Table of Contents >> Show >> Hide
- Quick verdict: Is College HUNKS worth it?
- What is College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving?
- Services offered: what they’ll do (and what they won’t)
- Pricing: what you’re really paying for
- Booking and the day-of experience
- Reputation: what reviews tend to praise (and criticize)
- Sustainability and community programs
- How College HUNKS compares to alternatives
- Who should consider hiring College HUNKS?
- Who might want to look elsewhere?
- Tips to get the best experience (and avoid headaches)
- FAQ
- Final take
- Extra: Real-world experiences people commonly have
If you’ve ever stared at a busted couch, a mountain of moving boxes, or a mystery pile in the garage and thought,
“I would literally pay someone to make this disappear,” then you’ve probably bumped into
College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving. They’re a well-known national brand that offers two things people
routinely underestimate until it’s too late: junk removal and moving help.
This review breaks down what College HUNKS does well, where customers often feel friction, how pricing tends to work,
and how to get the best experience (and the least dramatic invoice). I’ll keep it real, practical, and lightly funny
because if we can’t laugh while dragging a dresser down a hallway, what are we even doing?
Quick verdict: Is College HUNKS worth it?
College HUNKS can be a great choice if you want the convenience of a recognizable brand, fast scheduling,
and a team that does the heavy liftingespecially for straightforward junk removal and local moves.
The biggest “but” is consistency. Like many national service brands, your experience can vary by location
because many operations are run locally. Translation: the crew in your area might be absolute legends… or just “fine.”
The smartest approach is to treat College HUNKS less like one single company and more like
a network. You’re hiring a brand and a specific local team. Vet the local team the same way you’d vet any mover.
What is College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving?
College HUNKS is a national moving and junk removal brand with many locations across the United States.
They offer services for homes and businesses, typically including:
- Junk removal (single items to full cleanouts)
- Local moving (apartments, houses, small offices)
- Long-distance moving (availability varies by market and job type)
- Labor-only help (loading/unloading a rental truck or portable storage)
- Packing/unpacking and supplies (as add-ons)
The franchise factor: why your ZIP code matters
Many locations are run locally, which helps explain why reviews can be wildly different from city to city.
One branch may have a veteran crew, great communication, and careful handlingwhile another might struggle with
scheduling, staffing, or follow-through.
That doesn’t automatically make it risky; it just means you should judge the company by
your local office’s reputation, not only the national brand name.
Services offered: what they’ll do (and what they won’t)
1) Junk removal
This is the service most people associate with College HUNKS. Typical jobs include furniture removal,
appliance hauling, yard debris, garage cleanouts, estate cleanouts, and “please take this treadmill so I can stop
making eye contact with it” scenarios.
Many locations offer same-day or next-day options depending on demand. If your timeline is tight,
junk removal is usually easier to schedule quickly than a full move.
What to ask up front: items that require special handling (certain chemicals, some electronics, paint,
large appliances in some areas) may involve extra fees or may not be accepted. Policies can vary by local regulations.
2) Moving services
College HUNKS also provides full-service moving in many markets: loading, transport, and unloading, with optional
packing and supplies. Some locations handle commercial moves, office relocations, and “move my furniture but please
don’t judge my cable drawer” requests.
For larger or more complex moves, your experience typically depends on:
(1) crew skill, (2) how accurate the estimate is, and (3) how clearly the job is scoped (stairs, elevators, long carries,
fragile items, disassembly/reassembly).
3) Hourly labor and add-ons
If you’re renting a truck (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) or using portable storage (like PODS-style containers),
College HUNKS may offer labor-only helploading and unloading without providing the truck.
They also commonly offer packing/unpacking and other “extra hands” services depending on the market.
Pricing: what you’re really paying for
Pricing is the part everyone wants to understandand the part that can create the most frustration
if expectations aren’t aligned. The big picture:
junk removal is usually priced by volume, while moving is often based on time, crew size,
distance, and complexity.
Junk removal pricing (usually volume-based)
Many junk removal companies (including College HUNKS in many markets) price by how much space your items take up in
the truckthink “fraction of a truckload.” The final price can change if the on-site volume is larger than expected,
or if disposal rules create extra handling costs.
Example: If you’re tossing a loveseat, a broken desk, and a few bags of clutter, that may price out as
a small portion of the truck. A basement cleanout, on the other hand, can jump significantly depending on volume,
weight, and disposal requirements.
Moving pricing (time + logistics)
Moving quotes often depend on:
- Crew size (two movers vs. three movers can change speed and cost)
- Estimated hours (packing, loading, driving, unloading)
- Access (stairs, elevators, distance from parking to door)
- Special items (pianos, oversized sectionals, delicate antiques)
- Assembly/disassembly (beds, tables, exercise equipment)
- Travel time policies (how the company charges it varies)
Example: A two-bedroom apartment move within the same city might be straightforwarduntil it turns out
the “apartment” is on the fourth floor with a tiny elevator that only accepts one lamp at a time.
That’s not a moving problem; that’s a physics problem. And physics usually bills hourly.
How to reduce surprise costs
-
Get the estimate in writing and confirm what it includes: crew size, minimum hours, travel time,
supplies, fees, and any special-item charges. -
Be brutally honest about the job. Stairs, long carries, tight hallways, heavy furnituresay it now,
not while a mover is trying to rotate your dresser like it’s a chess piece. - Ask how changes are handled. If you add items or locations mid-job, how does pricing adjust?
-
Confirm protection options (floor protection, wrapping, mattress covers) and whether they’re standard
or extra.
Booking and the day-of experience
Getting an estimate
Customers typically request a quote online or by phone. Some markets provide quick scheduling and
responsive communication; others may rely on call-backs or local coordination.
If you need a specific window (like a building elevator reservation), confirm it explicitly.
On-site professionalism: what “good” looks like
When a College HUNKS job goes well, it usually looks like this:
- The crew arrives on time (or communicates delays early).
- They do a quick walkthrough, confirm scope, and review the estimate.
- They protect floors and corners in tight spaces.
- They wrap furniture properly and label fragile items.
- They move efficiently without rushing in a “break it and apologize later” way.
Claims and follow-up: the part no one wants to need
Damage and billing disputes are the two areas where moving companiesindustry-widetend to generate complaints.
If anything goes wrong, document it immediately:
photos, timestamps, and a written summary of what happened. The more factual and organized you are,
the easier it is to get resolution.
Also: keep your paperwork. Your future self will thank you when you’re not hunting for an email while sitting on the
floor surrounded by unopened boxes like it’s an extreme sport.
Reputation: what reviews tend to praise (and criticize)
College HUNKS has a large footprint, so online feedback often reflects two truths at once:
many customers are happy, and some customers are very unhappy.
That doesn’t mean the brand is “good” or “bad”it means you should look for patterns in your local area.
Common compliments
- Friendly crews who are polite and easy to work with
- Fast junk removal for bulky items and cleanouts
- Convenience of donation pickup and eco-forward positioning
- Scheduling that can be quicker than traditional movers in some markets
Common complaints
- Higher-than-expected totals when the on-site scope differs from the estimate
- Damage issues (scratches, dings, broken items) during moves
- Slow pacing on hourly moves (perception matters when the clock is ticking)
- Communication gaps between call centers, local offices, and customers
Why location-by-location research matters
The most useful review strategy is to check multiple platforms for the specific branch serving your
address. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews and whether the same issues show up repeatedly
(billing surprises, missed arrival windows, unresolved claims). Consistent patterns are more meaningful than a single
one-star rant or a single five-star love letter.
Sustainability and community programs
One of College HUNKS’ differentiators is its emphasis on donation and recycling. In many markets, they aim to
donate usable items and recycle a significant portion of what they haul away, reducing landfill impact.
They also promote community partnerships (such as donation relationships) and charitable initiatives.
Practical takeaway: if donating matters to you, ask for specifics. Which charities do they partner with locally?
Can they provide a donation receipt? What items are eligible for donation? Not everything can be donated, and rules
can vary by organization and region.
How College HUNKS compares to alternatives
There isn’t one “best” company for every move or cleanout. Here’s a realistic comparison framework:
College HUNKS vs. traditional moving companies
Traditional movers may offer more standardized long-distance options, specialty handling, and established claims
processesespecially larger van lines. College HUNKS may win on convenience, faster scheduling for smaller moves,
and the ability to bundle moving with junk removal.
College HUNKS vs. junk removal specialists
Dedicated junk removal brands often have similar volume-based pricing and quick turnaround.
College HUNKS is competitive when you want a recognizable brand and donation-forward messaging.
Local junk haulers can sometimes beat national brands on priceif you’re comfortable vetting a smaller operator.
College HUNKS vs. DIY (rent a truck + recruit friends)
DIY can save money, but it costs time, energy, and the risk of hurting your backor your friendships.
A paid crew makes the most sense when you’re moving heavy furniture, dealing with stairs, working under time pressure,
or trying to avoid turning your move into a three-day saga.
Who should consider hiring College HUNKS?
- You need junk gone fast (furniture removal, cleanouts, last-minute donations)
- You’re moving locally and want labor plus transport without managing multiple vendors
- You want add-on help (packing, loading/unloading, furniture rearranging)
- You value convenience and are willing to pay for professional labor
Who might want to look elsewhere?
- You’re extremely price-sensitive and have time to shop multiple local quotes
- You have high-value specialty items (rare antiques, museum-level art) and want a specialist mover
- Your local branch has consistent negative patterns around billing or claims
- You need a guaranteed, tightly-controlled long-distance process typical of major van lines
Tips to get the best experience (and avoid headaches)
- Confirm the crew size and arrival window the day before.
- Do a pre-walkthrough and point out fragile items, tight corners, and “do not tilt” furniture.
- Separate “do not move” items (important documents, medications, jewelry) into a personal bag.
- Take quick photos of electronics setups before disassembly (future you will forget).
- Ask about protection for floors, door frames, and stairsespecially in older homes.
- For junk removal: consolidate items in one area if possible to reduce labor time.
- For moves: label boxes by room and priority (“open first” boxes are sanity-savers).
FAQ
Does College HUNKS do small moves like dorms or studio apartments?
Yesmany locations handle small local moves. This can be a sweet spot for the service, especially when you need
help with a few heavy pieces and don’t want to beg your friend with the pickup truck.
Is College HUNKS licensed and insured?
Moving and junk removal requirements vary by state and by job type. For moves that cross state lines,
you can ask about U.S. DOT registration and verify details through official channels.
For local moves, licensing rules vary, so confirm what applies in your state and request proof of insurance.
What should I do if the final price is higher than expected?
First, ask for a clear breakdown: what changed from the estimate (time, volume, extra services, access issues)?
If you believe the scope didn’t change, request escalation to the local manager and keep communications in writing.
Document everything: estimate, contract terms, and photos if relevant.
Can they donate items I don’t want?
Many locations promote donation options. If donation matters to you, ask which local partners they work with,
what items qualify, and whether you can receive a donation receipt.
Final take
College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving is a strong option when you want convenience, quick scheduling,
and help that spans both moving and junk removal. Their best jobs tend to be the ones with clear scope:
“Move these items from A to B,” or “Remove this pile of stuff and leave the area clean.”
The biggest key to a great outcome is simple: research your local location, get a detailed written
estimate, and communicate the realities (stairs, distance, heavy items) up front. Do that, and you’re much more likely
to end up with the kind of experience that inspires a five-star review instead of a group chat rant.
Extra: Real-world experiences people commonly have
Because reviews can feel abstract, here are realistic, experience-based scenarios that reflect what customers commonly
describe when hiring College HUNKSespecially when expectations are (or aren’t) aligned. These aren’t “one specific
person’s story,” but a practical summary of patterns that show up across markets.
Experience #1: The “one cursed couch” junk removal
You schedule a pickup for a bulky couch that no longer sparks joy (or springs). The ideal version of this experience
is beautifully simple: the crew texts when they’re on the way, confirms what’s being removed, gives an on-site quote,
and hauls the couch out in minutes. The best crews also protect your door frame while pivoting the couch through a
tight hallwaybecause some couches fight back.
Where people sometimes get surprised is pricing expectations. If someone thinks it’s a flat fee “per item” but the
local pricing is “by truck space,” the quote can feel higher than expected. The smoothest outcomes happen when the
customer asks in advance: “Is this priced per item, by volume, or by time?” and then shows a photo of the couch
(and the staircase it must survive).
Experience #2: The studio apartment move that becomes a math problem
Studio moves look easy on paperuntil you realize half your furniture was assembled inside the apartment and will not
leave without negotiation. Customers often report that a skilled crew makes a huge difference here: disassembling a
bed frame quickly, wrapping a mirror correctly, and loading the truck in a way that doesn’t crush your “fragile”
box labeled FRAGILE in increasingly panicked handwriting.
The biggest variable is time. If the move is hourly, pacing matters. Efficient crews move with purpose but still
protect items. Slower pacing can feel frustrating, especially if there are long breaks or unclear coordination.
A simple way to improve this experience is to confirm the plan at the start: what goes first, what needs wrapping,
and which items are priority. Customers who do this often report fewer “wait, why are we doing it this way?” moments.
Experience #3: The garage cleanout with “mystery items”
Garage cleanouts are where junk removal shinesespecially when you want your Saturday back. Customers often like that
the team does the heavy lifting and leaves the space swept. The catch is “mystery items”: old paint cans, chemicals,
car batteries, and electronics. Disposal rules vary by state and county, and those items can trigger extra fees or
require you to handle them separately.
People who have the best cleanout experience usually do two things:
(1) separate questionable items into a “special disposal” pile, and (2) ask in advance what the team can and can’t
take. That five-minute prep can prevent a “we can’t take this” surprise right when you’re ready to be done.
Experience #4: The “bundle it” move + junk removal combo
One of the most practical use cases is combining moving with junk removal: haul away the broken furniture and donate
the decent stuff you don’t want, then move only what’s actually worth moving. Customers often describe this as a
sanity-saving move because it reduces clutter and can shorten the moving timeline. It also helps you avoid paying to
transport items you were going to ditch anyway.
The best way to do this is to be explicit about categories: “These items are trash,” “these are donations,” and
“these are moving.” Label them, point them out during the walkthrough, and confirm whether donation drop-off is
included or handled as a separate step. When customers do that, this combo can feel like a cheat code for moving.
Bottom line: College HUNKS experiences tend to be best when the job is clearly scoped, estimates are detailed,
and the local crew is well-reviewed. If you treat the booking like a small projectphotos, clear inventory, honest
access notesyou’ll usually get a smoother day and a cleaner ending. And that’s the goal: fewer headaches, fewer
mystery fees, and a home that doesn’t look like a cardboard box museum.
