Looking for answers to some of junk removal customers' most frequently asked questions? We've got the answers you're looking for.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we answer some of the most common junk removal questions:
\r\n\r\nSearch for junk removal services in your area using Hometown's easy-to-use database.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can compare the services each company offers, read customer reviews, and request quotes from as many service providers as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nIf you have just a couple of bulky items to toss, like an appliance or a small furniture set, then the junk hauler may be able to give you a quote before coming out to your site.
\r\n\r\nIf you have more than a few items to get rid of, the junk removal service will likely need to see the junk in person to give an accurate estimate.
\r\n\r\nTypically, a crew of two people will come out to your property to assess the junk's volume and the amount of effort necessary to remove it.
\r\n\r\nThey then provide you with an exact quote, and if you're satisfied with the price, the team removes the junk on the spot.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't like the price that particular company quotes you, you're not obligated to hire and estimates are free.
\r\n\r\nPayment is only taken after the job is completed and your junk is gone.
\r\n\r\nIf the price works for you, then most haulers will remove the junk on the spot.
\r\n\r\nThe crew who gave you the estimate will then load all your unwanted junk onto their trucks and haul it away, leaving you with a clean-swept space.
\r\n\r\nAfter your junk is hauled away, relax and enjoy your clutter-free space.
\r\n\r\nIt feels great to get rid of unwanted or unneeded items cluttering up your life, especially when someone else did all the heavy lifting and dirty work for you.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal experts will handle your debris responsibly, donating reusable items in good condition and recycling when possible.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies structure their services in a way that allows you to get rid of a large (or small) amount of junk in a single trip without sending it to the landfill by throwing it away with a dumpster rental.
\r\n
Items are separated so they can be donated or recycled whenever possible.
\r\n\r\nIf you only have a couple items to get rid of and they're all going to the same place, the company will typically drive them there directly, either to a local donation center/charity or to the local recycling facility. Whatever cannot be donated or recycled is taken to the landfill for disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf you are donating furniture or a large amount of items, the company should provide you with a donation receipt.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\n![\"pile](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-removal-items.png\")
\r\nJunk removal companies are willing to take nearly anything off your hands, including items you can't put in a dumpster, like air conditioning units, refrigerators, and other freon-containing appliances.
\r\n\r\nHere's an idea of what most junk removal companies will take:
\r\n\r\nKeep in mind: There are some items are not accepted due to safety concerns, like hazardous materials (mold, asbestos, lead paint), chemicals, etc.
\r\n\r\nDouble check with each company you speak to that they accept the items you have.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting a quote from a junk removal company is always free, but the cost for your specific junk removal project will depend on a number of factors.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal services have a minimum charge of $75-$100.
\r\n\r\nThis will generally include the pick-up of a couple small pieces of furniture or a very small pile of lightweight junk.
\r\n\r\nThe average junk removal project, however, is typically bigger than this, so the average cost of junk removal services is typically closer to $500-$1,000.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs you might imagine, one of the biggest factors influencing cost is the amount of items you have, because the more items you have to remove, the more space it takes up in the company's truck, the more labor hours and people it will take to get the project done, and the more it will cost for the job.
\r\n
For example, if you have heavy or large items to get rid of, it will take more than one person to haul them away, which results in a higher cost.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you live in a remote, rural area, it will cost the company more to get to your property and haul the junk to the nearest recycling facility or landfill, and you will have to cover that cost difference.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How Much Does It Cost to Haul Away Junk?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn most cases, dumpster rental prices fall between $250 and $550 for a seven-day rental, while junk removal can be as low as $75 or as high as thousands of dollars.
\r\n\r\nTypically, junk removal services cost more than renting a dumpster because they do all the work for you.
\r\n\r\nHowever, the exception to this rule is when you have a smaller cleanup, like hauling away a couple pieces of furniture or getting rid of a refrigerator.
\r\n\r\nIn general, if you need to get rid of only a couple larger items like appliances or furniture, junk removal is usually the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nBut, if you have a larger project, then dumpster rental is likely less expensive.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental saves you money when you have more than a few yards of debris or junk to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal estimates are almost always provided on-site.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal crew will come out to your home, yard, or business to see your junk cleanup project in person before providing an estimate for the junk removal work.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBecause junk removal pricing is based on how much space your items take up in the company's truck, they will need to see the items in person before they can provide an exact quote. For single item removals, they may be able to offer an estimated price, but the final cost is not given until the crew is on site.
\r\n
When the junk removal company comes out and gives you an estimate, if you agree to their price, they'll often get started right away or schedule a time that's convenient to complete the work.
\r\n\r\nThese quotes may be provided in person, but you are in no way obligated to hire a junk removal company if you don't feel like their price is fair or there are other red flags, like poor customer service.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: What Is an On-Site Junk Removal Estimate?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTips are not required or expected, but if your junk removal crew does a great job, it's relatively standard practice to tip 10-20%.
\r\n\r\nA basic guideline for tipping a junk removal company is 10-15% tips for a small cleanup project and 15-20% for a larger cleanup.
\r\n\r\nHowever, you are in no way obligated to tip your junk haulers.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How to Choose the Best Junk Removal Company
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-removal-company_0.png\")
\r\nHometown makes it easy to find the right local junk removal company for the job.
\r\n\r\nYou can browse companies that serve your zip code, read their company profiles, see what customers have to say about their service, and easily request a quote from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend reaching out to multiple junk removal providers before hiring because it will help to ensure you get a fair price, good customer service, and the services you need when you need them.
\r\n\r\nContact a minimum of two to three junk removal companies to be sure you have a good understanding of your options and that you pick the right company for you and your project.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nLooking for answers to some of junk removal customers' most frequently asked questions? We've got the answers you're looking for. Find out how junk removal works, how much it costs, who to hire, whether or not to tip, and more.
\r\n","changed":"2022-04-27T16:21:33+00:00"},{"id":"5ca2a112-221a-5617-9bdb-a8accb28527c","title":"The Cheapest Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Junk","url":"/blog/cheapest-ways-to-get-rid-of-unwanted-junk","image":{"path":"/static/d3cd47800ff8d0de67d3d3fe04e704b6/trash.png","alt":"piles of garbage and trash outside of overflowing garbage bin"},"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":"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"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"When it comes to getting rid of unwanted junk and clutter lying around the house, there are several options available.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we understand the importance of fast and affordable junk hauling and waste disposal, so we've gathered the best and most affordable junk removal options available on the market today.
\r\n\r\n![\"The](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-of-unwanted-junk_0.png\")
\r\nAs the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure.
\r\n\r\nOne of the cheapest ways to get rid of unwanted junk is to list it online as a free item.
\r\n\r\nFor example, Facebook Marketplace is a popular choice to list items for free or for sale.
\r\n\r\nTake a few photos of your unwanted items, give them an accurate and detailed listing description, and set their listing price as $0.
\r\n\r\nIncluding \"FREE\" at the beginning of your listing title and description will draw the attention of those looking for free items.
\r\n\r\nMany people also set the items at the curb with a sign that states it is free so that anyone driving by can pick them up as well.
\r\n\r\nWhile this is a great way to get rid of your unwanted junk at no monetary cost to you, it may require patience.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the area you live and the items you're trying to get rid of, it may take several days, perhaps even weeks, for the right person to see your items and take them off your hands.
\r\n\r\nLeaving items at your curb for too long can result in fines in some areas, so make sure you're aware of local laws and ordinances.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in a pinch and need to get rid of items fast, this may not be your best solution.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Who Will Pick Up Used Appliances or Furniture for Free?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother free option to get rid of unwanted items is to drop them off at a local donation center.
\r\n\r\nThe only out-of-pocket cost for this solution is whatever fuel it takes for you to make the round trip.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to understand what type of items are accepted at your local donation centers.
\r\n\r\nMany places like Goodwill or The Salvation Army will not take certain types of furniture or appliances, so do some research before you take the time to load and haul your items.
\r\n\r\nIf your unwanted items are broken, dirty, or in overall poor condition, you should not attempt to donate them.
\r\n\r\nOld junk in poor condition should be properly disposed of or recycled.
\r\n\r\nDid you know that junk removal companies donate a vast majority of the junk they remove from people's homes? If you have large items to donate or a pile of things, simplify the process by hiring a junk removal company to haul the items to the donation center for you. They'll even provide you with a receipt of donation. (Be sure to ask.)
\r\nDepending on where you live, your city or township may offer bulk waste pick-up services.
\r\n\r\nMost areas require you to schedule your pick-up and pay for it ahead of time, while some may have designated dates and times for bulk waste pick-ups.
\r\n\r\nYour weekly trash pick-up service likely offers this service as well, but when the service is available and what items are allowed will vary from one location to the next.
\r\n\r\nIf you aren't on a time schedule and these services are available in your area, these curb pick-up service may be the most affordable option if online marketplaces or donation centers aren't an option for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have 7 cubic yards or more worth of junk to get rid of, renting a dumpster is a cost-efficient way to get rid of large amounts of junk and trash at once.
\r\n\r\nTemporary dumpster rentals come in different styles and sizes to accommodate disposal projects of all sizes, like garage cleanouts, whole home cleanouts, condo or apartment cleanouts, tenant cleanups, single room cleanouts, and everything in between.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince most dumpster rentals last 5-7 days, renting a dumpster allows you to take your time and really go through all of your belongings to get rid of the most junk at once.
\r\n
10 yard and 20 yard dumpsters are the most popular sizes for residential projects and cost $250-$550 on average.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't think you have enough items to fill up a 10 yard container but like the flexibility that having a dumpster at your property provides, ask your neighbors if they would be interested in sharing one with you. This could split your dumpster rental costs by 50% or more!
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf none of the above solutions fit your schedule or apply to your situation, hiring professional junk removal services to take care of everything for you is by far the fastest and most convenient way to get rid of unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nWhile not always the cheapest, junk removal services are affordable and the convenience it provides is invaluable to many.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are known for their speed and are trained to perform the most thorough job in the shortest amount of time, all while being respectful and discrete.
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Many junk removal companies take time to go through the belongings you're getting rid of and set aside any recyclables or items that are in condition to be donated before they haul the rest to a landfill, so you can feel confident knowing your items are being disposed of as responsibly as possible.
\r\n\r\nIf you decide to bring in a professional to either rent a dumpster from or to haul away your items via junk removal services, getting multiple quotes is the best practice to ensure you're paying a competitive price and getting the quality customer service you deserve with the availability that you require.
\r\n\r\nHometown can help you accomplish all that and more.
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned, licensed, and insured junk removal and dumpster rental companies throughout the U.S.
\r\n\r\nYou can read all about each companies' services, read reviews from real customers, and request as many quotes as you would like - all for free!
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code in our database, you'll be shown qualified businesses that service your area and are eager to help you reclaim your space, one truckload of unwanted junk at a time.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to getting rid of unwanted junk and clutter lying around the house, there are several options available. Read about the best and most affordable junk removal options available on the market today.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-03T13:04:29+00:00"},{"id":"56a8269e-6bd7-57c3-a61a-b0e644836136","title":"Declutter Your Home to Boost Its Value","url":"/blog/declutter-your-home-to-boost-its-value","image":{"path":"/static/f94e480081d8f79e62bbfa77afae0f4c/increase-home-value.jpg","alt":"declutter home to boost value"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"Did you know that decluttering your home has the power to maximize its value and make it stand out against the competition?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDecluttering and staging your home can increase its selling value by 15-20% on average and get it sold faster, too.
\r\n
In this guide, we'll discuss:
\r\n\r\nCleaning alone can deliver a 3-5% return on investment and is something you can do yourself, so make sure everything is looking its best during home showings.
\r\n\r\nRegular home maintenance, cleanliness, and minimizing clutter in your everyday life goes a long way when it comes time to sell but also in your day-to-day life, too.
\r\n\r\nIf you don’t keep up on regular repairs, you can expect to spend more money and time when it comes to prepping your home for sale.
\r\n\r\n![\"declutter](\"/sites/default/files/migrate_images/staged-home_0.jpg\")
\r\nWe also recommend doing everything you can to make your property look its best, not through expensive changes but through smart staging.
\r\n\r\nYour real estate agent will likely be able to provide some good insight into the best way to go about this and may even be able to bring in a professional if needed.
\r\n\r\nDeclutter, depersonalize, and tidy things up using your own possessions as much as possible.
\r\n\r\nRemember: Staging a home is different from designing or decorating a space.
\r\n\r\nStage your home for maximum sales appeal and to entice as many buyers as possible, not to meet your specific tastes.
\r\n\r\nTo make the decluttering or cleaning process easier, rely on junk removal services. Professionals can come haul away unwanted junk in no time, making it easy to get to the deep cleaning and staging process.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn how decluttering and staging your home can increase its selling value by 15-20% on average and get it sold faster, too.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-22T17:01:53+00:00"}],"populars":[{"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":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-philadelphia-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/philadelphia-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"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"The average cost of renting a 20 yard roll-off dumpster is $350-$550. Other charges for overages, tonnage, fuel surcharges, late fees, and certain types of debris may also apply.
\r\n\r\nOverage fees apply when you go over your dumpster's weight limit. Overage fees vary by company but typically range from $75-$100 per ton. This is why it’s important to choose the right dumpster size for you. When speaking with the rental company over the phone, be detailed about the type and amount of debris you plan to get rid of. They are good at estimating weight and helping you choose the right size dumpster.
\r\n\r\n20 yard roll-off containers commonly come equipped with a hinged door, which makes it easy for you to load heavy/bulky items. Make sure you ask the dumpster providers you speak to whether or not their dumpsters have doors, as some older containers may not. Typical dimensions of a 20 yard dumpster are 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4.5 feet tall. If you are doing a home or garage cleanout, a 20 yard dumpster may be a great option for you, as the dimensions accommodate furniture and general trash well.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about 20 yard containers:
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tThe expert team at MP Custom Services has proudly served the Lehigh Valley since 2012 offering a wide range of key services for residential and commercial...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNick’s Enterprises is an owner operated residential and commercial disposal and container rental service company proudly serving the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities. We...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOperating right out of Jim Thorpe, PA, Shamrock Container Inc. is a locally owned and operated business that understands the specific needs of our neighbors...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCCI Waste Recycling Services, Inc offers full-service waste hauling services. We have a large stock of dumpsters available for residential, commercial or industrial projects. We’...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPrime Services, LLC is a well-established provider of several key outdoor services, including roll-off dumpster rental. We carry four container capacities, and our 20 cubic yard...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFull Circle Removal provides full-service dumpster rental, debris removal, and demolition services throughout the New Jersey & Pennsylvania areas. Our services are great for your home...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThats Gotta Go Dumpsters provides cost-effective, convenient, and market-competitive 20 yard dumpsters rentals that take the pain out of clearing junk in a jiffy. We offer...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVeteran-owned and operated, RK Dumpster Rental LLC provides clean dumpsters that range from 15 to 20 yards in size, or 11-14 feet in length, for your residential and small commercial remodeling projects, cleanouts, house flips, estate sales, and more. We put your...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tC&R Container Service can tackle ALL your tough jobs. With over 28 years in the industry, you can trust our quality dumpsters for a variety of cleanup projects, like C&D debris, yard waste, household junk, and everything in between. \n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tA+ Dumpster Solutions LLC has been providing reliable and prompt waste removal services for over 20 years! We offer a versatile range of roll-off containers, including 10, 12, 15, 16, 20,...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMarki Roll-Off Container, Inc. is dedicated to making your dumpster and hauling needs simple and efficient across Northeastern Pennsylvania, serving Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, Carbon, and...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAccurate Landscaping, LLC in Cresco, PA serves the Pocono region with practical dumpster rental and full‑service junk removal solutions for both homeowners and small...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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