Dropcurb vs LoadUp: 2026 Pricing Compared — Dropcurb
LoadUp and Dropcurb both let you book junk removal online with upfront pricing. But their pricing models work differently — and the difference matters. LoadUp charges a service area fee of $50–$80 on every order on top of item prices. Dropcurb charges a flat per-item rate with no extra fees. Here's how they actually compare.
How do Dropcurb and LoadUp compare?
| Feature | Dropcurb | LoadUp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat per-item, no extra fees | Per-item + $50–$80 service area fee |
| Couch removal (actual cost) | $79 | $80 + $50–$80 fee = $130–$160 |
| Mattress removal (actual cost) | $79 | $75+ + $50–$80 fee = $125–$155 |
| Appliance removal (actual cost) | $104 | $104–$114 + $50–$80 fee = $154–$194 |
| Know exact price before booking? | Yes — instant online | Yes — but service area fee may vary |
| In-home pickup? | No — curbside only | Yes — in-home and outdoor |
| Speed | Same-day (book by noon) | Same-day where available (book by 12 PM) |
| Appointment window | None — items out by 8am, gone by 8pm | Scheduled window |
| Coverage | 885 cities, 39 states | 18,000+ cities, 95% zip coverage |
| Workers | Independent haulers | Independent contractors |
| Guarantee | Full refund + $50 if not picked up | Standard guarantee |
| Home entry required? | Never — curbside only | Optional — in-home or outdoor |
Both Dropcurb and LoadUp use independent contractors (gig model) and offer online pricing. The key difference is how you're charged: Dropcurb is curbside-only with a flat per-item price. LoadUp offers both in-home and outdoor pickup but adds a service area fee of $50–$80 to every order — even for a single item.
Why LoadUp's pricing is misleading
LoadUp advertises items "starting at $75" — but that doesn't include their service area fee of $50–$80, which is added to every order regardless of size. According to Move.org, "LoadUp charges a service area fee (generally $50–$80) on every order." This means a single couch that shows as $80 on their pricing page actually costs $130–$160 after the fee.
The service area fee is the same whether you're removing one item or ten, so LoadUp becomes more competitive when you're removing multiple items at once. For single-item removal, the fee makes LoadUp significantly more expensive than their advertised price suggests.
Real pricing comparison: common scenarios
| Scenario | Dropcurb | LoadUp (incl. service fee) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 couch | $79 | $130–$160 |
| 1 mattress | $79 | $125–$155 |
| 1 TV (40"+) | $79 | $154–$194 |
| Couch + mattress | $108 | $155–$235 |
| Couch + mattress + dresser | $137 | $200–$295 |
| Washer + dryer | $218 | $200–$280 |
| Refrigerator | $104 | $154–$194 |
| 5 mixed items | $195 | $275–$380 |
Here's what you'd actually pay with each service, including LoadUp's service area fee. Dropcurb prices are exact. LoadUp prices include their $50–$80 service area fee based on data from goloadup.com and Move.org.
When to choose Dropcurb over LoadUp
Dropcurb is the better choice when:
- You're removing 1–3 items and want the lowest total cost - You can move items to the curb yourself - You want a flat price with zero hidden fees — what you see is what you pay - You need same-day pickup without scheduling a window - You don't want anyone inside your home
For single-item removal, Dropcurb saves you $50–$80 compared to LoadUp because there's no service area fee. The savings are biggest on small orders.
When to choose LoadUp over Dropcurb
LoadUp is the better choice when:
- You need items removed from inside your home (basement, attic, upstairs) - You're in a city Dropcurb doesn't serve yet — LoadUp covers 18,000+ cities vs Dropcurb's 885 - You're removing 5+ items at once — the service area fee is fixed, so per-item cost drops on larger orders - You want the option of in-home pickup or outdoor pickup
LoadUp's wider coverage area is their biggest advantage. If Dropcurb isn't in your city, LoadUp is a solid alternative with transparent pricing.
The bottom line
Both Dropcurb and LoadUp offer online pricing with independent contractors — no phone calls, no in-home estimates. The difference comes down to fees and service model.
Dropcurb is cheaper for small orders (1–3 items) because there's no service area fee. LoadUp offers in-home pickup and wider coverage. For a single couch, Dropcurb costs $79. LoadUp costs $130–$160 after their service area fee.
If you can get items to the curb and Dropcurb serves your city, you'll save money. If you need in-home service or LoadUp's broader coverage, you'll pay more but get more flexibility.
Common questions
Is Dropcurb cheaper than LoadUp?
For single-item removal, yes. A couch costs $79 on Dropcurb vs $130–$160 on LoadUp (including their $50–$80 service area fee). The gap narrows on larger orders since LoadUp's service fee is flat regardless of item count. For 5+ items, prices are comparable.
Does LoadUp have hidden fees?
LoadUp charges a service area fee of $50–$80 on every order, which isn't always obvious on their pricing page. According to Move.org, this fee applies whether you're removing one item or a dozen. Dropcurb has no service area fee — the per-item price is the total price.
Does LoadUp go inside your house?
Yes. LoadUp offers both in-home pickup and outdoor (curbside) pickup. Their in-home "Luxury Pickup" sends two loaders to remove items from inside your home. Outdoor pickup saves $5 per order. Dropcurb is curbside-only — items must be at the curb before pickup.
Which has better coverage: Dropcurb or LoadUp?
LoadUp, by a wide margin. LoadUp covers 18,000+ cities with 95% zip code coverage across the US. Dropcurb currently serves 885 cities across 39 states. Check dropcurb.com to see if your city is covered.
Can I get same-day pickup with LoadUp?
LoadUp offers same-day pickup in most areas if you book before 12 PM. Dropcurb also offers same-day pickup when booked by noon. Both services deliver similar speed — the difference is pricing and service model, not speed.
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