Spring is the perfect time to clean, declutter, and dispose of unwanted junk, waste, and debris.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMany homeowners and businesses make spring cleaning an annual event, and for good reason.
\r\n
Cleaning out your home regularly offers many benefits, like alleviating allergies, improving mental health, increasing the value of your home, and more.
\r\n\r\nHometown knows that your time is valuable, so we've gathered these quick and easy tips to follow so your spring cleaning project can go off without a hitch.
\r\n\r\n![\"Spring](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/spring-cleaning-tips-infoGRAPHIC_0.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nCreating and keeping a schedule should be the first step when you begin your spring cleaning project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHaving a realistic timeline will keep you on track and make sure that you aren't falling behind or overexerting yourself.
\r\n
When creating a spring cleaning schedule, assess which rooms need the most work and consider each room a separate project from the next. Create a to-do list specific for each room so you can determine which rooms need more attention than the others. Working on one room at a time will help you stay focused and keep the rest of your home in a livable condition.
\r\n\r\nIf you're someone who is motivated by progress and transformations, we recommend working on the areas that need the least amount of work first. Seeing your efforts transform your living environment can help give you motivation when you're in the midst of the more challenging and less organized areas of your living space.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDust, hair, and other particles have a tendency to collect and sit in all cracks and crevices of a home.
\r\n\r\nWhen you're moving items, organizing, and cleaning, a lot of these common allergens will be kicked up into the air which can be irritating for people or pets with common allergies. Something as simple as wearing a mask and taking allergy medicine can help to prevent your allergies from flaring up.
\r\n\r\nBe sure to open available windows in the room to circulate fresh air. For more sensitive individuals, having an air purifier in the room with you while you're cleaning can also alleviate allergy flare-ups.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCleaning each room from top to bottom will be beneficial during the final cleaning stages of your spring cleaning project. Starting with the ceiling fans/lights and top of your closets will cause dust and debris to fall and collect on the floor.
\r\n\r\nIf you start by cleaning the floors and then organizing and cleaning the rest of the room, you'll have to re-clean your floors at the end of your process. Save time and effort by cleaning and organizing your space from the top and working your way down to the bottom.
\r\n\r\n![\"Person](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/spring-1.png\")
\r\nGo through your belongings in each room and determine which items will stay, which items can be sold, donated, or recycled, and which items need to be thrown away. Decluttering and getting rid of items that no longer serve you will naturally get you into \"organization mode\" with the items that you'll be keeping.
\r\n\r\nWhen debating whether or not to keep an item, consider the last time the item has been used. If it's a non-seasonal item that hasn't been touched in six months or more, you likely won't miss it if it's gone. Likewise, if it's broken and you've put it away so that one day you could repair it, consider junking it if you haven't attempted to fix it in over three months.
\r\n\r\nOnce you've decluttered and are ready to organize the items that will stay in your room, consider which items are used most often. These items should be in easy-to-reach areas so that you aren't digging in the back of a closet to access items you use often.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes time to donating your unwanted items that are still in good condition, you can drop them off at local donation centers, including places like Goodwill or The Salvation Army. If you are unable or uninterested in loading these items into your car and hauling them to a donation center, hiring a junk removal company to do so for you is a great option. They will also be able to haul any trash you've accumulated to a local landfill.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThere are two common services that homeowners and business owners seek out when tackling a spring cleaning project:
\r\n\r\nUnless you have a small amount of junk to get rid of (less than 7 cubic yards), junk removal services tend to be a little more expensive than renting a dumpster due to labor charges. That being said, junk removal services offer much more physical assistance than renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf getting your cleanup project done as quickly as possible is your top priority, junk removal services can help give you your home back within hours, or in extreme cases, 1-2 business days.
\r\n
If you have the time and manpower to complete your spring cleaning on your own but need a way to get rid of large amounts of junk, renting a dumpster could be the right choice for you. Small spring cleaning projects can be accommodated with a 10 yard dumpster, while medium to large spring cleaning projects may require a 20 yard dumpster.
\r\n\r\nRegardless of which service you decide will work best for you, hiring a company that is locally-owned will typically offer you the best pricing and customer service in comparison to their large-chain competitors. Hometown makes it easy to find local dumpster rental and junk removal companies that service your area. You can read verified reviews and request free project quotes from as many companies as you'd like to compare pricing, availability, and customer service.
\r\n\r\n\r\n","teaser":"
Spring is the perfect time to clean, declutter, and dispose of unwanted junk, waste, and debris. Learn tips to ensure a smooth and efficient spring cleaning project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-04-18T21:18:17+00:00"},{"id":"0492a691-82bb-525c-afcc-850d58ffec22","title":"How to Clean Out an Old Dirty Basement","url":"/blog/how-to-clean-out-basement","image":{"path":"/static/50725402711b8a3d64f8bf6449bd9c71/old-dirty-basement.png","alt":"old dirty basement"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"}],"content":"Sick of your cluttered, dirty, hoarder-level basement? You're not alone.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCountless homeowners struggle with a messy basement until they get tired of the disorganization and chaos and decide to do something about it.
\r\n
The good news is that cleaning out your basement doesn't have to take as long as you think, especially when you utilize your time and resources wisely.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll discuss how to clean out a basement fast, breaking it down into steps, and how much it would cost you to get a little help and save a lot of time.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/how-to-clean-out-old-dirty-basement-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nA basement can be a functional and even beautiful space for you and your family to enjoy, but it can quickly become piled with items and junk.
\r\n\r\nIdeally, you stay on top of your basement's contents and organization throughout the months and years, but more important things come up and it can be a hard thing to keep up with consistently, especially if you struggle with getting rid of things.
\r\n\r\nHowever, when the junk and old items get out of hand and continuously build up, they can also accumulate dust mites, insect droppings, and other gross and potentially dangerous surprises.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAfter a certain point, when the basement is extremely cluttered and dirty, it's time to consider getting help with a complete basement cleanout.
\r\n
Here's how basement cleanouts work...
\r\n\r\nBefore hiring help with your basement cleanout, tag the boxes you want to keep with a post-it or set aside the items you don't want to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nIf you're unable to go through all the items you have, it's best to enlist the help of family or friends to help you sort through it all.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re having a hard time choosing whether or not you want to keep something, ask yourself the following questions:
\r\n\r\nBe honest with yourself and only keep the items that serve a purpose in your life and bring you joy.
\r\n\r\nOnce you make it clear what you want to get rid of, or if you want to get rid of everything in the basement, the next step is to reach out to local junk haulers in your area.
\r\n\r\nThese companies are experts in basement cleanouts and do not simply haul things to the dump; they separate the items that can be donated or recycled, so you can be comfortable that your items will have a new life in a new home rather than filling up landfills.
\r\n\r\nTypically with big projects like basement cleanouts, junk removal companies will need to give you a cost estimate in person after fully assessing your project needs.
\r\n\r\nIt's ideal to get at least three estimates when hiring a professional to help you with any project, but it can be a little hard to do that when the companies have to come out to your basement to give you a quote.
\r\n\r\nAnd with COVID, you may want to minimize the number of service providers you have in your home.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend recording video or taking adequate photos to capture your project needs. That way, the junk haulers can quote your project without needing to come out to your basement.
\r\n\r\nOnce you agree to a project estimate and hire a company, they'll get to work removing your items.
\r\n\r\nA team of two or more will come haul your items onto their truck.
\r\n\r\nThey then transfer your items to their headquarters where the items can be sorted, donated whenever possible, recycled, or tossed as a last resort.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a lot of items that can be donated, most companies are happy to provide you with a donation receipt.
\r\n\r\nAfter all of your items are hauled out of your basement, the company typically sweeps the area, takes your payment, and goes on their merry way.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nProfessional cleanout and hauling services are extremely helpful for cleaning out messy basements.
\r\n\r\nThese companies have the equipment and experience needed to safely, efficiently, and tactfully complete basement cleanouts of all shapes and sizes.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't have the time or physical ability to clean out your basement yourself with the help of a dumpster, junk removal services are a great option.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThe average cost of basement cleanouts is $300-$400, but your exact cleanout costs can vary.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of your basement cleanout project will depend on:
\r\n\r\nNote: In some cases, renting a dumpster is the cheaper option, especially with big cleanup projects. If you have friends or family that are willing and able to help you, renting a dumpster for a week can cost less than hiring junk removal pros to do it for you.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out your basement doesn't have to take as long as you think. Utilize your time and resources wisely and see how professional cleanout services can help.
\r\n","changed":"2022-01-26T01:08:27+00:00"},{"id":"a6adab43-ab7b-51fd-8610-ae6b88106eac","title":"How to Get Rid of a Refrigerator","url":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-a-refrigerator","image":{"path":"/static/b6d7fb4b15222897fbaa0b1e47be4d91/old-fridge.png","alt":"old refrigerator"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"1c3e81ff-d883-56c7-8dca-b80688221767","name":"Refrigerator Removal","slug":"Refrigerator-Removal"},{"id":"a9043ad0-7b48-5b76-ac8b-67f7b806691f","name":"Appliance Removal","slug":"Appliance-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"As the most-used appliance in your kitchen, there will eventually come a time when you need to replace your refrigerator—approximately every 12 years, in fact.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAppliances need to be properly disposed of, preferably recycled.
\r\n
Refrigerators require special care prior to disposal due to the presence of freon, which is a greenhouse gas that can pollute the environment and result in hefty fines if not handled properly.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to know if you have an old refrigerator that you need to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nJump to:
\r\n\r\n![\"Options](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/getting-rid-of-a-refrigerator_1.png\")
\r\nIf you are replacing your old refrigerator with a new one and are having it delivered and installed, ask the company if they will remove your unwanted oven while they are there.
\r\n\r\nMany will only do so if the old fridge is still in working condition.
\r\n\r\nThis isn’t always the case, but in the event that it is, you’ll have to find another solution.
\r\n\r\nIf you aren’t having a new oven delivered, a way to get rid of your old oven is to donate it or list it as a free item on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
\r\n\r\nLike the option above, this usually only works if your old oven is still in working condition, unless you can find someone that wants to pick it up for scrap metal.
\r\n\r\n![\"refrigerator](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/refrigerator.png\")
\r\nSome municipal weekly trash pickup services offer bulk trash pickup if it is scheduled ahead of time, while others only offer it a few days out of the year.
\r\n\r\nNot every company does, and even fewer offer this for appliances, but double-checking with your residential trash service is worth the call.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re able to arrange this in a timeframe that accommodates your schedule, you’ll need to make sure you have help moving your fridge out to the side of the road.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRefrigerators are very heavy appliances, and not having the proper tools or manpower to do this type of heavy lifting can result in serious injuries.
\r\n
If you aren't 100% confident in your ability to transfer your fridge to the end of the driveway, hiring a junk removal company might be the best option.
\r\n\r\nYou’ll also have to make sure that a professional removes all freon from the fridge before it is picked up.
\r\n\r\nFreon is a greenhouse gas used to keep your fridge cold. It’s very important to have a professional evacuate all freon from your fridge before it can be thrown away or recycled.
\r\n\r\nAttempting to remove the freon yourself could result in a fine of upwards of $25,000.
\r\n\r\nIt’s also important to note that getting rid of your refrigerator with a bulk trash pickup service likely means it will end up in your local landfill.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re environmentally conscious, renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service that will recycle your old appliances is the best solution.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re doing a large renovation or home cleanout project and have a lot of other items to get rid of in addition to your old refrigerator, renting a temporary dumpster is a great option.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRoll-off dumpsters feature a swinging back door so that you can easily walk in bulky and heavy items, including appliances.
\r\n
Not all disposal companies will accept appliances like refrigerators in their containers, and failing to follow their guidelines could result in additional fees and fines.
\r\n\r\nBe sure to speak with several different companies to ensure you find one that accepts your intended items and to compare pricing.
\r\n\r\nYou can locate and request free quotes from providers in your area by searching Hometown for dumpster rentals.
\r\n\r\nYou can also read verified reviews from real customers to help you find a reputable and reliable company near you.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/moving-a-fridge.png\")
\r\nThe easiest way to get rid of an old, broken-down fridge is to hire a junk removal service.
\r\n\r\nNot all junk removal companies will remove and recycle appliances, but the ones that do can be in and out of your house in under 20 minutes.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company to get rid of your oven is affordable, fast, and requires zero labor on your end.
\r\n
Hometown makes it easy to find reputable, locally-owned junk removal companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nYou can request free quotes from as many providers as you’d like to ensure you get the best price and customer service.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nAs one of the most used appliances in your kitchen, there will eventually come a time when you need to replace your refrigerator. We’ve gathered everything you need to know if you have an old fridge that you need to get rid of.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-02T14:20:42+00:00"},{"id":"1bd8ce7f-ea2c-56eb-9a96-68f0e042464e","title":"5 Red Flags for Waste Removal and Junk Haulers","url":"/blog/red-flags","image":{"path":"/static/a4c3db045024ad0e1a896ef2ad69cbed/woman-looking-for-junk-haulers-on-phone.png","alt":"woman looking at phone"},"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":"There are risks involved when hiring a company for any type of service, including dumpster rental and junk removal.
\r\n\r\nSkipping some of the bases and crossing your fingers when hiring a company is not an ideal approach.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe importance of thoroughness when paying for dumpster rental or junk removal services cannot be overstressed, and there are a handful of red flags that make it obvious you should steer clear of a certain company.
\r\n
While we would like to think that all contractors and service companies are honest and straightforward people, that unfortunately isn't always the case.
\r\n\r\nThis is why it's so important to do your research rather than choosing a dumpster rental or junk removal company based on face value alone.
\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/waste-removal-junk-hauler-red-flags-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nA single unhappy customer or two isn't necessarily a sign of bad service, but when the majority of a company's reviews are negative, we recommend finding another company.
\r\n\r\nIf a company has zero reviews, they may be a brand new business or, worst case scenario, they don't allow customers to leave honest reviews because they provide suspect service and don't want other customers to catch on.
\r\n\r\nA brand new dumpster rental or junk removal business may be highly capable of providing great service for a great price, which is why we also recommend keeping an eye out for other red flags before you count them out.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA big mistake homeowners commonly make when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal company is not getting the pricing details in writing or moving forward with services before having a clear understanding of what the services do or don't include.
\r\n
It can be easy to lose sight of all your questions (and follow-up questions) once you get on the phone or speak with the company in-person, so we recommend being prepared with your questions before reaching out to dumpster rental services just as we advise having certain questions you get answers to from junk removal companies.
\r\n\r\nAt a minimum, a dumpster quote should include:
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal quotes, most are provided in-person after the crew has a chance to assess the work. Because junk removal is relatively straightforward and involves hauling away the items you want removed, most quotes are simply invoices for the job done.
\r\n\r\nIf you're unsure what is included in a company's price, make sure you get answers to those questions before moving forward.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nWe all love a good price. However, unlicensed and unqualified companies may take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners under the guise of a great deal.
\r\n\r\nA little research may reveal that the company with the crazy good deal also has bad customer reviews or they're simply not qualified or licensed to do the work.
\r\n\r\nWhile a good price is important, it isn't the most important consideration when it comes to hiring a contractor.
\r\n\r\nMake sure you don't lose sight of the big picture when you see a low price. The best service provider will offer a balance of competitive pricing, experience, and good customer service.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf a dumpster rental or junk removal company asks you to pay them before your disposal project is done, this is a red flag.
\r\n\r\nWith other contractor jobs, it's common to pay for a small percentage of the project before it begins, but this is not standard practice for disposal-related services.
\r\n\r\nA reputable business will provide an invoice for your services following completion of the work and will request payment at that point.
\r\n\r\nFor the sake of proof of payment, we always recommend paying with a debit or credit card, check, or money order rather than cash.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe importance of insurance cannot be overstated. If your dumpster rental or junk removal company doesn't have adequate insurance, you could be the one left responsible should property be damaged or a worker is injured.
\r\n\r\nAlong the same lines as insurance, a contractor should be properly licensed to perform the work in that state.
\r\n\r\nThese licensing laws are designed to protect property owners from negligent or dishonest companies and contractors.
\r\n\r\nEach state's licensing requirements are different, but this is often a basic indication that said company is qualified to provide those services.
\r\n\r\nHometown is a convenient source for finding dumpster rental or junk removal services in your area. You can read verified customer reviews, see what their customers have to say about their services, and request free pricing and availability from as many providers as you'd like. We even make it easy to securely schedule your dumpster and book online.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nWhile we would like to think that all contractors and service companies are honest and straightforward people, that unfortunately isn't always the case. Do your research and learn the red flags to watch for when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal company.
\r\n","changed":"2025-11-13T18:55:04+00:00"},{"id":"43a0e933-9f3a-5aa7-ac87-3ef577cc9224","title":"Average Cost to Clean Out an Apartment or Condo","url":"/blog/cost-of-apartment-or-condo-cleanout","image":{"path":"/static/2e5a2413f4b7a9c36640bbac2d152d23/apt-clean.png","alt":"Person wearing cleaning gloves and apron standing in front of a messy apartment"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost of cleaning out an apartment or condo varies greatly based on a number of different factors.
\r\n
Some may assume that an apartment or condo cleanout would be cheaper than a house cleanout, but it all depends on where you live and how much junk you have to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nLuckily, there are a couple efficient options to choose from when it's time to clean out a living space and Hometown has gathered them here with average pricing information for each.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/apartment-condo-cleanout.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal services base their pricing on several different factors, like:
\r\n\r\nAll of these factors will impact the price you pay for junk removal services, which is why predicting costs for these services can be difficult.
\r\n\r\nIn fact, most companies will only provide in-person quotes for junk removal so that their crew can come assess your project to give you the most accurate pricing estimate.
\r\n\r\nThat's why the cost to have a junk removal company clean out an apartment or condo could easily cost as much as the cleanout of a house, because it all comes down to the amount of junk you have to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nBased on national averages, the typical cost of a junk removal company to clean out a condo or apartment can range between $400-$1,500.
\r\n\r\nIf the apartment/condo is in hoarding condition, average pricing ranges between $1,000-$3,000.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPrice shopping junk removal companies can feel awkward or difficult when they require the company to come onsite to provide a quote, but these quotes are always free of any obligation to hire or pay for their estimate.
\r\n
If you've done research and feel like you could find a better deal elsewhere, kindly tell the crew that you appreciate their time and that you'll think it over and get back with them.
\r\n\r\nIf you like the price they've given you, however, they usually get to work right away which is great for people trying to maintain a strict timeline.
\r\n\r\nFinding local junk removal companies is fast and easy with Hometown. We'll show you reputable companies that service your area and you can request free quotes from multiple providers, all in one simple place.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are the fastest and easiest way to clean out an apartment or condo but it's typical that junk removal services cost more than renting a dumpster because of the added labor costs involved.
\r\n\r\nHowever, the exception to this is smaller cleanups, like hauling away a couple pieces of furniture or getting rid of a refrigerator.
\r\n\r\nIf you have the time, strength, equipment, and manpower to do the apartment or condo cleanout on your own, read on to learn more about how renting a dumpster can streamline your project.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Two](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/apt-dumpster.png\")
\r\nRenting a dumpster for apartment, condo, or house cleanouts is a great way to dispose of large amounts of garbage and junk at once.
\r\n\r\nMost dumpster rentals last 5-7 days but can be adjusted to fit your needs in most cases.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHaving a receptacle at your residence for multiple days allows you to take your time and pace yourself as you work your way through the apartment or condo.
\r\n
Most apartment/condo cleanouts can be accommodated with a 10 or 20 yard roll-off dumpster, which costs $250-$450 on average.
\r\n\r\nCondos and apartments in hoarding condition may require multiple or larger dumpsters, like a 30 or 40 yard dumpster, which costs $400-$550 on average.
\r\n\r\nIf you're debating between two sizes and are having a hard time choosing, we always recommend going with the larger dumpster.
\r\n\r\nIf you underestimate how much junk you have to throw away (which is very easy to do), you may end up having to rent a second dumpster which will immediately double your disposal costs.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of two 10 yard dumpsters could run you $500-$700, while the cost of one 20 yard dumpster is generally only around $350-$450.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to be as descriptive as possible when speaking with each dumpster rental company about the amount and type of items you have to dispose of so that they can provide you with their expert opinion on which dumpster size will best suit your needs.
\r\n\r\nJust like with junk removal, Hometown can help you find locally-owned and operated dumpster rental companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nWe put emphasis on local services because local companies tend to cost less and offer the most personable services in comparison to their large chain competitors.
\r\n\r\nYou can get free dumpster rental quotes from as many providers as you'd like to make sure you get the best price and customer service.
\r\n\r\nHometown understands the importance of quality customer service and the value of your time which is why we publish verified reviews from real customers, for both dumpster rental and junk removal services, so you can make an informed decision when hiring help.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn about the two most efficient options available when cleaning out an apartment or condo and the average cost for each.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T00:35:27+00:00"},{"id":"a4601285-44cd-5035-a7d4-2dac49f16da9","title":"New Year, New You! Easy Ways to Downsize Your Life and Start Off on the Right Foot","url":"/blog/easy-ways-to-downsize-your-life","image":{"path":"/static/e5d3f3f12557d5c9a99a8011fed2eef0/new-year-declutter.png","alt":"Woman organizing items into separate boxes"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"The New Year provides the perfect opportunity to tackle an area of your life that needs improvement.
\r\n\r\nFor many, this means finally decluttering their living space, getting rid of unwanted items taking up valuable space, and regaining organizational control of their home.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDecluttering doesn't have to be a difficult, overwhelming, or intimidating task to keep putting off; that will only allow more items to pile up and continue the negative cycle.
\r\n
Hometown has compiled our biggest tips for tackling the New Year head on and getting decluttered and organize.
\r\n\r\nJumping into a deep decluttering project without a plan can do more harm than good.
\r\n\r\nWhen we find ourselves overwhelmed, it's easy to give up and walk away, leaving the clutter to be dealt with another day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPacing yourself and mapping out a plan of attack will give yourself the best chance to succeed.
\r\n
Rather than trying to get everything done within a day or a single weekend, consider how much free time you actually have to offer this project.
\r\n\r\nWork on only one room at a time so that all other areas of the home are still functional because—spoiler alert—things are probably going to look worse before they start to look better.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering involves going through every belonging in a room and determining what will stay, what will be donated or tossed in the trash, and then finding the most efficient way to organize the items you plan on keeping.
\r\n\r\nThis process can be time consuming and will temporarily make the area look messier than before you started, but you have to trust the process.
\r\n\r\nDecide which rooms will take the most amount of time and start there. Spend a few hours a day tackling that room until things are organized and the room is complete.
\r\n\r\nIt's okay to take a break between rooms to reward yourself for your hard work, but don't make the mistake of walking away for too long and losing your momentum.
\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest mistakes people make when decluttering is to be indecisive about what to do with items and decide to box them up and stuff them in a closet somewhere.
\r\n\r\nYou should restrict your storage space to only being used for items that you actually need and use often, and boxed items should be reserved for seasonal or sentimental items.
\r\n\r\nWhen you are going through your belongings and deciding what to do with them, limit yourself to placing these items into one of four piles:
\r\n\r\nItems you plan on donating should be in clean, working condition and can be placed in boxes or bags for easy transport.
\r\n\r\nYou can drop these items off at local donation centers, like Goodwill, or you can place an ad on Facebook Marketplace as free items for porch pickup.
\r\n\r\nItems that can be thrown away should be bagged and tossed into your trash.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a bulk amount of trash to get rid of, or large, bulky items that won't fit into your trash, consider renting a temporary dumpster.
\r\n\r\nAnother option that simplifies donating or throwing away unwanted items is to hire a junk removal company. They'll haul away your unwanted junk and donate the items in good condition and take the trash to a local landfill or recycling center when applicable.
\r\n\r\nFor the items that you plan on selling, make sure they're clean and take a variety of well-lit photos from a couple different angles.
\r\n\r\nList these items on an online marketplace, like Facebook, Craigslist, or Depop, and be sure to include a detailed description to give yourself the best chance of attracting the right buyer.
\r\n\r\nThe items that you plan on keeping should be dusted or wiped down before ultimately being put away in an organized fashion.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend organizing the items you plan on keeping after you get rid of the items you plan on selling/donating/throwing away.
\r\n\r\nIt's much easier to organize in a room with less clutter, so save this part for last.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Person](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/new-year-scan.png\")
\r\nA new modern way to hang onto sentimental items in a storage-friendly way is to digitalize documents, photos, videos, and memorabilia when you can.
\r\n\r\nBoxes of paperwork, photos, or handwritten notes from high school can ultimately take up a lot of space.
\r\n\r\nEliminate the need to find a home for these boxes by taking photos or scanning them into a hard drive or Google Drive so that you can get rid of these old documents.
\r\n\r\nDigitalizing sentimental or important documents is also a great way to protect them from theft, fire/water damage, or from being lost.
\r\n\r\nWhen you find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of stuff to get rid of, hiring help will streamline the disposal aspect of your project so that you can focus on organizing and cleaning.
\r\n\r\nHaving to haul boxes, bags, and old furniture is a physically draining and time consuming project in and of itself.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are designed to help you unload unwanted items in the fastest, most convenient way possible.
\r\n\r\nThey will either come into your home and haul away your items from wherever they're placed, or you can pile up your items on the porch or in the driveway for completely contactless pickup.
\r\n\r\nEither way, these services are very fast and their convenience cannot be understated.
\r\n\r\nFor those that have large, ongoing projects and want to do a little more physical labor in order to save on costs, renting a dumpster is a great solution.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental services are affordable, easy to schedule, and provide the perfect solution for larger cleanup projects.
\r\n\r\nThe New Year provides the perfect opportunity to tackle an area of your life that needs improvement and for many, this means finally decluttering their living space and regaining control of their home. Follow these simple steps to decluttering your home to start the new year off right.
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\r\n\r\nWhen comparing apples to apples, hiring a junk removal service is typically more expensive than dumpster rental because of the convenience factor and the added labor involved with junk removal.
\r\n\r\nWith that said, there are situations when hiring a junk removal company is the best option:
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Compare the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental
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