About half our weekday calls are from people in the middle of a move who just realized the movers won't take their old fridge, propane tank, or hot tub — and the closing is in 48 hours. Here's how to avoid that panic.
What movers typically refuse
- Refrigerators with food or refrigerant
- Propane tanks (any size)
- Hot tubs
- Hazardous materials (paint, oil, gasoline)
- Pianos (most movers — specialty piano-movers exist)
- Plants (in some cases)
- Damaged or "trashed" items
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 — 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)
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 option is often cleanest — your house is empty except for the junk pile, and we can clear it in one trip.
Related: same-day junk removal
Get a quote →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 — confirm details with the facility or your city before you go. Nothing here is legal or professional advice. See our Terms.