By Royal Junk Pros, owned by Austin Bragaw and Dominic LunnPublished Updated
Most movers won't take refrigerators with food or refrigerant, propane tanks, hot tubs, paint, oil or gasoline, pianos, some plants, or damaged items. Two weeks out, pick what won't go with you; a week ahead, book the haul-away; then schedule us for the day after the movers leave, when only the junk pile is left.
It's easy to get caught mid-move: the movers won't take the old fridge, propane tank, or hot tub, and the closing is in 48 hours. Here's how to avoid that panic.
What won't movers take?
- Refrigerators with food or refrigerant
- Propane tanks (any size)
- Hot tubs
- Hazardous materials (paint, oil, gasoline)
- Pianos (at most movers; specialty piano movers exist)
- Plants (in some cases)
- Damaged or "trashed" items
What should you do two weeks before the move?
- Walk every room and identify items that won't go with you
- Decide: donate, sell, or haul
- Empty the chest freezer, since you can't move it full
- Schedule any HVAC work (movers don't do this)
One week before
- Book your junk removal (we hold same-day slots, but the week-before slots go fast)
- Drop hazardous materials at the KC HHW center
- Donate the "donate" pile (free pickup from Habitat ReStore where eligible)
When should the junk go on moving day?
We can schedule junk removal for the morning before the movers arrive, the afternoon after they leave, or the day after. The day after is often cleanest. Your house is empty except for the junk pile, and we can clear it in one trip.
This guide is general information for the Kansas City area, accurate to the best of our knowledge as of its last update. Facility hours, fees, accepted items, and city programs change, so confirm details with the facility or your city before you go. Nothing here is legal or professional advice. See our Terms.