Do Movers Take Junk? What Moving Companies Will and Won’t Haul

Moving is stressful enough without discovering on moving day that the crew won’t take the broken dresser, the old mattress or the boxes of garage junk. So, do movers take junk? In most cases, the answer is no, or at least not without extra cost and limits. Here’s what to expect and how to plan ahead.

What Moving Companies Typically Do

A moving company’s job is to pack, load, transport and unload the belongings you’re keeping. Because they charge by time, weight or distance, they’re set up to move items from one home to another, not to dispose of them. As a result, most standard moving quotes don’t include junk removal.

So, Do Movers Take Junk?

Some moving companies offer disposal as an add-on service, but many don’t. Even when they do, it’s usually limited. For example, they may only take a few items, charge an hourly rate for extra trips, or refuse certain things entirely.

Moreover, moving crews often work on tight schedules. If they have to stop and deal with junk, that time can push your move later into the day and increase your bill.

Items Movers Usually Won’t Take

• Hazardous materials: paint, propane tanks, gasoline, pool chemicals, pesticides and aerosol cans
• Trash and household waste: garbage bags, food and broken household items
• Old mattresses: especially stained or damaged ones
• Heavy junk: broken appliances, old hot tubs and scrap materials
• Plants and perishables: particularly for long-distance moves

In addition, many movers won’t transport items they consider worthless, since doing so wastes truck space.

Why It Pays to Clear Junk Before the Movers Arrive

• Lower moving costs. Fewer items mean less time, less weight and possibly a smaller truck.
• A faster moving day. Crews can load efficiently without working around piles of junk.
• Less unpacking. You won’t haul things to your new home just to throw them away later.
• A cleaner move-out. Renters can avoid deposit deductions, and sellers can hand over a clean home.

How to Handle Junk When You Move

Start Sorting Early

Two to four weeks before moving day, go through each room and decide what’s coming with you. Then label everything else as sell, donate or haul away.

Sell or Donate Usable Items

Next, list valuable furniture online and schedule donation drop-offs for gently used items. Remember, the earlier you start, the more time you have to find buyers.

Dispose of Hazardous Items Properly

Movers won’t take them, and they shouldn’t go in the trash. In Orange County, OC Waste & Recycling accepts paint, chemicals and other household hazardous waste for free.

Book Junk Removal Before Moving Day

Finally, schedule a junk removal pickup a few days before your movers arrive. That way, your home only holds what’s actually moving. Alternatively, if you want to clear leftovers after the movers leave, book the pickup for the same day or the next morning.

Moving Out of Orange County?

Long-distance and out-of-state moves are often priced by weight, so every unnecessary item costs more to ship. Therefore, a thorough cleanout before a long move can save a significant amount of money.