LoadUp Review: Junk Removal Companies

Eco-friendly LoadUp streamlines the process of junk removal for consumers by providing easy, honest, and affordable services in a manner that differs from traditional haulers. Nicknamed "the Uber of junk removal," the company boasts they have helped over half a million happy customers in over 18,000 cities keep their homes junk-free.

This is how you do it

From hauling away one unwanted loveseat to cleaning out an entire house, LoadUp is ready to assist with your removal needs. First you'll need to make sure the company picks up in your area. LoadUp is available in all 50 states plus Washington, DC, but not in all cities. Then choose from three options to get your price quote: online, text, or call. For the job size, you will tell them if you have a single item, multiple items, rooms of items, full cleanout, or piles of debris or items. (Alternatively, there is an option to estimate how much of your stuff will fit in their trucks.) You can get this quote prior to booking their service so you know exactly what you are expected to pay. (They are the only company on our list who provides and sticks to an online price.) Then you pick a date and time for pickup, followed by indicating if there are stairs leading to the pickup location (six or more is considered a flight), if items need to be disassembled (maybe your doorway is too narrow), and if you would like to donate the items (they will attempt to coordinate with your desired charity).

Upfront, prepaid pricing

LoadUp provides you a price online and sticks with it, instead of estimating and then giving an exact quote in person. The company handles all payments online, and LoadUp says its prices are 20-30% less than other professional junk removal companies that are licensed and insured. When putting together the online information for an estimate, you will be asked the location of the item(s) to be picked up. If you place the items outdoors yourself, you are offered a $5 discount and do not need to be present for the pickup. A flight of six or more stairs leading to the item will increase the cost, as will the need to disassemble the item prior to removal from your home. As you add instructions, you will be able to see the guaranteed price increase or decrease as applicable. A pricing breakdown is available at the click of a button to keep things easy to follow. (If the cost for disassembling the item is more than you want to pay, you may decide to do that yourself.)

Item assembly or hourly labor may be purchased

Items may be picked up either inside the home or outside for a discount, and same-day pickup may be available. Other services offered by LoadUp include item assembly, hourly labor, and donation pickup. The assembly service hires a local handyman pro who can assist you with assembly of items including beds, dressers. other furniture, and even treadmills. Hourly labor is booked by the estimated amount of time you need whatever help you are asking for (you have to provide details to get a price estimate).

Other important things to know

LoadUp carries million-dollar premium insurance. The loaders are 100% vetted and background checked. The website lists items they will take or are unable to accept, including a search bar to help you quickly find the item. When we searched "mattress," we learned that they will take them away and dispose of them in an eco-friendly manner, and we were given an average cost without entering our information. They even offer you the option to text them an item you don't see on the list, claiming "we can get rid of almost anything you need removed." LoadUp partners with nonprofits and charities to keep the junk out of the landfills by recycling, repurposing, or donating when possible, so you can feel better about saying goodbye to those things you no longer need.

Guaranteed service or receive a credit

The company says it uses guaranteed upfront pricing online, so you don't have to deal with any on-site haggling or surprise fees. When booking you will see a LoadUp Service Day Guarantee which says that if they are unable to fulfill your booking on the chosen service day, they will work with you to reschedule and credit you $10 as an apology.

Plants trees when you get rid of junk

Dedicated to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, LoadUp will make a donation to Plant with Purpose for each order booked, to help create a greener planet and provide local empowerment that results in improved local communities. Donations to Plant with Purpose lead to planted trees with each dollar donated; not only are trees monitored to measure growth, but impact is reported to partner organizations so all may celebrate.

Customer reviews are a little mixed

LoadUp is an accredited BBB business with an "A" rating. Recent complaints about the service to the BBB have indicated trouble with contractors hired by LoadUp to do the removals. Across platforms, the company has received an average of 3.9-4.6 out of 5 stars. Recent reviews are mixed, from 5-star raves to 1-star rants. Negative reviewers cite no-shows, unprofessional behavior from crews, and cancellation fee complaints. Happy customers cite excellent communication, punctual removal crews, and attention to detail. Unfortunately, it seems that it really depends on who LoadUp sends to do the work locally for you.

Top of our list

Taking the uncertainty out of pricing and offering environmentally friendly practices, LoadUp once again tops our list for junk removal companies by putting its customers' needs first. We recommend trying their company if they are in your area.

Learn More  ➜

On the LoadUp website