIY Disposal
Handling a business cleanout yourself instead of hiring professional junk removal services can be a feasible option for small projects. This typically involves sorting out what needs to be removed, i.e. donations, recyclables, trash, and then transporting it to the appropriate locations yourself. As you can see, handling a large or complex commercial cleanout yourself would be quite challenging due to the extensive time, labor, and logistical demands involved.
DIY disposal requires significant physical effort to sort, lift, and transport items, potentially disrupting business operations and posing safety risks to untrained individuals. Plus, navigating disposal regulations for items like electronics or hazardous materials can be complex and may lead to costly mistakes. While DIY cleanouts might appear cost-effective initially, the cumulative expenses of time, labor, and potential disposal fees can outweigh the convenience and efficiency offered by professional commercial junk removal services, which are equipped with the necessary resources, expertise, and insurance to handle cleanouts effectively while minimizing business disruption and liability risks.
