Should you rent a truck and haul it yourself, or call the pros? Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
The True Cost of DIY
DIY seems cheaper until you add up everything:
- Truck rental: $50-150/day plus mileage
- Dump fees: $30-100+ depending on weight
- Gas: $30-50 for multiple trips
- Your time: 4-8+ hours (what's your time worth?)
- Helpers: Pizza and beer for friends, or paid labor
- Risk: Potential injury or property damage
Total DIY cost: Often $200-400+ when you factor everything in.
What Professional Service Includes
- All labor—you don't lift a finger
- Truck, equipment, and fuel
- Dump fees included in price
- Same-day service available
- Insurance coverage
- Donation coordination
- Done in 1-2 hours typically
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | 4-8+ hours | 1-2 hours |
| Physical Labor | All you | None |
| Injury Risk | High | None (insured) |
| Convenience | Low | High |
When DIY Makes Sense
- You have just a few small, light items
- You already own a truck
- You have free help available
- You enjoy physical work
- You have plenty of free time
When to Call the Pros
- Heavy items (furniture, appliances)
- Large volume of junk
- Time-sensitive situations
- Physical limitations or health concerns
- Items requiring special disposal
- You value your weekend
The Bottom Line
For most people, professional junk removal costs about the same as DIY when you factor in time, effort, and hidden costs—but without the backache, wasted weekend, or trips to the dump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional junk removal worth it?
For most jobs, yes. When you factor in truck rental, dump fees, gas, and your time, professional service often costs the same or less—and you don't lift a finger.
How much does GoGo Junk Removal cost?
Pricing starts at $219.99 for a 1/4 truck load. We give you an upfront quote before starting any work—no surprises.