“I started this out of the back of my Mom’s SUV,” explains Josh. “I was 20 years old.” He was in school, had traveled overseas for the summer, came back, needed some cash, and heard from a friend how he’d earned $100 moving a fridge out of a neighbor’s home. “I printed up some flyers on my computer, taped them to mailboxes in the neighborhood, and the phone started to ring!” he adds. Working before and after classes, he began to build a clientele based on handing out flyers, and a lot of repeat business. One customer had so much work for him that she served him a bagel and coffee every morning for ten days so he’d have something to eat before school! (She still calls once or twice a year). His first “expansion” was the purchase of a hitch and trailer, when a job was so big it couldn’t fit into his mom’s SUV, and he had mercy on the daily messes he was making in her vehicle. The next expansion was the purchase of his first truck.

The Junkluggers is a fee-based junk removal service that now services Southern Fairfield and New Haven county, with plans to expand its territory in the near future – and eventually nationwide. Franchising is a possibility, but for now, the focus is on perfecting their systems locally.

The Junkluggers doesn’t just haul to the dump. They sort out items that can be recycled, or donated, and haul them where appropriate, including the charity of the client’s choice. They itemize and mail a receipt to clients to use for tax reporting purposes as well. “We know who takes what,” states Josh,” so we give customers choices, including Salvation Army, Goodwill, or ReUse (Habitat for Humanity’s donation arm).” When items are not donated or recycled, The Junkluggers sells them at thrift store rates or hauls them to the dump.

“From basement to attic, we do all the work,” claims Josh. Fitting is the company slogan “WE Lug Your Junk Away.” “We charge only for the amount of stuff we’re hauling, not by the weight of the items, or the labor, which are both included in our prices. We are affordable and 20% cheaper than our competitors. We also do a final sweep up of the site, if that’s appropriate.”

The Junkluggers likes to think they’re different. Their five employees are well-trained, friendly, and establish a comfort level with the customer. They always sport the company’s signature “bright green” attire and arrive in teams of two – weighty items can always be managed this way. Estimates are given up front, and guaranteed. They tag items with the same bright green labels, for clear identification. Appointments are booked within two-hour windows, and the client is then called when they’re actually on the way. “This way, the client can plan accordingly and we’re never late” exclaims Josh “and it allows for traffic delays or previous appointments that took longer-than-expected.”

“We’re professional, reliable, and affordable,” adds Josh, “….And we’re out to rid the world of all its unneeded junk.”

The Junkluggers can be reached at 1-888-LUG-JUNK (1-888-584-5865) or www.junkluggers.com where appointments can be booked on line. Appointments are available Mon-Fridays from 8-4, and Saturdays, 7-3. The Junkluggers accept cash, check or credit card..

Interviewed & Written By: Liz Talbot - National Association of Professional Organizers –Oct 2006