![\"Average](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/average-junk-removal-costs.png\")
Cleaning out a basement can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan and optional help from local junk removal services, you can turn a cluttered space into a clean, usable area quickly.
\r\n\r\nThis guide walks you through the step-by-step basement cleanout process, how to organize what you keep, and when to hire professional basement cleanout services to save time and heavy lifting.
\r\n\r\n![\"basement](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/basement-cleanout-infographic_1.png\")
\r\nKnowing what your goals are and determining an ideal timeline will help you create the most realistic expectations and efficient strategy.
\r\n\r\nSo, before you start moving boxes or furniture, define your goals:
\r\n\r\nNext, decide your timeline:
\r\n\r\nA clear goal and timeline make the entire project more manageable and help prevent cleanout fatigue.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBasements accumulate clutter because people store items and forget about them until the sheer amount of items is impossible to ignore.
\r\n
It's easy to get off track or feel overwhelmed by a large project when you're jumping from one area to another. To avoid feeling overwhelmed:
\r\n\r\nSort your basement one section at a time:
\r\n\r\nAs you clear each area:
\r\n\r\nThis “clean-as-you-go” method prevents having to redo work later.
\r\n\r\nThe easiest way to begin organizing a large amount of items is to create a pile for items you plan on keeping, items you plan on donating or selling, items you can recycle, and items that need to be thrown in the trash.
\r\n\r\nAfter you've done that, you can bag up your trash and recyclables (be sure to keep them separated) and then begin organizing the items you plan on keeping.
\r\n\r\nTips for organizing your “keep” pile:
\r\n\r\nOnce the basement is organized, you’ll likely have large piles of unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nItems in good condition can be donated to:
\r\n\r\nIf you have multiple heavy items or large volumes of debris, junk removal services are the fastest and easiest solution.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies can:
\r\n\r\nThis is ideal when you want the job done quickly or when items are too heavy to carry upstairs.
\r\n\r\nGetting the best price is easy if you compare multiple local junk removal companies.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith Hometown, you can easily find and compare local junk removal companies and get free, no-obligation estimates for your basement cleanout.
\r\n
During an on-site estimate, the junk removal team will determine:
\r\n\r\nIf you like the price, they can often remove everything the same day. If not, you’re free to decline and get more quotes.
\r\n\r\nOnce you approve a quote:
\r\n\r\nDIY basement cleanouts can take 1-3 days, depending on clutter. Junk removal crews can finish most jobs in 1-4 hours.
\r\n\r\nCosts depend on volume, access, and debris type, but most basement cleanouts cost $300-$800.
\r\n\r\nChoose junk removal for quick, labor-heavy cleanouts.
\r\n\r\nChoose dumpster rental if you want to clean at your own pace.
\r\n\r\nYes, many offer full-service basement cleanouts, including labor, hauling, and disposal.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out and organizing your basement can seem like a daunting task, but with a plan in place, it doesn't have to be. Learn about how to quickly tackle a basement cleanout with proper planning.
\r\n","changed":"2025-12-08T20:35:39+00:00"},{"id":"ba4d23da-6145-5e72-971d-36495bc3c567","title":"The Best Way to Get Rid of Old Carpeting","url":"/blog/get-rid-of-old-carpeting","image":{"path":"/static/c61d5048410c7ca021781313c965b1f1/carpet-2.png","alt":"Pile of old, ripped up carpet "},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"452ceba2-add3-5353-9ce8-638ceada914a","name":"Carpet Removal","slug":"Carpet-Removal"}],"content":"Pulling up your old carpeting is fairly simple, but getting rid of it can be a whole other story.
\r\n\r\nGetting rid of old carpet isn't difficult if you have a plan in place, which is why Hometown has gathered information on several carpet disposal solutions for your convenience.
\r\n\r\n![\"The](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-old-carpet-info_1.jpg\")
\r\nMost municipal trash pickup services allow small amounts of carpet thrown in with household trash.
\r\n\r\nIt is rare, however, for them to accept large amounts of rolled up carpet, like a whole room's worth.
\r\n\r\nThere are a few ways to get rid of a large amount of carpet on your own:
\r\n\r\nSome recycling facilities can recycle carpeting into a plastic resin, which is then used for many different products across many different industries. Items like construction materials, shingles, automotive parts, floor coverings, and more can be created from recycled rugs and carpet.
\r\n\r\nMany people are unaware that carpet and rugs can be recycled and an estimated 5 billion pounds of rugs and carpet end up in landfills each year, where they never decompose. Needless to say, recycling your carpet is the best way to dispose of it if you cannot resell or repurpose it yourself.
\r\n\r\nIf there are no recycling facilities or programs near you that accept carpeting and you're left with no other choice, landfills do accept it. You can haul it to the landfill yourself where you will be charged a fee based on the weight of your carpet. Landfill dump fees vary by location.
\r\n\r\nIf you'd rather not go through the struggle of loading, hauling, and unloading the heavy carpet, ask your waste hauler if there are any scheduled bulk trash pickup days or if you can make arrangements for them to pick it up at the curb. There is likely a fee that goes along with this service.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a ridiculous amount of time and patience, breaking down your carpet into small pieces that you can slowly add to your regular household trash could be a way to get rid of your old carpet, but it will take weeks if not months to get rid of large amounts of carpeting using this meticulous method.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Two](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/carpet-1.png\")
\r\nThe easiest way to get rid of old carpeting is to hire a junk removal company to come and haul it away.
\r\n\r\nThis doesn't require you to haul it to the road, but if you choose to do so, the junk removal company may offer you a lower price for fast and convenient loading.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies are committed to recycling and donating as much and as often as possible, so asking each provider you speak with how they'll dispose of your old carpet is a great way to hone in on the best service in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you've never had to arrange junk removal services before, it's fairly easy:
\r\n\r\nGet the best bang for your buck by hiring a locally-owned and operated company; they tend to be less expensive and provide more personalized service compared to larger competitors.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find locally-owned junk removal companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nBy entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your project, you'll be shown companies that service your area, and you can request free quotes from as many service providers as you'd like!
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Large](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/carpet-3.png\")
\r\nIf you've ripped up your old carpeting because of a remodel or renovation and have other debris and material to get rid of, renting a dumpster is a great option.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off and trailer dumpsters are the most common types of temporary dumpster rentals and are an affordable way to get rid of large amounts of trash at once.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals are particularly ideal for ongoing projects that take multiple days or weeks to complete, as it allows you to easily keep your worksite safe and tidy.
\r\n\r\nThe most common dumpster rental sizes are:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster is an economical choice for large jobs where you have to throw out seven or more cubic yards of material.
\r\n\r\nJust like with junk removal service, Hometown can help you find reputable, licensed, and local dumpster rental providers in your area.
\r\n\r\nYou can request multiple quotes to price shop and read verified reviews from real customers, all in one convenient place.
\r\n\r\nWe can help provide answers to some of your biggest waste-related questions.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nPulling up your old carpeting is fairly simple, but getting rid of it is a different story if you don't have a plan in place. Learn about multiple carpet disposal options available to quickly and easily get rid of carpeting.
\r\n","changed":"2023-10-25T20:48:51+00:00"},{"id":"5993b73f-ce46-5e64-983d-cdeba7f94f16","title":"The Best Way to Clean Out a Rental Unit","url":"/blog/the-best-way-to-clean-out-a-rental-unit","image":{"path":"/static/6a1dd932af62782b15cd5c6c581ddc40/Rental-unit-cleanout-intro.jpg","alt":"Pile of junk outside apartment complex"},"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"},{"id":"68ebf442-93d0-56cf-9891-e7a9d9bf7874","name":"Estate Cleanout","slug":"Estate-Cleanout"}],"content":"When it’s time to clean out an apartment or other rental unit, the quickest and easiest method is to hire a junk removal service. We’ll briefly touch on other methods but the best overall option is to use the services of a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nGet three or more junk removal quotes before booking the appointment. This helps ensure you’re getting the best deal. It also helps weed out junk removal companies that cannot meet your project timeline.\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nWhile many junk removal companies offer “prices as low as $99” and similar phrasing, a junk removal rental unit cleanout is a much bigger job that will cost more than the minimum price.
\r\n\r\nThe exact cost of a rental unit cleanout project will vary based on:
\r\n\r\nTotal costs can vary widely from about $500 on the lower end to $1,500+ for large and complex cleanups requiring a full day or longer to complete.\r\n\r\n
Check with multiple junk removal companies to get the best rates.
\r\n\r\nThe costs can vary several hundred dollars between junk removal companies, so doing your due diligence can really payoff for projects like this.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Large](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/fast-junk-removal.jpg\")
\r\nA key benefit of having a junk removal company handle the cleanout is the speed and efficiency in which they complete the job; they are professionals, and it’s what they do every day.
\r\n\r\nA good junk removal company can complete an average size rental unit cleanout in as little as a half-day, or about 3-4 hours.\r\n\r\n
The key is to choose a junk removal company with a positive reputation of providing great service.
\r\n\r\nYou can read online reviews and get recommendations via word of mouth to be sure you’re choosing a reputable junk removal service.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/dumpster-rental-for-rental-unit.jpg\")
\r\nIf DIY is your preference, you can rent a dumpster to accommodate the cleanout.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster or 20 yard dumpster is adequate for most rental unit cleanups.
\r\n\r\nLarger dumpsters may be required for rental units and/or those containing a lot of waste and junk, including bulky furniture and other items.
\r\n\r\nThe national average cost of a 10 yard dumpster is $350, and the average cost for a 20 yard dumpsters is $450.
\r\n\r\nThe actual cost of your rental may be lower or higher depending on where you live.
\r\n\r\nThere are many benefits to renting a dumpster for rental unit cleanouts:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find reputable dumpster rental companies near you.
\r\n
\r\nBrowse dumpster rental companies based on your zip code, read customer reviews for each company, and request quotes from multiple dumpster rental providers to ensure you pay a fair price for great services.
![\"man](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/Loading-a-van.jpg\")
\r\nHiring a junk removal service or renting a dumpster are not the only options available for rental unit cleanout projects.
\r\n\r\nWhile there is more work involved compared to the aforementioned options, clearing out and hauling away all your stuff from the rental unit yourself is always an option.
\r\n\r\nThis cleanout method requires more time and sweat to get the job done, but it can work. You’ll probably need a trailer, van, and/or pickup truck to do the hauling.
\r\n\r\nThe downside is that you will need to handle the cleanout, the loading, and the disposal.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen you hire a junk removal service, you don’t have to do any of the dirty work or heavy lifting yourself. Renting a dumpster requires loading your dumpster yourself.
\r\n
The thing to keep in mind is that a large project like this will take a lot of time to “DIY it” unless you have the experience and all the right tools, equipment, and manpower to attack it. It’s easy to underestimate the overall scale of the project.
\r\n\r\nIt’s also important to compare the cost of dumpster rental to hauling it yourself.
\r\n\r\nInitially, hiring a junk removal service comes with a bit of sticker shock but when weighing the benefits described previously, it softens the blow.
\r\n\r\nOn the flip side, doing the project yourself will likely take longer, require far more effort, and all for not that much (if any) cost savings.
\r\n\r\nDon’t forget to consider landfill dump fees, and the cost of fuel required to haul the load from the rental unit. If several trips are required, overall costs can add up quickly.
\r\n\r\nIt still may be a cheaper option, but be sure to consider the time and effort involved before deciding on your plan of action.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company to handle a rental unit cleanout is the fastest and most cost-efficient option. We'll discuss this and other rental unit cleanout options.
\r\n","changed":"2022-05-16T12:27:19+00:00"}],"populars":[],"tips":[{"name":"Roll Off Containers","body":"This will vary based on rules and regulations in your area.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, the most common wastes prohibited from being disposed of in dumpsters include:
\r\n\r\nThese items should be taken to local HHW processing facilities or collected during HHW collection events. E-wastes can be recycled at most major electronics stores, including Best Buy and Staples. Locate a scrap tire yard in your area to dispose of used tires, or take them to a tire store for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster can range from $250 up to $750 or more.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The wide variability in pricing is influenced primarily by the following factors:
\r\n\r\nRead more: Lower Your Cost to Rent a Dumpster
\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tOur roll-off dumpsters are available in a variety of sizes, including 8, 10, 15, 20 and 30 cubic yards. Upstate Dumpsters is dedicated to providing professional delivery and pickup at...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t![\"Upstate](\"/static/0cf24a27a1c0df69c73e5c792a40248f/upstate-dumpsters.jpg\"/)
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAt Stone Container Rentals we make it simple to rent a roll-off dumpster. We offer a “small” 8’ x 9’ and a “large” 8’ x 18’ container to suit...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSee all\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCounty Waste & Recycling is a trusted waste management company proudly serving the Capital Region of New York for over 25 years. We offer competitive pricing and...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tChris Rizzo Trucking Inc. is a family-owned waste hauling and roll-off dumpster rental company based in Gloversville, New York. Operating as a direct, asset-owning carrier...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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