When you have gently used or outdated items that are in clean, working condition, the most responsible way to get rid of them is to donate them. There are countless benefits to donating your unwanted belongings, like freeing up storage space in your home, keeping items out of landfills, helping those less fortunate, stimulating your local economy, and potential tax breaks, just to name a few.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have heavy items to donate, like old furniture sets, or if you have a few boxes or bags full of belongings to donate and don't have the time, physical ability, or desire to load, haul, and unload your donations, hiring a junk removal company is the perfect solution.
\r\n
![\"person](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/donation-2.png\")
\r\nJunk removal services are designed to help homeowners, renters, landlords, office managers, and others quickly get rid of unwanted items as quickly as possible.
\r\n\r\nIf you are someone that itemizes their tax deductible donations and require a donation receipt, make sure you discuss this before hiring a junk removal service. More often than not, junk removal companies take pride in being an environmentally-friendly disposal solution and donate or recycle the items they haul away as often as possible, whether their customers request this or not. Because of this practice, you'll need to make sure the company that you hire keeps your items separate from the other items they donate so that they can provide you with the proper paperwork if you require a donation receipt.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nMost areas have nationwide donation centers and resale stores, like Goodwill and The Salvation Army, but it's worth looking into local options as well. Instead of having a junk removal company haul your unwanted items to the closest donation based resale store, consider finding organizations that will place your unwanted clothes and household items directly into the hands of people in need.
\r\n\r\nWomen's shelters, schools, foster care programs, LGBTQ+ centers, refugee organizations, churches, and homeless shelters are all examples of organizations you should search for in your area to donate your items to. Do a quick Google search or post in a community Facebook group to find these types of organizations that will accept donations in your area,
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company to donate your items on your behalf is a great solution if you:
\r\n\r\nWhen you're ready to find a junk removal service near you, search your zip code on Hometown. We help consumers connect with responsible, licensed junk removal and dumpster rental companies across the U.S. By filling out our quote request form, you'll be able to send your request to up to 3 local providers in your area who will provide you with a completely free hauling estimate.
\r\n\r\nWhen possible, donating your unwanted items is best. Learn how junk removal companies can help you streamline the donation process for the fastest results.
\r\n","changed":"2023-04-30T18:41:57+00:00"},{"id":"e9524fed-ed3c-5e23-ae1f-21cfaf4aa319","title":"7 Simple Steps to Planning an Estate Cleanout","url":"/blog/steps-to-planning-estate-cleanout","image":{"path":"/static/053e9997ec50f6d97b80328245db16b1/estate-cleanout-steps.png","alt":"older couple embracing and facing a home"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"68ebf442-93d0-56cf-9891-e7a9d9bf7874","name":"Estate Cleanout","slug":"Estate-Cleanout"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"After a loved one passes away or going through a divorce, it can be an emotional and stressful time.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have been named the executor of a deceased loved one's estate or are otherwise involved in the process of handling a division of assets, you may be wondering where to start.
\r\n
This guide is designed to simplify the process of what goes into cleaning out and preparing an estate.
\r\n\r\nHometown can help you find local junk removal companies that can assist with your estate cleanout. Read customer reviews, reach out to multiple companies for quotes, and make the best choice for your project to avoid overspending for poor customer service.
\r\n![\"steps](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/steps-of-estate-cleanout-infographic.png\")
\r\nWhen a loved one passes and you're the executor of their estate, the first step should always be ensuring that the home is secure.
\r\n\r\nIf you are unsure of who has keys to the home, we recommend changing the locks in order to protect the estate and the belongings inside.
\r\n\r\nIf they rented their house, apartment, or condo, reach out to their landlord to find the best solution for securing the property and gaining access as needed.
\r\n\r\nIn the case of a divorce, one or both of you may need to continue living in your home until other living arrangements are found or until the divorce and division of assets are finalized.
\r\n\r\nIt is common for one spouse to move out of the marital home before a divorce is finalized, so whoever stays in the home will be responsible for securing it.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe second thing that you should do is locate and organize all legal documents.
\r\n\r\nThe documents you should locate include:
\r\n\r\nThere are other documents you may need as well.
\r\n\r\nIn the case of a divorce, you will want to gather other paperwork as well:
\r\n\r\nTypically, the probate/estate lawyer or divorce lawyer will help you through the process and advise on any documents they need.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe next step is to go through items with the family to disperse sentimental and valuable belongings and determine which family members will take what.
\r\n\r\nThis can be a great time to get together with family to celebrate the life of the lost loved one as well as the memories made together in their home, especially if the home will not be staying in the family.
\r\n\r\nIf this is not possible for your family, this part of the process can often be done virtually, over the phone, or via email.
\r\n\r\nIn the case of a divorce, you'll need to divide assets with your spouse if this is not already established by a prenuptial agreement; decide who will get what and what will be sold.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce it's determined which items will be kept, start separating items that should be sold.
\r\n\r\nIf you're unsure of the value of certain items, make note of those items that need to be appraised or auctioned off.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAt this point, you should have a pretty good idea of what can be thrown out, recycled, or donated.
\r\n\r\nIt's likely that there are plenty of used and unwanted household items that do not have enough of a resale value to sell each and every one, but they're still usable and should be donated or recycled.
\r\n\r\nIdeally, you'll have separated the items that need to go from the ones that need to stay.
\r\n\r\nIf you like the idea of someone else coming to get your used item(s) and hauling them away to be recycled or donated on your behalf, then junk removal services are the ideal option.
\r\n\r\nMaybe you have a lot of items, extremely heavy furniture, or an entire house of items to clean out...This is where your local junk removal team comes in.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResearch junk removal services in your area and get several different junk removal quotes.
\r\n\r\nThis will help you determine who offers the best price, who is knowledgeable and professional within their industry, and who offers great customer service.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to get quotes and find the best local services.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you feel confident that you've found the right junk removal company for your project, it's time to book your junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nThe professionals will then be in charge of clearing out the home in a careful and thorough manner.
\r\n\r\nOnce the estate is cleaned out of all remaining items, we recommend hiring a house cleaning service to get it cleaned before selling the house, if that's what you plan to do.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nAfter a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional and stressful time. If you have been named the executor of a deceased loved one's estate or are otherwise involved in the process, learn the steps of how to clean out and prepare an estate.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-07T23:14:40+00:00"},{"id":"07dc4776-36d7-5747-b231-e2162efdd7fc","title":"Make Your Basement Clean and Beautiful for Less","url":"/blog/make-your-basement-clean-and-beautiful-for-less","image":{"path":"/static/c0792f3cd8ab9729cc00c42d06eb8519/clean-basement.png","alt":"clean and tidy basement"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"},{"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":"Decluttering your basement doesn't have to be a long or complicated project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe key to a clean and beautiful basement is, of course, staying on top of your junk in the first place, but this is easier said than done. Luckily, there are a number of disposal options available to homeowners looking to clean out their basement.
\r\n
In this guide, we'll discuss the most popular ways to get rid of junk in your basement quickly and for as little money as possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"make](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/make-basement-clean-and-beautiful-for-less-infographic_2.png\")
\r\nArguably the easiest and quickest way to get rid of junk from your basement is to hire a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies can assist with a basement cleanout in two ways:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhether you set aside the junk for the junk removal company or ask them to assist with the entire cleanout, junk removal companies specialize in fast, efficient services.
\r\n
One of the best features of junk removal services is their prioritization of donating and recycling materials whenever possible, rather than hauling them to a landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe national average cost to hire a junk removal company to clean out a cluttered basement is $800-$2,000, but can be as low as a few hundred dollars for smaller jobs.
\r\n\r\nThe exact cost of your basement cleanout will depend on:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find a reputable junk removal service near you.
\r\n\r\nBrowse local junk removal companies, read verified customer reviews, request free quotes, and get answers to common junk removal questions all in one easy-to-use place.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nRenting a temporary dumpster, whether you rent a roll-off container or a trailer dumpster, is another option for basement cleanouts, and is arguably the most cost-effective way to do so.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have 7 or more cubic yards of unwanted junk in your basement to get rid of, dumpster rental might be the best disposal method for you.
\r\n
Dumpster rental does require lifting and loading sometimes heavy items, so this is only an option if you have the strength, assistance, or tools to safely move your items from the basement into the dumpster.
\r\n\r\nAn average size basement cleanout can typically be accommodated with a 10 yard dumpster, but a larger, more cluttered basement will likely require a 20 yard dumpster or even 30 yard dumpster in extreme cases.
\r\n\r\nThe average national cost to rent a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$450, while the average cost to rent a 20 yard dumpster is $350-$550.
\r\n\r\nThe best pricing and customer service you can get is typically from locally-owned dumpster rental companies rather than the big name companies.
\r\n\r\nFinding local dumpster companies near you and requesting multiple dumpster rental quotes to compare pricing is fast and free with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least 3 different dumpster rental estimates to make sure you get great service for a great price.
\r\n\r\nIf you perform a yearly cleanup of your home, junk removal and dumpster rental services can come in handy. Let Hometown help you find the right cleanup service for your project and the best company to hire to get the job done.
\r\n\r\nReady for a bigger change? Make a plan to remodel your basement and get it looking its best. (Read our tips on getting your basement remodeled for less.)
\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nDecluttering your basement doesn't have to be a long or complicated project. Find out the disposal options available to homeowners looking to clean out their basement and how to get rid of junk in your basement quickly and for as little money as possible.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-09T18:15:42+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/allentown-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/dumpsters-allentown.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/pittsburgh-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-allentown-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"Roll Off Containers","body":"Rental costs for a 10 yard bin in some locations can be as low as $250 for a 7-day rental, while in other parts of the country rates run $450+ for the same size container.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It all depends on where you live, weight of the debris, type of waste, and length of the rental period. Bigger dumpsters – such as 20, 30, and 40 yard boxes – cost more to rent.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
An important part of getting the best price on a roll-off dumpster is to check pricing at least two rental providers to make sure you’re getting fair market value. It’s a great bargaining tool as well.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Other potential fees to know about includes:
\r\n\r\nRead more: Lower Your Cost to Rent a Dumpster
\r\n\r\nThe weight of debris can vary greatly.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example:
\r\n\r\nExceeding the weight allowance of your roll-off can incur overage charges ranging from $75 to $100 per ton on average.
\r\n","place":null,"code":"roll-off-dumpsters"}],"related":[{"title":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-rochester-mills-pa"},{"title":"Junk - Clean-up or Removal","url":"pennsylvania/junk-removal-rochester-mills-pa"}],"bread":{"title":"Dumpster rental","url":"pennsylvania/dumpster-rental-rochester-mills-pa"},"modal_project_types":[{"name":"Cleanout an Interior Space","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":542,"label":"Cleanout - Basement","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":543,"label":"Cleanout - Commercial","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":544,"label":"Cleanout - Estate","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":545,"label":"Cleanout - Garage","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":546,"label":"Cleanout - Hoarding","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Cleanup an Exterior Area","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":547,"label":"Cleanup - Storm Recovery","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":557,"label":"Trash Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":558,"label":"Yard Waste Removal","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Construction & Demolition","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":548,"label":"Construction Debris Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":552,"label":"Light Demolition","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Large Item Removal","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":540,"label":"Appliance Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":541,"label":"Carpet Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":550,"label":"Furniture Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":553,"label":"Mattress Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":554,"label":"Refrigerator Removal","service":"junk-removal"}]}],"codes":[{"name":"10 Yard Dumpster","code":"10-yard-dumpster","paths":{"name":"10_Yard_Dumpster","code":"10-yard-dumpster"}},{"name":"20 Yard Dumpster","code":"20-yard-dumpster","paths":{"name":"20_Yard_Dumpster","code":"20-yard-dumpster"}},{"name":"Construction Dumpster","code":"construction-dumpster","paths":{"name":"Construction_Dumpster","code":"construction-dumpster"}},{"name":"Roll Off - Dumpsters for Rent","code":"roll-off-dumpsters","paths":{"name":"Roll_Off_Dumpsters_for_Rent","code":"roll-off-dumpsters"}}],"seo_desc":[{"name":"30 Yard Dumpsters","code":"roll-off-dumpsters","kg_homepage_seo_desc":null,"kg_kpp_seo_desc":null,"kg_seo_label":null,"kg_state_seo_desc":null,"kg_panel_page_seo_desc":"Get the best deal on a 30-yard dumpster in PLACE_NAME. Compare local prices on large dumpsters and book online, hassle-free with Hometown!"}],"pros":"28547, 39300","profiles":[[{"id":"28547"},{"id":"39300"}]],"code":"roll-off-dumpsters","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"ppprolloff"},"cards":{"28547":"\n\t\t\t\t\tHugill’s Sanitation is a family owned business offering personal, friendly services for residential and commercial customers in Western and Central PA. We were founded...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWingert Roll-Off Service is a small, family-operated crew focused on straightforward dumpster rental and hauling for local homeowners, roofers, and contractors. Most of our work...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t