How Surrey Students Can Ditch Junk Before Moving Out 🎒🚛
Elong
June 29, 2025
Moving out after finals at SFU Surrey or Kwantlen Polytechnic? You’re not alone if you’re staring at a room full of stuff wondering how to get rid of that broken desk chair, old textbooks, and the microwave that started sparking last month.
Don’t stress – and definitely don’t leave it behind for your landlord to deal with! Whether you’re moving from student housing in Whalley, an apartment near Guildford Town Centre, or sharing a place in Newton, here’s your complete guide to clearing out without emptying your wallet.
1. Find Student-Friendly Junk Removal Services in Surrey 💰
Why this works: Professional services handle everything – lifting, loading, and disposal – so you can focus on packing what matters.
Surrey has several junk removal companies that offer student discounts or budget-friendly options:
- Search BCServiceFinder.ca for “junk removal Surrey” and filter by areas like Whalley (near SFU Surrey), Newton, or Guildford
- Look for services offering “student rates” or “small load pricing”
- Many companies serve specific neighborhoods – some specialize in the university areas and understand student budgets
- Pro tip: Book for weekdays when rates are often lower than weekend premium pricing
Best for: Large furniture, appliances, or when you have a mix of items that can’t go in regular garbage
2. Organize a Group Junk Run with Your Squad 👥
Why this works: Split the cost 3-4 ways and suddenly that $200 pickup becomes $50 per person.
Here’s how to coordinate with roommates or friends:
- Create a shared Google Doc listing everyone’s items and preferred pickup date
- Set a deadline for adding items (like “everything listed by March 25th”)
- Choose one person to handle booking and payment, then collect from others
- Take photos of each person’s contribution for fair cost-splitting
Where to find pickup partners:
- SFU Surrey student Facebook groups
- Kwantlen student housing bulletin boards
- Residence WhatsApp groups
- Post in Surrey student rental Facebook groups
Best for: When you have roommates or can easily connect with other students moving out
3. Use Surrey’s Free Community Pickup Options 🆓
Why this works: Free is always better than paid, and Surrey offers several no-cost disposal options.
Surrey’s Large Item Pickup Program:
- Residents get 2 free large item pickups per year
- Must be scheduled in advance through Surrey’s website
- Covers furniture, appliances, and mattresses
- Items must be placed curbside on scheduled day
Surrey Transfer Station (13655 80 Ave):
- Open to Surrey residents with ID
- Small loads often accepted for minimal fees
- Perfect for boxes of old textbooks, electronics, or clothing
Community cleanup events:
- Surrey occasionally hosts neighborhood cleanup days
- Check the City of Surrey website for upcoming events
- Great for getting rid of multiple small items
Best for: Students living in Surrey (not just attending school here) with just a few large items
4. Turn Trash into Cash or Good Karma 💝
Why this works: One person’s move-out junk is another person’s treasure – and you might make money!
Selling platforms popular with Surrey students:
- Facebook Marketplace Surrey – post with keywords like “SFU” or “student furniture”
- Surrey Buy & Sell Facebook Groups – multiple active groups with thousands of members
- Kijiji Surrey – especially good for electronics and furniture
- OfferUp – growing popularity among younger users
Donation centers that pickup in Surrey:
- Habitat for Humanity Surrey (12635 80 Ave) – furniture and appliances
- Surrey Hospice Society Thrift Store – clothing, books, household items
- Big Brothers Big Sisters – clothing pickup service
- Salvation Army Surrey (multiple locations) – wide range of items
Student-specific tip: Post in SFU Surrey or Kwantlen Facebook groups first – incoming students often need exactly what you’re getting rid of!
Best for: Items in decent condition that others could use
5. Protect Your Damage Deposit! 🏠
Why this matters: Leaving junk behind isn’t just inconsiderate – it can cost you serious money.
Surrey landlords can (and will) deduct cleaning and disposal fees from your damage deposit:
- Professional junk removal: $150-300+ charged to you
- Cleaning fees: $25-50 per hour for post-move cleanup
- Disposal fees: Additional costs for items left in common areas or illegal dumping
Smart move-out checklist:
- Take “before and after” photos of your space
- Get your landlord to do a walkthrough before you leave
- Keep receipts from any junk removal or cleaning services
- Don’t assume “it’s just one small thing” – even a single item can trigger fees
Best for: Every student who wants their full deposit back!
Quick FAQ for Surrey Students 🤔
What’s the cheapest junk removal option near SFU Surrey?
Students in Whalley often save the most with shared pickups through BCServiceFinder – splitting a $180 service 3 ways costs just $60 each. Some services also offer student discounts if you show your student ID.
Can I just leave bagged junk in the alley behind my building?
Absolutely not! Surrey has strict illegal dumping bylaws with fines starting at $500. Even “nicely bagged” items left without permission can result in penalties. Always use approved disposal methods.
Are there donation centers near Kwantlen that will pick up my stuff?
Yes! Habitat for Humanity Surrey and Surrey Hospice Society both offer pickup services for larger donations. Big Brothers Big Sisters also does clothing pickups throughout Surrey – just schedule online.
I only have one mattress to get rid of – do I really need a whole service?
Many junk removal companies on BCServiceFinder offer single-item pricing specifically for situations like this. Search for “mattress removal Surrey” or look for services advertising “small load” rates.
How do I find other students to split a junk removal cost?
Try posting in SFU Surrey or Kwantlen student Facebook groups with your move-out date and general area. You can also check residence bulletin boards or ask your RA to help connect you with others moving out around the same time.
Ready to Clear Out? Here’s Your Next Step! 👉
Find Surrey’s top-rated, student-friendly junk removal services on BCServiceFinder.ca!
Sort by price, read reviews from other students, and check availability in your specific area – whether you’re near SFU Surrey in Whalley, Kwantlen in Surrey Central, or anywhere else in the city.
👇 Help your fellow students prep for move-out season!
Hit that share button below – your friends dealing with the same move-out stress will thank you. Got a great tip we missed or know a service that deserves a shoutout? Drop it in the comments and we’ll add it to help even more students!
Remember: A little planning now saves you money and stress later. Your future self (and your damage deposit) will thank you! 🎓
Need more moving tips for Surrey students? Follow us for guides on everything from finding student-friendly storage to navigating Surrey’s rental market!
