This guide is short. It works.
Use it to get calls, bid fast, and get paid.
What this guide covers
- Where jobs come from.
- How to qualify a job in 60 seconds.
- How to price by load.
- Tools and safety basics.
- Follow-up that keeps work coming.
Quick wins (do these today)
- Claim and fill your Google Business Profile. Add photos. Ask for 3 reviews.
- Post one clear offer on Facebook Groups and Nextdoor. Add your city and phone.
- Text 5 local partners: storage units, realtors, cleaners, property managers, contractors.
- Set a minimum price and a same-day window. Keep it simple.
- Save a quote template on your phone. Copy. Paste. Send fast.
Where jobs come from
- Local search. Maps, reviews, photos, and clear hours.
- Referrals. Happy clients. Tip cards. “Text me next time.”
- Apartments & storage units. On-call cleanouts. Weekly pickups.
- Real estate & rentals. Move-out trash. Make-ready.
- Gig/lead apps. Use to fill gaps. Keep repeat work off-app next time.
- Your own site. One page. Your city. Your prices. Your phone.
Want details? See our guides on leads, apps, and contracts (linked below).
How to qualify a job fast (the 60-second filter)
Ask for 3 photos and answer these:
- What is it? Mixed junk? Furniture? Construction?
- How much? Use “fractions of a pickup”: ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, full.
- Where is it? Curb, garage, upstairs, long carry?
- Any hazards? Paint, sharp metal, bedbugs, broken glass?
- When? Today, tomorrow, or scheduled?
If it fails safety or is illegal to haul, say no or give a proper referral.
Price it simply (the load system)
- Pick 4–6 tiers. Example: ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, full.
- Each tier = labor + dump + drive with profit.
- Set a minimum for tiny jobs.
- Stairs/long carry = add a small lift fee.
- Photos = quote. Confirm on arrival before loading.
Fast text template
“Thanks for the pics! That looks like about ¼ load. All-in price is $___. We can come today between 2–4. We take card or cash. Want me to book it?”
Tools you need (starter kit)
- Work gloves. Safety glasses. Dust masks.
- 2-wheel dolly. Utility straps. Tie-downs. Tarps.
- Basic set: pry bar, drill, box cutter, broom.
- Heavy bags. Moving blankets.
- Flashlight or headlamp.
- Phone mount. Portable charger.
Safety first
- Lift with your legs. Team lift big items.
- Protect hands and eyes. Watch sharp edges.
- Ventilate dusty areas. Watch for mold.
- Sort out chemicals, paints, or batteries. Follow local rules.
- Know your limits. No job is worth an injury.
Follow up for repeat work
- Send a thank-you text with before/after photo.
- Ask for a review with a direct link.
- Offer a simple referral: “$20 off next pickup for a friend.”
- For partners, set a standing day (e.g., every Friday at 10).
Simple daily routine (15 minutes)
- Reply to new messages first. Speed wins.
- Post one helpful photo or tip online.
- Ask one happy client for a review.
- Ping one partner: “Need a pickup this week?”
Next steps
- Pick your load tiers and minimum today.
- Save the quote text in your phone.
- Claim your map profile and ask for 3 reviews.
- Make a one-page site or listing with city, prices, and phone.
People also ask (quick answers)
How do I start getting junk removal jobs?
Claim your map profile, post clear offers, and message local partners.
Where can I find jobs near me?
Maps, Facebook Groups, Nextdoor, apartments, storage units, and realtors.
How much do junk removal jobs pay?
It depends on load size, time, and dump fees. Use clear tiers and a minimum.
Should I charge by weight or volume?
Use volume tiers for speed. Add fees for stairs, long carries, or hazards.
Are apps worth it?
Use apps to fill slow days. Then keep repeat clients off-app next time.
Join Ex-Mattress (28-day free trial)
Get found in local search. Book more jobs. Get paid your way.
Jobs & leads — contents
- How to find junk removal jobsfast places to look + scripts
- Junk removal leadsfree + paid sources that work
- Bid on junk removal jobsload tiers, dump math, scripts
- Junk removal jobs appcompare app types and fees
- Junk removal contractsset day, set price, clean docs
- Get paid for junk removaldeposits, receipts, chargeback safety
- Free junk removal leadszero-cost posts + partner swaps
- Junk removal gigsquick wins → repeat clients
- Junk hauling jobsheavy loads, where to find + price
- Bidding templatefree one-pager and scripts
- Where to find jobs (local list)map pack + 15-minute plan
Ready to book more jobs? Start your 28-day free trial.
