How to Prepare for a Free On-Site Junk Removal Estimate

Designate • Consolidate • Access • Identify • Accurate Quotes

The Secret to an Accurate, Fair Quote
30%

More accurate quotes with prep

15min

Average estimator visit

90%

Price disputes avoided with clarity

1

Visit = one accurate quote

📋 A free on-site estimate is the cornerstone of transparent junk removal pricing.

But the accuracy of that quote depends largely on you. An unprepared estimator may miss items hidden in closets, underestimate the complexity of a basement staircase, or fail to account for debris in a locked shed. Proper preparation ensures your quote reflects the true scope of work—no surprises, no last-minute fees, and a smooth, efficient cleanup.

📋 4-Step Pre-Estimate Checklist

1. Designate Items
  • Clearly mark items to be removed
  • Use sticky notes, tape, or flags
  • Separate "keep" from "remove"
  • Include hidden items (closets, cabinets)
  • Point out items in hard-to-reach areas
🎯 Be specific—don't assume
2. Consolidate Debris
  • Move items to one central area
  • Stack furniture, group boxes
  • Bring basement/attic items to ground level
  • Create visible piles by room/area
  • Don't overstack—keep accessible
📦 Estimator pays for time, not piles
3. Ensure Access
  • Unlock gates, doors, sheds
  • Clear pathways—no vehicles in driveway
  • Provide stair, elevator, or dock access
  • Ensure attic pull-downs are clear
  • Pets secured during visit
🔑 Estimator must see everything
4. Identify Hazards
  • Point out paint, chemicals, batteries
  • Note asbestos, lead paint (pre-1978)
  • Separate medical waste, sharps
  • Flag propane tanks, fire extinguishers
⚠️ Junk removal ≠ hazardous waste

🚶 The Estimator Walkthrough: What to Expect

1

Visual Assessment

Estimator walks through designated areas, notes volume and item types

2

Complexity Check

Stairs, narrow doorways, heavy items, disassembly needs

3

Volume Calculation

Truck space, weight estimates, disposal fees

4

Quote & Scheduling

Written estimate, no-obligation, schedule pickup

Estimator's perspective: "I can only quote what I can see. If it's behind a closed door, I can't account for it."

📏 Volume Estimation: What Fills a Truck?

🛋️

1 Couch

≈ 20-30 cu ft

🛏️

1 Mattress

≈ 25-35 cu ft

📦

10 Boxes

≈ 15-20 cu ft

🚛

Truck Load

≈ 500-700 cu ft

📸 The "Photo Estimate" Alternative

✅ When It Works

  • • Single item pickups
  • • Clearly visible curb/driveway piles
  • • Repeat customers

❌ When On-Site Is Necessary

  • • Indoor items (basement, attic, garage)
  • • Complex access (stairs, narrow spaces)
  • • Heavy, bulky, or disassembly items

Pro tip: If sending photos, include multiple angles, show scale (doorway, person), and note any access challenges.

📍 Augusta-Specific Preparation

Hinkins Disposal: Free Estimates

Call (706) 885-4032 or text anytime. Same-day estimates often available.

  • ✓ Non-hazardous only: Furniture, appliances, electronics, debris
  • ✓ Cannot accept: Paint, chemicals, medical waste, batteries
  • ✓ Prepare: Designate items, consolidate, ensure access

Richmond County tip: If you have hazardous waste (paint, chemicals), schedule a separate appointment with the Augusta HHW Center at (706) 821-2415. Junk removal providers cannot accept these items.

✅ Day-Before Checklist

  • ☐ All items marked with sticky notes
  • ☐ Gates unlocked, codes provided
  • ☐ Pets secured
  • ☐ Pathways cleared
  • ☐ Hazardous items separated (not for pickup)
  • ☐ Vehicles moved from driveway
  • ☐ Estimator time confirmed
  • ☐ Questions written down

You Prepare, They Quote—No Surprises

A prepared site leads to a more accurate estimate, smoother scheduling, and faster cleanup. Your 30 minutes of preparation saves time, money, and frustration.

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Augusta tip: Hinkins Disposal offers free, no-obligation on-site estimates. Call (706) 885-4032 to schedule. Prepare using this guide—and get an accurate quote the first time.