Sometimes the job is not a whole garage. It is one old couch, a refrigerator that finally quit, or a mattress leaning against the bedroom wall. If you live in Downey and you have one big item to get rid of, there are several ways to do it, and not all of them cost money. Here is an honest comparison so you can choose the one that fits.
Option 1: Bulky-item pickup through your trash service
Many cities in the area include a limited number of free bulky-item pickups through their residential trash hauler. Check your city’s trash hauler or public works page for how it works where you live.
Good for: people who are not in a hurry and can move the item to the curb themselves.
Keep in mind: pickups are usually scheduled in advance, there is often a limit on the number of items, and the item has to be at the curb on the right day. For a heavy refrigerator or a sleeper sofa on a second floor, getting it to the curb is the hard part.
Option 2: Donate it
If the item is in good shape, a local charity may take it. Some will even pick it up.
Good for: clean, working furniture and appliances.
Keep in mind: many charities turn down mattresses, stained or worn upholstery, and older appliances. Call ahead and describe the item honestly so nobody makes a wasted trip. Our post on donating usable items covers what usually gets accepted.
Option 3: Ask the store to take the old one
If the item is leaving because a new one is arriving, ask the retailer whether they will haul the old one away at delivery. Many appliance and mattress retailers offer it, sometimes for free and sometimes for a fee.
Good for: appliance and mattress replacements.
Keep in mind: it has to be arranged when you buy, and the old item usually needs to be disconnected and ready to go when the delivery crew arrives.
Option 4: Haul it yourself
If you have a truck and a strong friend, you can take it to a disposal site yourself.
Good for: people who already have the vehicle and the help.
Keep in mind: you will pay a disposal fee at the other end, and some items carry extra handling rules. Refrigerators and freezers, for example, contain refrigerant that federal rules require to be recovered before the unit is scrapped, so not every site accepts them the same way. There is also the lifting itself: a full-size refrigerator or a sleeper sofa is where most DIY injuries happen.
Option 5: Have us take it
Our single-item price is $150, and that includes the labor and the dump fee. You do not move anything. Our crew carries the item out from wherever it is: the upstairs bedroom, the back patio, the garage or the kitchen.
If you have two or three large things, our several large items price is $250, which is often the better deal once you realize the old dresser and the broken treadmill should go too.
Good for: heavy or awkward items, tight staircases, and anyone who would rather not spend a Saturday on it.
Which option makes sense for your item
| Your item | Usually the best fit |
|---|---|
| Clean sofa or table in good condition | Donation |
| Old mattress when buying a new one | Retailer haul-away |
| Light item you can carry to the curb, no rush | Bulky-item pickup |
| Refrigerator, freezer, sleeper sofa or anything upstairs | Professional removal |
| Two or more large items at once | Professional removal at the several-items price |
Items we pick up most often in Downey
- Couches, sectionals and recliners
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Mattresses and box springs
- Treadmills and home gym equipment
- Old TVs and BBQ grills
A short drive from our base
A&G Hauling and Junk Removal is based in Artesia, a short drive from Downey, and we have been hauling since 2018. When you call, you talk to Angel, the owner, who handles every call personally. Our crew of ten is careful in your home and leaves the space the way you would want it.
Get a price for your item
Text a photo of the item to 562-341-5430 and we will confirm the price. To see everything we handle locally, visit our page on junk removal in Downey.
A&G Hauling and Junk Removal serves Los Angeles, Orange County and Riverside County from our base in Artesia.