Now, although many of you may find the idea of cleaning your entire house top to bottom and getting rid of a bunch of your things about as unappealing as unappealing gets, a thorough house decluttering and deep cleaning can actually be remarkably rewarding and a huge weight off your shoulders.
\n\n\nImagine, for a moment, that you’re getting home after a long, hard day’s work. You turn the key, swing back the door, and there it is…your home; only it’s cleaner, more open, and smells better, too. Your stress immediately melts away as you realize that you can now relax in your clean, clutter-free castle while binge watching Netflix to your heart’s content instead of tiptoeing around and anxiously co-existing with your usual mess.
\n\n\n\n\nAny house cleaning expert will tell you that before anything else, you’ll need to make a plan of attack first—sit down and map out how you’re going to get the job done.
\n
Go through your house and make a list of all the different rooms and spaces that need to be cleaned. While in each room, take a 'before' photo. It will help you enjoy your accomplishment more when you're done.
\n\nRank each space/room from 1-3 based on how severe the clutter is (3 being the most cluttered). For example, your bedroom might be ranked a 2, but your bedroom closet may be a hard 3. Being able to see where your tough spots are will help you decide what to do first and how to break up the work.
\n\n\n\nOnce you've given your house the once-over (don't forget to check your yard for rubbish, too) and you've seen the extent of what lies ahead of you, you'll want to decide how you're going to be addressing all this mess.
\n\n\n\n\nAll the junk you're trashing or donating is going to have to go somewhere, and sometimes that's more than just tying off a couple trash bags and calling it a day.
\n
If you've been accumulating stuff for awhile, it's highly possible you'll wind up tossing enough trash to fill a dumpster. If so, you need to determine that in advance so you can schedule the dumpster.
\n\nIf you don't have all that much to dispose of, and nothing that's overly large, then you should be fine just rolling it out to the curb with the rest of your weekly trash.
\n\nIf you have too much to for your local garbage man to realistically handle, or you have some bulky items, like furniture, to get rid of, then your regular trash service won't cut it. Renting a dumpster for a few days or a few weeks is a great option. Roll off dumpsters can sit in your driveway and be loaded at your pace. Schedule it for delivery the day before you start to purge.
\n\nArguably the most convenient of all disposal methods, hiring a junk removal company involves having a crew of disposal experts come to your home, remove the items for you, and tidy up when they're done. You pay a bit more for the crew's labor, but if you're unable or unwilling to schlep all of your stuff to the dumpster, a junk removal service can be a lifesaver.
\n\nAs you move from room-to-room, you’re going to come across stuff you definitely want to keep, stuff you definitely don’t, and stuff you’re not so sure about. A common route taken by expert organizers is the three-box method, which involves making three piles—keep, trash, and donate. Start your music, get in the groove, and begin weeding through your sea of stuff.
\n\nThe cardinal sin of doing a heavy duty decluttering and cleaning job is: Never bite off more than you can chew. If you get it in your head that you’re going to clean your entire house, inside and out, in a single day, then you’re going to wind up very frustrated and very discouraged. You didn’t end up with all that junk overnight, so it’s going to take more than that to get rid of it.
\n\nIt happens all too often—you hold onto something, whether it be a blanket you had growing up or a clock that was once your grandmother’s because it has sentimental value. Never mind the fact that you haven’t used that blanket since exiting teen-dom, and your grandma’s clock hasn’t worked since you plucked it from the dust in her attic 10 years ago; you feel a strong emotional attachment to these things, and that’s normal.
\n\nHowever, when these things start piling up and become more work (physically or emotionally) for you in your day-to-day life than anything else, it might be time to let them go.
\n\nWhen going through your furniture, personal items, and other junk, keep these things in mind:
\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to your home, less is more. Remember this.
\n
Clutter makes a space look smaller and can be a consistent drain on our energy, whether we sense it or not. Stick to your sorting system (like the three-box method mentioned earlier) and get rid of everything you don’t absolutely need…or really, really want.
\n\nAsk yourself some of the following questions when waffling between whether or not you should or shouldn't get rid of something:
\n\nAfter it's all said and done, you'll likely have a bunch of stuff to donate, and that's awesome! When possible, you should always donate rather than trash. It's super easy, after all, and is the cherry on top of your 'clean house' sundae.
\n\nCheck out some of these fun, new ways to donate your used goods, from furniture to books, and more:
\n\nGeneral
\n\nClothes & Shoes
\n\nBooks & DVDs
\n\nElectronics
\n\nFurniture
\n\nToys & Games
\n\nOnce you've completed your initial purge, it's time for a deep clean. This is no time to call it quits from exhaustion! No doubt, your home has collected enough dust, dirt, and grime over the past year to give your muscles a serious workout, so get your tunes and cleaning supplies ready if you're up for it.
\n\nIf you're not, hire it out! A one-time deep clean won't break the bank and you'll love the way your house looks when it's done.
\n\nRemember: The clean-up process doesn't necessarily stop at your home's doorway. You'll also breathe a big sigh of relief when your yard is picked up, your windows and gutters are clean, and any weeds on your property are uprooted.
\n\nYou did it! Now put your feet up, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the feeling of having a clean, clutter-free home! You just did a great thing for you and your family's overall health, and you'll be reaping the benefits of a fresh start all year long.
\n\nIf you're one of the one billion people on Facebook, it's high time for a humble brag that displays your before and after photos.
\n\n\n\n\nThe most important part of decluttering and cleaning is obvious: Reward yourself when you're done.
\n
Discover simple but profound tips for heavy duty decluttering of your house. We help you get organized, get motivated, and get the clutter-free home you deserve. Prepare to make your Facebook friends a bit jealous.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"c50e03d9-0e67-5eb4-9f0b-35aec0b3a931","title":"Debris Removal: The Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Anything","url":"/blog/debris-removal-the-complete-guide-to-getting-rid-of-anything","image":{"path":"/static/bd2804301ae2c375ac6dbf68d306b1f9/debris-removal-guide.jpg","alt":"debris removal guide"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"What’s the best way to get rid of _______?
\r\n\r\nNot all wastes are destined for the trash can.
\r\n\r\nIf you have large amounts of debris, or you have items that are banned by your local waste hauler, you need to find the right disposal option.
\r\n\r\nBelow we’ll take a look at various types of wastes and the best ways to dispose of them.
\r\n\r\n\r\nLearn how to properly dispose of:
\r\n\r\nThere are several ways to dispose of unwanted junk or debris, and each has its place.
\r\n\r\nThis is the best possible option because it's great for the environment and your wallet.
\r\n\r\nAlways recycle, reuse, or donate materials when you can.
\r\n\r\nIf this is not an option, then it's time to start considering the next disposal options.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters come in a wide range of sizes, from 3 cubic yard dumpster bags to full-size 40 cubic yard construction dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nIt’s an ideal solution for construction, demolition, house cleanouts, roofing, yard waste disposal, and recycling in bulk.
\r\n\r\nThis is a great option for disposal of e-waste, tough-to-dispose-of wastes, and bulk amounts of debris.
\r\n\r\nIt’s a convenient option—they handle all the removal and disposal for you.
\r\n\r\nIt can become costly for larger cleanups, so it’s something to consider when deciding between renting a dumpster and hiring a junk hauling service.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a truck and/or trailer, hauling the debris yourself to a local landfill is always an option.
\r\n\r\nThe advantage of this method is the lower cost of disposal compared to renting a roll-off, although the tradeoff is less convenience and speed.
\r\n\r\nThe time it takes you to drive and drop off the debris at the nearest landfill can be substantial.
\r\n\r\nAlso, hazardous materials require a permit to haul, so do your due diligence as to the laws in your area regarding the types of waste you are allowed to haul and the types of debris accepted at local landfills (e.g., some accept only C&D debris and not household trash).
\r\n\r\nHousehold hazardous waste (HHW) facilities safely process and recycle potentially toxic wastes, such as e-waste, household cleaners, paint, chemicals, medicines, and liquids.
\r\n\r\nSome communities host HHW events on an annual or biannual basis.
\r\n\r\nFind the nearest HHW drop off location online by visiting Earth911.com.
\r\n\r\nAnd now, let’s discuss specific types of wastes and how to properly get rid of each type.
\r\n\r\nExamples: household garbage, furniture, broken toys, packaging materials
\r\n\r\nThis category of waste includes anything you’d typically put in your waste bin.
\r\n\r\nGenerally, this category of waste is taken care of via your waste hauler’s curbside collection service.
\r\n\r\nHowever, there are situations that require additional means, like hoarding situations, foreclosure cleanups, moving, and special events that generate a lot of trash.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have more than your curbside roll cart can handle, a roll-off container works great for bulk amounts of household trash.
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, hiring a junk removal company to pick up the trash for you is a convenient disposal method, too, and it may be a more cost-effective option for smaller jobs (less than a few cubic yards of waste).
\r\n\r\nYou could also haul these wastes to the landfill yourself if you live within close proximity of one.
\r\n\r\nDisposal of appliances containing Freon, paints, liquids, lead-acid batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and other household hazardous wastes (HHWs) require special handling.
\r\n\r\nThese wastes shouldn’t be mixed in with your household garbage.
\r\n\r\nContact your city’s solid waste department to find the nearest HHW facility, or visit the city’s website for more information.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: lumber, drywall (sheetrock), wood flooring, carpeting, renovation debris, roofing debris
\r\n\r\nResidential and commercial construction or demolition projects require the use of a dumpster, junk removal company, or driving the debris to the landfill yourself.
\r\n\r\nSome U.S. cities require C&D debris to be dropped off at dedicated construction and demolition landfill facilities where it is separated and recycled.
\r\n\r\nConcrete
\r\n\r\nLike asphalt, this is a very heavy, dense debris that is best disposed of in a roll-off dumpster.
\r\n\r\nMost dumpster rental companies require concrete to be separated from other wastes, and it must be loaded in a smaller container, such as a 10 yard bin, to ensure it does not become too heavy of a load for the roll-off truck to handle.
\r\n\r\nRoofing Shingles
\r\n\r\nThis is a heavy debris that is generally loaded in its own dumpster and not in mixed loads.
\r\n\r\nShingles are recycled in most municipalities.
\r\n\r\nWood/Lumber
\r\n\r\nWood has a potential to be reused if salvaged properly.
\r\n\r\nReclaiming wood and selling or donating it is one way to cut down on disposal costs for a project.
\r\n\r\nCarpeting
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company offers the most convenient disposal solution in this case.
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster or having your waste hauler pick it up are also valid options.
\r\n\r\nMany waste haulers require the carpeting to be cut down to a specified length (e.g., 4 ft. lengths), so that may add to the inconvenience of going this route.
\r\n\r\nWood/Laminate Flooring
\r\n\r\nThis material is salvageable in many cases.
\r\n\r\nThis would, again, help cut down on disposal costs.
\r\n\r\nIf reclaiming the wood isn’t an option, other cost-effective solutions include renting a roll-off or hiring a junk removal company to pick it up.
\r\n\r\nSiding
\r\n\r\nCertain types of siding, such as cedar, are highly desirable, and people will often take it off your hands.
\r\n\r\nThis is great for cutting down on disposal costs.
\r\n\r\nSimply posting a listing on Craigslist is an easy way to accomplish getting rid of cedar or wood siding.
\r\n\r\nVinyl siding is typically disposed of in a dumpster or picked up by a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nA dumpster is generally the more cost-effective option for a whole-house siding replacement project.
\r\n\r\nKitchen/Bathroom Renovation
\r\n\r\nThis includes cabinets, tubs, sinks, toilets, countertops, and floors.
\r\n\r\nMuch of this material can be reclaimed. Other materials can be disposed of in a roll-off container or via junk removal service.
\r\n\r\nMost waste haulers do not accept renovation debris via curbside service.
\r\n\r\nHowever, some will by appointment for an additional fee.
\r\n\r\nMetals
\r\n\r\nBulk amounts of steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals should be recycled.
\r\n\r\nMetal is a valuable commodity.
\r\n\r\nYou can eliminate disposal costs and make a few bucks by dropping off metal scraps at a local scrap yard.
\r\n\r\nIf you cannot DIY, some metal recyclers may be able to pick it up, or you can post an ad on Craigslist.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: tree limbs, bush trimmings, grass clippings
\r\n\r\nBeing that it’s an organic waste, yard debris is best disposed by composting, but dumpsters and junk removal companies are good options, too.
\r\n\r\nDumpster companies and junk removal service providers will drop off the yard wastes at the proper facility.
\r\n\r\n*Most waste haulers don’t allow yard debris mixed in with general waste.
\r\n\r\nHeavy yard wastes, such as large logs, are best handled by professionals who have the right equipment to safely load and haul away such debris.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies have the right equipment to take on this type of project.
\r\n\r\nConsider starting a compost pile if you have the room to do so.
\r\n\r\nIt’s the easiest and least expensive way to get rid of yard debris, plus it produces nutrient-rich compost ideal for farming, landscaping, and flower gardens.
\r\n\r\nBe sure you know the laws regarding yard waste disposal in your area.
\r\n\r\nSome cities have made yard debris composting mandatory.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, you’d need to have the debris dropped off at the proper composting facility.
\r\n\r\nIt may not be accepted at the municipal landfill, so be sure to do your due diligence.
\r\n\r\nSearch your city’s solid waste authority website or give them a call to learn more.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: kitchen stove (range), microwave, washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company for removal of one or several appliances is a quick and cost-effective method of removal. Junk haulers charge a minimum fee of anywhere from $50 to $125, so expect to be charged at least that amount for the appliance removal.
\r\n\r\nA dumpster works well for disposal of a whole home's worth of appliances, such as during a major renovation project or demolition.
\r\n\r\nChoose a bigger dumpster than you think you need.
\r\n\r\nWhy? Most roll-off containers have rounded bottoms, while most appliances are bulky and square.
\r\n\r\nSo while you may have 10 cubic yards worth of appliances (think of 10 kitchen stoves, which approximately equals 10 cubic yards), the appliances will consume greater than 10 cubic yards worth of space inside a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nIn this example, a 20 yard bin may be the better choice.
\r\n\r\nSave on disposal costs by donating working appliances to local charitable organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity.
\r\n\r\nSome locations may even pick them up for free, so be sure to ask!
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can sell appliances that are still in good shape via Craigslist, Facebook, or by other means.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: lead-acid batteries, fluorescent bulbs, household cleaners, motor oil, chemicals
\r\n\r\nThis class of wastes should never be mixed in with the general waste stream, so avoid putting household hazardous wastes in the waste bin, dumpsters, burning it, burying it, or using any other unsafe disposal method. Doing so can taint drinking water, harm local wildlife, produce unsafe crops at local farms, and pollute the air.
\r\n\r\nDispose of HHWs by dropping them off at a local HHW processing facility.
\r\n\r\nSome communities also host annual or biannual HHW pickup events where you can drop off a wide range of hazardous wastes found in your home.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies, and some dumpster rental providers, will accept HHWs if you discuss it beforehand.
\r\n\r\nThere may or may not be additional fees for handling/hauling of hazardous materials—it depends upon the company and local laws governing HHW handling.
\r\n\r\nFind a household hazardous waste recycler near you.
\r\n\r\nHere’s a quick breakdown of common types of HHWs:
\r\n\r\nBatteries
\r\n\r\nCommon A, AA, AAA, D, and similar dry-cell batteries can be thrown away with your trash.
\r\n\r\nHowever, car batteries and other larger batteries need to be properly recycled.
\r\n\r\nLiquids
\r\n\r\nThis includes motor oil, antifreeze, household cleaners, fuel, and other toxic/flammable liquids.
\r\n\r\nMotor oil can be safely dropped off for recycling at a local oil change facility or car dealership that provides service.
\r\n\r\nOther liquids can usually be dropped off at an HHW facility or cleanup event.
\r\n\r\nLight Bulbs
\r\n\r\nFluorescent bulbs (CFLs) shouldn’t be mixed in with household trash.
\r\n\r\nThey contain small amounts of mercury.
\r\n\r\nDrop these off at the nearest recycling facility that accepts CFLs.
\r\n\r\nSome retailers, such as Lowe's and IKEA, also accept CFLs for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about CFL recycling.
\r\n\r\nMedicines
\r\n\r\nDispose of medications at your local cleanup event or HHW processing facility.
\r\n\r\nIf you do not have access to this type of event or facility, you can dispose of medicines in the following manner:
\r\n\r\nExplosives
\r\n\r\nHighly-flammable, combustible, and explosive wastes can be dangerous when mixed in with the general waste stream.
\r\n\r\nLocal laws dictate the proper way to dispose of wastes, like fuel, oil, fireworks, lighter fluid, matches, and others.
\r\n\r\nPaint
\r\n\r\nWet paint must be dried before throwing it away.
\r\n\r\nYou can mix bulk amounts of paint with sand or similar material to dry it quickly.
\r\n\r\nYou can safely throw empty, dry paint cans into the trash or a rented dumpster.
\r\n\r\nThe one exception is if the paint is very old and may contain lead.
\r\n\r\nIt is unlikely this will be an issue considering lead paint was banned in 1978 (although lead-based paint was still sold for several years after that).
\r\n\r\nIf it’s a very old can of paint you need to dispose of, play it safe and bring it to a local recycling facility for proper disposal.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: paper, cardboard, plastics, metal
\r\n\r\nDespite the slight downturn in recycling noted in recent years, access to recycling services is pretty extensive these days. For bulk amounts of recyclables, you have several options:
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster is a quick and easy option for DIYers.
\r\n\r\nClean load it with recyclable materials only and the rental company may offer a discount.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal is usually more expensive than renting a dumpster but much more convenient.
\r\n\r\nDropping recyclables off at a recycling center is the most cost-effective method for handling a low volume of recyclables.
\r\n\r\nPosting an ad on Craigslist or Freecycle is another cheap and convenient way to get rid of recyclables.
\r\n\r\nThe potential downsides include having to wait potentially days or weeks (if ever) before finding someone to pick it up, and this method is generally limited to working well for valuable recyclables, such as metals.
\r\n\r\nBring scrap metals, like copper pipes, steel, brass fittings, iron, junk cars, etc., to a local metal scrap yard to get paid for your scraps.
\r\n\r\nSome recycling facilities will even purchase bulk amounts of paper, cardboard, and plastics.
\r\n\r\nFor example, Padnos is a full-service recycler serving most of the State of Michigan and will purchase most types of recyclables (in bulk amounts).
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFood and organic scraps can be composted.
\r\n\r\nNot all food scraps are ideal for composting, however.
\r\n\r\nWastes that are excellent compost materials include:
\r\n\r\nSee a complete list of compostable items and learn how to get started.
\r\n\r\nDo not compost meats, cheeses/dairy, plastics, fats, dirty paper/paper towels, breads, dog/cat wastes (grass-eating animal wastes are ok), or processed foods.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a bulk amount of food or organic waste to dispose of, discuss solutions with your waste hauler or a dumpster rental provider near you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTires are banned for disposal in landfills in the majority of states within the United States.
\r\n\r\nInstead, they can be recycled or reused.
\r\n\r\nBring old automobile tires to a tire retailer for recycling.
\r\n\r\nThere may be a small fee involved in some cases.
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can sell or give away tires that still have some tread left.
\r\n\r\nRecyclers, artists, and companies that work with rubber may also take them off your hands for free.
\r\n\r\nPost an ad on Craigslist, Facebook, or Freecycle.org to get started.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies also haul away tires, and this is a cost-effective and convenient option if you have a large number of tires to offload.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFound on drywall, paint, roofing materials, and other building materials.
\r\n\r\nThese toxic substances are more prevalent in older homes or commercial buildings.
\r\n\r\nBefore starting a renovation, demolition, or construction project in an older home, be sure to have it tested for asbestos, mold, and lead paint.
\r\n\r\nAsbestos
\r\n\r\nAsbestos fibers are released into the air when affected material, such as drywall, is disturbed.
\r\n\r\nLeft alone, asbestos isn’t harmful.
\r\n\r\nIt’s during renovation or demolition that the asbestos is released into the air.
\r\n\r\nExposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and lung problems.
\r\n\r\nMold
\r\n\r\nAvoid dangerous mold by controlling moisture inside your home, repairing leaks, and cleaning up after natural disasters.
\r\n\r\nMold can often hide behind walls.
\r\n\r\nIf you spot a large area of it, it’s best to leave the removal to the professionals.
\r\n\r\nIn terms of disposal, a mold removal specialist will properly discard of the materials for you.
\r\n\r\nOtherwise, you can dispose of small quantities of moldy materials in a dumpster if the debris is bagged or wrapped in plastic.
\r\n\r\nLead Paint
\r\n\r\nHow you dispose of lead paint debris depends upon how much of it is present and what your state’s laws are regarding disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf a sample of the debris contains less than 100 milligrams of lead per kilogram, you can typically dispose of it like regular municipal waste.
\r\n\r\nIf concentrations of lead are greater than that benchmark, special disposal procedures must be followed.
\r\n\r\nIt’s best to hire a lead paint abatement specialist to test for lead paint and to dispose of it if necessary.
\r\n\r\nTo summarize, asbestos materials always require special disposal procedures, while mold and lead paint tainted debris can be disposed of the same way you would any other C&D debris as long as the levels are low.
\r\n\r\nRent a dumpster for larger cleanups, or hire a junk hauler to come pick up smaller amounts of debris.
\r\n\r\nAlways inform the rental company or junk removal provider that the debris is tainted.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, cleaners, brake fluid
\r\n\r\nMost chemicals and liquids are required to be disposed of at a licensed household hazardous waste (HHW) facility.
\r\n\r\nCities that do not have such a facility will typically hold HHW collection events once or twice per year where you can drop off chemicals and other hazardous wastes.
\r\n\r\nUsed motor oil can be brought to an oil change facility or auto parts store for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nCall ahead just to be sure.
\r\n\r\nNever dispose of auto fluids or chemicals in the trashcan or a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nRefer to Earth911 for more information and to find a local automotive fluids recycler near you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, tablets, phones, other electronic devices
\r\n\r\nElectronic waste, or e-waste, is growing in the U.S., and proper disposal of this debris is often misunderstood.
\r\n\r\nMost e-waste is not allowed in the general waste stream; it should be properly recycled to avoid heavy metal contamination and other potential hazards.
\r\n\r\nSome states, including California and New York, have banned disposal of e-waste in landfills or waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities.
\r\n\r\nInstead of throwing e-waste in the trash, it should go to the proper recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nWhat to Do with E-Waste
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThere are a number of ways to dispose of various wastes, debris, and junk, but how do you know the best way to get rid of your items? Learn the most cost-efficient and eco-friendly disposal options for nearly every type of debris.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:32:19+00:00"},{"id":"e4330393-eacd-54f6-ba04-8ffcbda8728b","title":"Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental","url":"/blog/comparing-the-cost-of-junk-removal-to-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/63661a10d8a316fe97c44935ca6333db/dumpster-rental-and-junk-removal-cost-comparison.png","alt":"dumpster rental and junk removal cost comparison"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"When it comes to any sort of bulk waste or debris removal, your two best options are hiring a junk removal company or renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nBut how do you know which is the most cost-effective option for you?
\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nCosts can vary greatly when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk hauler and are based on multiple factors.
\r\n
We'll go over:
\r\n\r\nA dumpster costs $250-$450 on average to rent, but as we've mentioned, prices can vary.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are typically the most cost-effective option for medium to large projects or when you need to manage debris during an ongoing project.
\r\n\r\nA kitchen or bathroom renovation, house addition, demolition project, or large deck removal job are projects where a dumpster may be the more economical solution.
\r\n\r\nHaving a dumpster on-site for bigger projects allows you to fill it up at your convenience while keeping a clean, safe site.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of dumpster rental costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tMarietta, GA | \r\n\t\t\t$275 | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tYonkers, NY | \r\n\t\t\t$300 | \r\n\t\t
| 15 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tWorcester, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$350 | \r\n\t\t
| 30 yard debris box | \r\n\t\t\tLos Angeles, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$400 | \r\n\t\t
| 40 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tSpringfield, IL | \r\n\t\t\t$550 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more about pricing:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge a minimum amount for any junk removal, with the average around $75 to $100.
\r\n\r\nIf you have one or two items you’re getting rid of—like a TV, sofa, or mattress—you’ll probably be charged the minimum amount.
\r\n\r\nFor small cleanups, junk removal is typically the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company may remove a small garage-worth of items for $200 when it may cost you $250 to rent a 10 yard bin to do the loading yourself.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, junk removal is the cheaper (and less back-breaking) option.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of junk removal costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Junk Removal Description | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| Refrigerator removal | \r\n\t\t\tManhattan Beach, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$165 | \r\n\t\t
| Removal of 2 TVs | \r\n\t\t\tOmaha, NE | \r\n\t\t\t$45 | \r\n\t\t
| Living room set removal (sectional couch, two china cabinets) | \r\n\t\t\tToms River, NJ | \r\n\t\t\t$169 | \r\n\t\t
| Storage unit cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tSandy, UT | \r\n\t\t\t$375 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding home cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tFranklin, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Remember: Every project is different, so calling at least two dumpster rental and two junk removal companies to compare pricing is the best way to determine the most economical debris removal solution.
\r\nDumpster rental and junk removal costs vary based on a number of factors, including the type and amount of debris, where you're located, the accessibility of your property, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nYour exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your rental or project is to reach out to multiple service providers in your area for a quote.
\r\n\r\nThis not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best company for the job, not just the cheapest.
\r\n\r\nDo you live out in the country or far off the beaten path?
\r\n\r\nIf so, you can expect your dumpster rental or junk removal service to cost more due to the cost of travel incurred by the company.
\r\n\r\nCost of living and local disposal fees also play a large role in cost.
\r\n\r\nFor example, you’ll pay significantly more in New York City to rent a dumpster than you would in Memphis, TN based on the difference in cost of living.
\r\n\r\nYou'll also likely pay more for an apartment cleanout that requires hauling items up and down flights of stairs compared to the same size cleanout in the same zip code that is conveniently located on the first floor.
\r\n\r\nSome service providers—dumpster and junk removal—charge differently for household wastes vs. construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
\r\n\r\nC&D debris is often heavier, so it may end up costing more to haul away than general household trash.
\r\n\r\nThe heavier the load, the more you’ll pay.
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal, costs rise as the volume of junk increases.
\r\n\r\nA full truckload of junk, for example, costs more than a load taking up just half of the truck’s total capacity.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you exceed the weight limit of your dumpster rental you'll likely be hit with overage fees.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe two best ways to remove bulk waste are to either rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company, but which option is the most cost-effective? Learn about the average costs associated with each service to determine which is the best option for your project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:33:18+00:00"},{"id":"6e771073-df3f-570b-b1c9-b393c5c0b6d8","title":"How to Rent a Dumpster","url":"/blog/how-to-rent-a-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/3e130f08ca0469937b979b893479ca54/roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":""},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"79f88323-9203-564c-a126-747925fc2bca","name":"Roll Off Dumpster","slug":"Roll-Off-Dumpster"}],"content":"If this is your first time renting a dumpster, Hometown can help with a short overview on how to rent a dumpster. Learning a few of the basics can greatly simplify your dumpster rental experience.
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster varies widely based on your location. The national average cost of renting a 10 yard dumpster is $300, while the national average cost of renting a 40 cubic yard container is nearly $500 for one-weekek rental. What you pay depends primarily on landfill fees in your area, the size of the container you need, and the dumpster company you select. To get the best price on a dumpster, get quotes from multiple rental companies.
\r\n\r\nMost companies quote one flat rate fee for delivery, pickup, and disposal (though some add delivery charges separately). The rental rate is usually for a standard period of time (for example... up to 7 days) and includes a certain amount of weight (for example... up to 3 tons). If you exceed this weight allowance, you will be subject to overage fees typically ranging from $50 to $100 per ton that you go over.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing dumpster rental prices between two companies:
\r\n\r\nExtra charges may apply if you need the roll off dumpster for longer than a provider's standard rental period. This is typically a per day fee (ie $5 or $10 per day), but some dumpster services will negotiate with you up front if you need it for slightly longer than their standard period.
\r\n\r\nPay particular attention to the amount of weight included in your price if you are disposing of heavy construction debris like bricks, cement, roofing shingles, or demolition debris. If you're renting a trash dumpster for cleaning out your home of miscellaneous household debris, you will typically not have to worry about 'over weight' fees because the debris is lighter.
\r\n\r\nLearn how to rent a dumpster and be free of your debris. Get information about costs to rent a dumpster, choosing container sizes, and expert tips. Save on your dumpster rental wtih Hometown!
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