Tips Directly From Matthew Baird, Owner of Clutter Monkeys, A Junk Removal Business
Junk Removal is one of the top businesses to start over the next couple of years. A recent article cites ease of entry, profit potential, and other benefits as favorable for junk removal contractors. Even given the excellent prospects, starting any service business can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of the first steps to take. Many aspiring junk removal contractors ask, “Where do I begin? How much does it cost? What tools do I need?“
Here’s some advice from Matthew Baid of Clutter Monkeys, a junk removal contractor who started his own business in September of 2023.
The Challenge of Starting Out
Many people want to start a side hustle or full-time business, but get stuck on the details:
- Where do I get leads?
- How do I price jobs fairly?
- What paperwork do I need to be legit?
- How do I stay organized once calls start coming in?
Without answers to these, a new business can stall before it even begins.
Where To Start
Here’s how Matthew started:
1. Start With What You Have
Matthew had just been laid off, owned a truck and trailer, and decided to put them to work. If you have the basics, you don’t need a huge upfront investment.
2. Get Leads Flowing Immediately
The first step was partnering with 99 Calls to set up a website with Organic SEO & Google Business Profile (GBP) and manage Google Ads. Building the website, Organic SEO & GBP, were essential to establish an online presence, which consistently grew over time. A Google Ads campaign was implemented to start generating leads quickly.
3. Figure Out Pricing Early
Instead of vague estimates, Matthew divided his trailer into quarters. His customers paid based on how much of the trailer their junk filled. This eliminated surprises and built trust. Unlike larger competitors who add on extra fees for stairs or indoor pickups, he kept pricing simple and upfront.
4. Reviews Drive Growth
In just 2.5 years, Clutter Monkeys earned over 215 five-star GBP reviews. How? By asking customers directly after a job. Reviews are important because they not only build credibility but also boost visibility on Google.
5. Set Up Your Business Structure
He registered his business with his state and formed an LLC using a service called Swyft for about $200–$300. They handled state filings and sent him all documentation.
- Register for an EIN at IRS.gov (like a business Social Security number).
- Use these to open a business bank account and process payments professionally.
6. Don’t Skimp on Organization
At first, Matthew tracked jobs in Excel, but it quickly got messy. He decided to start using a CRM, specifically designed for service businesses, so he started using Jobber. It:
- Stores customer info
- Sends automated reminders
- Alerts clients when you’re on the way
- Keeps communication seamless
Customers loved the professionalism, and it saved hours of admin time.
Note: While Matthew used Jobber, 99 Calls also provides its clients with a built-in CRM. This makes it simple to track leads, manage follow-ups, and stay organized. All in one place alongside your marketing.
7. Invest Wisely in Equipment
He recommends starting with whatever truck you have, then upgrading to larger vehicles as cash flow allows.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Junk Removal Owners
- Leads come first – Get your website and ads running so calls start coming in.
- Keep pricing simple and transparent – Customers value honesty more than rock-bottom rates.
- Ask for Google reviews every time – They build trust, boost your GBP visibility, and fuel growth.
- Set up your LLC and EIN – It makes banking and taxes cleaner.
- Use a CRM like Jobber – Staying organized is just as important as picking up junk.
- Upgrade over time – Don’t wait for perfect equipment. Start now and scale.
Hear From Matthew Baird Himself
Taking It to the Next Level With LSA
After laying the foundation, he wanted to ramp up his business growth even further. That’s when he turned to Local Services Ads (LSA), also known as Google Guaranteed.
Unlike traditional Google Ads, LSAs show at the very top of search results with a “Google Guaranteed” badge, instantly building trust with potential customers. Leads come in as phone calls, and business owners only pay for valid leads, not clicks.
For contractors like him, adding LSAs through 99 Calls meant:
- More visibility in local search results
- Higher quality leads from customers ready to book
- Faster growth alongside his existing website and Google Ads campaigns
By stacking LSAs on top of his other marketing efforts, he accelerated growth and booked more jobs without wasting money on low-quality leads.
Final Word
Starting a junk removal business doesn’t require a fortune. It requires smart steps, organization, and consistent customer service. As Matthew proved, with just a truck, determination, and the right tools, you can grow from zero to hundreds of happy customers in just a couple of years.