Volume-based pricing is the fairest way to charge for junk removal — and it’s what Junk Nurse uses. Instead of itemizing each piece or adding stair surcharges, we measure how much space your stuff takes in our truck and quote accordingly. Predictable, no nickel-and-diming, no surprise fees at the curb.
How volume pricing actually works
Our truck is about 15 cubic yards of cargo space — roughly the size of a standard residential dumpster. We divide that into pricing tiers:
- Minimum (single item, ~1/12 truck): $89+
- 1/8 truck: $125–$200
- 1/4 truck: $150–$250
- 3/8 truck: $225–$325
- 1/2 truck: $250–$400
- 5/8 truck: $325–$450
- 3/4 truck: $350–$500
- 7/8 truck: $400–$575
- Full truck: $400–$600+
These are starting points; specific factors (extreme weight, very difficult access, etc.) can move pricing within the range. The point: you know roughly what bucket you’re in based on how much stuff you have.
What different volumes look like in practice
Single item or minimum charge ($89+)
One sofa, one mattress, one refrigerator, one washer or dryer. Quick in and out, 15–30 minute job.
1/4 truck ($150–$250)
Examples:
- Sofa, loveseat, coffee table, two end tables
- Refrigerator plus washer/dryer pair
- King mattress, box spring, headboard, dresser
- Treadmill, elliptical, weight bench
1/2 truck ($250–$400)
Examples:
- Full living room (sectional, recliner, coffee table, end tables, TV stand, area rug)
- Full master bedroom (king bed set, two dressers, nightstands, mattress, box spring, chair)
- Garage cleanout with appliances and yard equipment
- Basement clearing of 8–12 items
3/4 truck ($350–$500)
Examples:
- Two-room cleanout (living room plus bedroom)
- Full apartment furniture clearing (one-bedroom unit)
- Garage plus basement light cleanout
- Large estate downsizing partial
Full truck ($400–$600+)
Examples:
- Full one-bedroom apartment or studio cleanout
- Full living room + bedroom + dining room
- Garage clearing of heavy items (appliances, scrap metal, equipment)
- Basement complete cleanout
Why volume pricing is fairer than per-item
Per-item pricing companies typically charge:
- Sofa: $75
- Mattress: $50 + $25 surcharge = $75
- Box spring: $50 + $25 surcharge = $75
- Dresser: $75
- Bed frame: $50
- Nightstand: $40 each ($80 for two)
- Stair surcharge: $50
That’s $480 for a master bedroom cleanout. With Junk Nurse volume pricing, the same job is $250–$350. The difference is meaningful, and it comes from not adding surcharges for items that “cost more” to dispose of — we average those costs across everything we routinely take.
How we quote volume
Three methods:
Photo quote (fastest)
Send us photos of your items and the path out. We estimate volume based on what we can see. Firm quote provided within a few hours.
On-site walkthrough (most accurate)
We come to your house, look at the items, and give you a firm quote. Best for large or complex jobs. No charge, no obligation.
Phone description (rough)
Tell us what you have. We give you a range. Less precise than photos.
Get a volume quote. Text photos to (630) 294-1340 — we’ll respond with a firm price quickly.
What if my load ends up smaller than expected?
You pay for the actual volume, not the quoted volume. If we quoted half-truck and you end up with quarter-truck, you pay quarter-truck price.
What if my load ends up larger than expected?
We tell you the new price before loading. You can:
- Accept the new price and proceed
- Reduce the load (keep some items) to stay in the original quoted volume
- Cancel without any trip charge
No bait-and-switch. The price changes only with your explicit agreement.
What’s included at every volume tier
- Labor (crew of 2–3)
- Disassembly when needed
- Stair carry (basement, second floor, etc.)
- Hauling and disposal
- Section 608 compliance for refrigerant-containing appliances
- Illinois e-waste routing for electronics
- Scrap metal recycling for metal items
- Donation routing for usable pieces
- Sweep-up after the job
- $1M liability insurance
When does volume pricing not apply?
A few specialty situations get separate quotes:
- Hot tubs: on-site or photo-based quote
- Pianos: on-site or photo-based quote
- Construction debris (concrete, dirt, roofing): weight-based or volume + weight-based
- Sheds, playhouses, outbuildings: on-site quote (demo time involved)
- Commercial cleanouts: on-site walkthrough required
For everything else, volume pricing is the standard.
For more on Junk Nurse pricing, see our junk removal cost authority guide.
Related reading:
Schedule junk removal in Aurora. Call (630) 294-1340 or request a free quote. Mon–Sat, 7am–7pm.