With roughly 40% of landfill waste being paper, its no wonder why consumers and businesses are being called now more than ever to recycle paper as often as possible.
\r\n\r\nWe are all sitting on a huge opportunity to reduce the size of our landfills at a time when landfill \"real estate\" is limited and dwindling by the day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling is a great cause but there are rules you must follow in order to not contaminate a batch of recyclables.
\r\n
Not following these rules can lead to recyclables having to be tossed into a landfill, producing the exact opposite results you were trying for.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over everything you need to know about paper recycling for homes and businesses so you can ensure your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n\r\nAs we've already mentioned, one of the more obvious benefits of recycling paper is conserving landfill space, but that only just scratches the surface of the many benefits of paper recycling.
\r\n\r\nMany of us were taught in school that recycling paper helps to reduce the amount of trees that are cut down, but how many trees are we actually preserving?
\r\n\r\nTo put it in perspective, if all newspapers that were put into production every year were recycled, we could save around 250 MILLION trees each year!
\r\n\r\nFor every ton (2,000 lbs) of paper that is recycled, we save roughly:
\r\n\r\nIf you're more motivated by the economy than you are the environment, don't worry, we've got you covered there too.
\r\n\r\nA new study by Eco-Cycle shows that if the United States could transition to a 75% recycling rate by the year 2030, we would create an estimate 1-2 million new jobs!
\r\n\r\nJobs created by the recycling industry aren't minimum wage jobs, either. The recycling industry offers theirs workers competitive wages and health benefits.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when recycling paper is that it is crucial to keep all paper products clean.
\r\n\r\nIn a mixed recycling bin where you throw aluminum, glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard, you're much more likely to get cross contamination from foods or liquids which can ruin an entire bale of recyclable paper.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe best paper recycling practice is to keep the paper separate from other types of recyclables so that they can remain clean.
\r\n
It's also important to understand the different types of paper products we use and what they can often be lined or mixed with.
\r\n\r\nSome of the old ways that we or our parents were taught to recycle is no longer applicable and can actually contaminate our more current paper recycling processes today.
\r\n\r\nChina is the world's largest purchaser of recycled paper and they have strict rules, requiring that recycled paper have 1% or less of contamination.
\r\n\r\nSo while it used to not be necessary in the past to remove the plastic windows in business envelopes, it can be the difference between contaminating recycled paper that can be repurchased or not.
\r\n\r\nThe best practices for recycling any type of material is to understand exactly what can and can't go in your bin, specifically in your area.
\r\n\r\nSome recycling facilities can handle certain products that others cannot.
\r\n\r\nFor example, most recycling centers can't recycle paper cups because they are actually lined with plastic.
\r\n\r\nThere are, however, some recycling centers that have special machines that can separate this plastic from cups.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it's important to get a list of accepted material directly from your waste management company so that you aren't mistakingly contaminating the paper or other items you're trying to recycle.
\r\n\r\nHere is a list of the most universally accepted paper products that can be recycled:
\r\n\r\nMixed material items like orange juice containers and milk cartons can be recycled in some areas, and not in others.
\r\n\r\nAgain, that's why it's important to do local research before tossing just anything into your recycling bin.
\r\n\r\n![\"Paper](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/paper-cup.jpg\")
\r\nThere are many common mistakes well-intentioned people make when recycling paper.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most common is tossing in pizza boxes with grease stains.
\r\n\r\nWhile cardboard is a recyclable material, no paper products that are contaminated with food should be recycled.
\r\n\r\nIf the top half of your pizza box does not have any grease on it, feel free to separate that from the bottom half of your pizza box and put it into your recycling as long as you're sure it's clean.
\r\n\r\nAnother common mistake people make is throwing in paper items that are lined or coated with wax or plastic, like paper cups, milk cartons, juice boxes, receipts, parchment paper, printed photographs, etc.
\r\n\r\nMany recycling centers can't recycle paper with fibers are already heavily refined, like tissue paper.
\r\n\r\nPaper towels and napkins have fibers that are too short to be recycled (but they can be composted!).
\r\n\r\nOne of the more shocking pieces of information regarding paper recycling that is a common mistake, for businesses especially, is that shredded paper cannot be recycled in the same manner as regular paper.
\r\n\r\nThe fibers in shredded paper have been shortened too much and the small pieces often jam recycling machinery.
\r\n\r\nSome facilities allow shredded paper that is contained in plastic bags and kept separate from other full pieces of paper, but not all do.
\r\n\r\nCheck with your local facility to learn more.
\r\n\r\nIf your curbside trash service also offers recycling, having your recycling picked up at the end of your driveway is certainly the most convenient option.
\r\n\r\nFor those who live in areas where this isn't offered, however, there are plenty of other options available.
\r\n\r\nMany communities have drop-off recycling programs or community dumpsters at different drop-off locations for recyclables.
\r\n\r\nMichigan, for example, has a paper and cardboard recycling program called PaperGator where residents can deposit their recyclable paper products into dumpster containers at several designated drop-off locations.
\r\n\r\nVisit Earth 911 to find recycling centers or programs near you. You can type in the specific type of material you'd like to recycle, as well as your zip code, and you'll be shown recycling solutions in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you're a business or contractor that has large amounts of paper or cardboard to recycle that won't fit in your curbside collection, consider renting a dumpster for your recycling efforts.
\r\n\r\nOr, if you have a lot of paper to recycle but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, consider hiring a junk removal company to haul away your paper for you.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company will be able to recycle all your paper and cardboard products on your behalf without you having to lift a finger.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find junk removal services and dumpster rentals for all types of disposals across the U.S., including paper recycling!
\r\n\r\nSearch your zip code, answer a few quick questions about your project needs, and get free quotes from qualified companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nLearn everything you need to know about paper recycling to ensure that your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-15T18:07:46+00:00"},{"id":"b23a185e-4a24-5f69-a87a-b2ac7038650a","title":"Is Junk Removal Cheaper Than a Dumpster?","url":"/blog/is-junk-removal-cheaper-than-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/a23e75e41925ff5ae9a89f199db501d5/junk-removal-crew.png","alt":"two men carrying couch down apartment stairwell"},"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":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"}],"content":"When most people have a junk removal or debris disposal project, they tend to think about cost and labor first and foremost.
\r\n\r\nThe two most common waste disposal methods for homeowners and business owners—junk removal services and temporary dumpster rental—are great options, but each method has its place.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo maximize cost effectiveness and minimize stress, do your research to be sure you choose the service that suits your physical ability, time constraints, and budget.
\r\n
![\"is](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/is-junk-removal-cheaper-than-dumpster-rental-infographic_0.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal pricing depends primarily on how much you have to get rid of, how much space your items take up in the truck or trailer, and whether or not your items require special care or handling, like with heavy, fragile, or hazardous items.
\r\n
That being said, let's take a closer look at national averages for various size junk removal projects to get a better idea of what junk removal costs are like.
\r\n\r\n| Project Type | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost | \r\n\t\t
|---|---|
| Minimum Charge | \r\n\t\t\t$75-$100 | \r\n\t\t
| 2-3 Pieces of Furniture | \r\n\t\t\t$100-$300 | \r\n\t\t
| Whole Home Cleanout | \r\n\t\t\t$500-$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
| Attic, Basement, or Garage Cleanout | \r\n\t\t\t$200-$800 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding Cleanup | \r\n\t\t\t$1,000-$3,000 | \r\n\t\t
| Foreclosure or Estate Cleanout | \r\n\t\t\t$800-$2,000 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more:
\r\n\r\nThe national average cost of dumpster rental is $250-$550, though dumpster prices vary depending on:
\r\n\r\n| Container Size | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost | \r\n\t\t\tWhen It's a Good Option | \r\n\t\t
|---|---|---|
| 10 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\t$250-$450 | \r\n\t\t\tAttic, garage, or basement cleanout \r\n\t\t\tBathroom remodel \r\n\t\t\tSmall kitchen remodel \r\n\t\t\tPatio or walkway removal \r\n\t\t\tYard cleanup | \r\n\t\t
| 20 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\t$350-$550 | \r\n\t\t\tKitchen remodel \r\n\t\t\tSmall home cleanup project \r\n\t\t\tDriveway removal \r\n\t\t\tSmall to medium interior demolition | \r\n\t\t
| 30 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\t$450-$650 | \r\n\t\t\tMedium home cleanup project \r\n\t\t\tMedium remodel or demolition project | \r\n\t\t
| 40 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\t$550-$750 | \r\n\t\t\tLarge home cleanup project \r\n\t\t\tLarge remodel or demolition project | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Though these averages give you a good idea of what a dumpster costs to rent, your local prices may vary, and we want to help you get the best price for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\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 of the added labor costs involved.
\r\n\r\nHowever, the exception to this is smaller cleanups, such as hauling away a couple pieces of furniture or getting rid of a refrigerator.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn general, if you need to get rid of only a few larger items like appliances or furniture, junk removal is the more cost-effective option, but if you have a larger project, then dumpster rental is likely less expensive.
\r\n
Renting a dumpster is the more economical choice for bigger jobs where you have to throw out seven or more cubic yards of material.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRegardless of whether you choose to rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company, Hometown can help you find the best company for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\nWe make it easy to browse local companies in your area, read about each company's history and services, see what customers have to say about their services, and request quotes from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe also can help provide answers to some of your biggest waste-related questions.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nMaximize cost effectiveness and minimize stress during your waste disposal project by doing your research to ensure you choose the service that suits your physical ability, time constraints, and budget.
\r\n","changed":"2022-09-02T15:11:57+00:00"},{"id":"ec8aaeb6-0be1-534d-a5fd-35dda49da3fc","title":"5 Tips for a Thorough Spring Cleaning","url":"/blog/5-spring-cleaning-tips","image":{"path":"/static/406834e8437001b45021a27adb8b0c6f/1spring.png","alt":"Two people cleaning a home wearing protective gloves and mask"},"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":"Spring cleaning is a tradition that gets us and our living spaces prepped and ready for the festivities and gatherings that warmer weather brings. Starting your spring cleaning project without a plan, however, can slow down the process and increase your stress.
\r\n\r\nThat's why we've created these short, simple tips to explain how to spring clean and where to begin. Hometown is here to help you simplify and organize your plan of attack.
\r\n\r\n![\"5](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/5-tips-spring-cleaning-info.jpg\")
\r\nThe fastest way to get off track or feel overwhelmed with a spring cleaning project is by jumping from one project to the next. Before you know it, there is an ongoing project in every direction you look. When it comes to large cleaning projects, stick to one room or area of the home at a time.
\r\n\r\nIf you're someone that is motivated by instant gratification, start by working on a small area or one with less mess. Seeing fast results and the transformation that comes with it will help motivate you to tackle large, more cluttered spaces.
\r\n\r\nAnother approach is to start with the biggest project first. That way, every room gets easier and faster as you go.
\r\n\r\nGet rid of your junk this spring by going through closets, drawers, shelves, and boxes packed away and sort through all your items. Determine which items will stay, which items can be sold, donated, or recycled, and which items need to be thrown away.
\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 four or more months, you likely won't miss it if it's gone.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nWhile you organize and sort through your belongings, take this opportunity to dust all exposed areas and crevices.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend wearing a mask while you do this to protect yourself from allergens. 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![\"10](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/2spring.png\")
\r\nIf you find your pile of items to throw away has grown into a pile too large to put in your weekly trash bin, rent a dumpster to manage your spring cleaning. 10 yard dumpsters are a perfect size for spring cleaning projects and 20 yard dumpsters are available for even larger projects. Rent from a locally-owned dumpster company for the best pricing and quality of customer service.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it quick and easy to locate local dumpster companies near you. You can request free dumpster quotes to ensure you're paying a competitive price with the availability your project requires.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you have a good amount of junk to get rid of but not necessarily enough to rent a dumpster, hiring a junk removal company to haul away your unwanted items is a great spring cleaning solution. Junk removal companies are in and out of your home within a matter of minutes to load your unwanted items into their vehicle and haul them away to a donation, landfill, or recycling facility.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome companies will even provide you with a tax deductible receipt for your donated items, so be sure to ask if your items are in good condition.
\r\n
Just like with dumpster rental, local-owned junk removal companies are the best choice to hire in comparison to large national chains, and Hometown can help with that. The companies we publish are licensed, bonded, and insured to perform the work they provide and are available for free junk removal estimates at your request. Read reviews from verified real customers and get answers to the most common waste removal questions on our blog.
\r\n\r\nSpring cleaning is a great tradition that gets us ready to enjoy the gatherings that warmer weather usually brings. Hometown is here to help you simplify and organize your spring cleaning plan of attack.
\r\n","changed":"2023-04-20T21:30:10+00:00"},{"id":"7b6eebad-5304-58ee-869f-26c1a961ed13","title":"Are Junk Removal Companies Expensive?","url":"/blog/are-junk-removal-companies-expensive","image":{"path":"/static/d5d9813dd3e67790465b056127515835/3.png","alt":"couple sitting on couch calculating their budget"},"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"}],"content":"If you're considering hiring junk removal services, you might be wondering if it's an affordable option for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome people never even consider bringing a professional crew to help them get rid of their unwanted junk because they're under the false impression that those services are unaffordable.
\r\n
We'll go over average pricing and alternative options so that you can determine if junk removal services could be a valuable asset to your project or not.
\r\n\r\nSimply put: It depends.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal is a service that includes many different categories and project sizes, and it can range from something as simple as removing an old appliance or piece of furniture to entire estate cleanouts or hoarding cleanups.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies have minimum fees that they charge for their services that are reserved for the smallest, least complicated jobs.
\r\n\r\nMinimum fees vary from company to company but typically range from $75-$100 based on U.S. averages.
\r\n\r\nIn comparison to renting a dumpster to only get rid of a few items, junk removal is not only convenient, it's also considered very affordable and almost always worth the cost.
\r\n\r\nAs the complexity of a job increases, so does the price.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most complicated jobs that a junk removal company can be hired for is a hoarding cleanup.
\r\n\r\nWith an average price point of $1,000-$3,000, hiring a junk removal company to clean out a hoarder's home may be out of budget for some families. However, the stress relief it provides can be well worth the investment.
\r\n\r\nWhile junk removal charges vary from project to project, city to city, and company to company, these national averages can help give you a general idea of what type of budget you'll need to reserve for professional junk removal services.
\r\n\r\n| Junk Removal Project Type | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost | \r\n\t\t
| Minimum Charge | \r\n\t\t\t$75-$100 | \r\n\t\t
| A Few Pieces of Furniture | \r\n\t\t\t$100-$300 | \r\n\t\t
| Attic, Basement, or Garage Cleanout | \r\n\t\t\t$200-$800 | \r\n\t\t
| Whole Home Cleanout | \r\n\t\t\t$500-$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
| Foreclosure/Estate Cleanout | \r\n\t\t\t$800-$2,000 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding Cleanup | \r\n\t\t\t$1,000-$3,000 | \r\n\t\t
Learn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Broken](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_0.png\")
\r\nIt's important to consider the value of your time and energy, as well as safety hazards and health concerns, when evaluating whether or not hiring professional help is worth the cost in your particular situation.
\r\n\r\nThe type and amount of material you have to get rid of is also an important consideration.
\r\n\r\nIf you have large or bulky items to get rid of, hiring junk removal services is a great option.
\r\n\r\nProfessional removal companies have all the tools necessary to safely dispose of larger items and have the manpower and equipment to get old furniture and appliances up or down flights of stairs.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have a busy schedule like so many of us, the stress relief that professional help provides can be priceless.
\r\n
If you have the time, strength, and manpower to tackle a large cleanout yourself, renting a dumpster is a great—sometimes more affordable—alternative disposal solution.
\r\n\r\n20 yard dumpsters are usually the perfect size for an average size home cleanout and are great for spring cleaning, moves, estate cleanouts, and much more.
\r\n\r\nWith an average cost of $350-$450, renting a 20 yard dumpster for a week is typically less expensive than hiring a junk removal company if you have very large quantities of junk to remove from your property.
\r\n\r\nWhen in doubt, realistically evaluate what your strengths and weaknesses are and if you have the time and help to perform the work on your own.
\r\n\r\nIf the overall scale of the cleanout is simply too much for you to handle, hiring a junk removal service is definitely the best option.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Garage](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_0.png\")
\r\nWhen it comes to price shopping junk removal services, the most affordable and competitive prices are typically found at locally-owned companies.
\r\n\r\nFinding local removal services near you is quick and easy using Hometown.
\r\n\r\nHometown vets and publishes locally-owned junk removal and dumpster rental services nationwide, so all you have to do is type in your zip code to be shown companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nWe also personally verify every review left for each company, so you can be assured that the reviews you read on Hometown's website are left by legitimate customers.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to pricing, the customer service provided from local companies is usually unmatched in comparison to larger chains.
\r\n\r\nThe best part about finding junk removal companies on Hometown? You can request free quotes with the click of a button.
\r\n\r\nIn fact, you can request as many free quotes as you feel most comfortable with.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least 2-3 different junk removal quotes to make sure that you're paying a competitive price and receiving quality customer service.
\r\n\r\nAsk if the companies you speak with if they are running any promotions or offer any discounts to military members or seniors if you qualify.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn about average junk removal costs and things to consider when deciding if professional junk removal services are worth the cost.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T00:18:01+00:00"},{"id":"f4a14694-bfa8-51ac-a321-5b789467cbd1","title":"Spring Cleaning Tips for Homeowners","url":"/blog/spring-cleaning-tips","image":{"path":"/static/c6f9e8465e6aa04501fc0e7a412f6929/spring-2.png","alt":"garage full of accumulated junk and household items"},"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":"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":"8682c072-253e-5e8d-8761-1fd1905091b8","title":"Tips for Decluttering Before a Big Move","url":"/blog/tips-for-decluttering-before-a-big-move","image":{"path":"/static/fefa017127444303b1468b0c256f335b/stress-of-moving.jpg","alt":"Exhausted couple sitting on the floor in a room full of moving boxes"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Moving evokes a wide range of emotions all at once – stress, excitement, happiness, frustration, and the list goes on.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe average home contains around 300,00 items and and estimated 80% of the items we keep in our homes remain unused.
\r\n
Decluttering can help reduce the stress associated with moving in a number of ways, like getting rid of unused items and organizing your belongings before packing them away.
\r\n\r\nHometown has put together a decluttering cheat sheet so that your move is well-organized and less stressful.
\r\n\r\n![\"Tips](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/infographic_6.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting rid of things you never use prior to moving can save you time in the long run.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCarefully packing away items, hauling them to your new home, unpacking them, and finding a new storage space for them is a lot of unnecessary additional work if you never touch those items again until they end up being donated.
\r\n
Getting rid of unnecessary clutter will make your move easier and help to provide a clean slate in your new residence.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIt can be easy to become sentimental about things during a cleanout project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTry to detach yourself from items that haven't been used in the past year and remind yourself of all the additional storage space you'll have to store more useful items.
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Start by gathering items that have no sentimental value to you, like trash, old furniture, broken appliances, damaged car parts, old tires, and other clutter.
\r\n\r\nAs you get rid of these items, you'll create satisfying momentum to continue the process and will be more likely to view your unused items as pieces to part with.
\r\n\r\nThere really is something so satisfying about ridding your space of old items and the more you do it, the more likely you are to be objective about items you may have struggled to get rid of prior to beginning your decluttering project.
\r\n\r\nStudies have shown that decluttering helps reduce stress, so try to view this project as something to be excited about rather than dread.
\r\n\r\nRemind yourself of how much easier your move and unpacking in your new home will be without all the extra junk clogging up valuable closet real estate.
\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that many of your used items could be going to someone who may really need it, particularly when it comes to furniture, appliances, and other staples that can get expensive when purchased new.
\r\n\r\nKnowing that your unwanted items can help someone else can significantly reduce the feelings of anxiety that creep in when it comes to getting rid of your old belongings.
\r\n\r\nIf you have the time, space, and weather for it, hosting a garage/yard/estate sale several months prior to your move allows you to offload items in a relatively short period of time.
\r\n\r\nThe cash made during the sale is a great bonus!
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Cluster](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/declutter-1.jpg\")
\r\nThe key to decluttering is to start the process long before your moving date.
\r\n\r\nSorting through one room at a time and organizing each room's items into a pile to pack, a pile to donate/sell, and a pile to throw away is the best way to strategically plan your move.
\r\n\r\nFollowing these steps will help make decluttering and moving efficient and well-organized:
\r\n\r\nThis basic process will help eliminate a lot of work when it’s time to move. It can also save money by reducing the amount of labor and equipment necessary to get the items from point A to point B.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-removal-vs-dumpster-rental.jpg\")
\r\nFor large homes or those with a significant amount of clutter, we recommend renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal company to help.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals are a convenient and cost-efficient option when you have 7 or more cubic yards of junk to get rid of, especially if your project is ongoing.
\r\n\r\nFor decluttering, a 10 yard or 20 yard dumpster will typically be large enough to accommodate an average home's worth of clutter.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental rates average $250-$450 for containers of these sizes and generally include a 5-7 day rental period.
\r\n\r\nThe price you will pay for your dumpster varies based on a number of different factors, like your location, dumpster size, amount of junk you're throwing out, and other factors.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nThe convenience of having someone else handle the removal and disposal alleviates a significant amount of stress and allows you to focus your attention on other pressing aspects of your move.
\r\n\r\nIn a decluttering situation, you can work alongside the junk removal company to ensure they are removing the correct items that you wish to get rid of or donate if you haven't already separated your belongings into piles to donate, throw out, keep, etc.
\r\n\r\nMany junk removal companies will donate usable items for you and provide you with a tax-deductible receipt.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal costs vary quite a bit based on the size and complexity of the work and can vary in price between $400 and $1,000+.
\r\n\r\nUnless you have a small amount of junk to get rid of, hiring a junk removal company tends to cost more than renting a dumpster because of the added labor costs, but the benefit of professional assistance cannot be understated when you're taking on such a large and time-consuming project.
\r\n\r\nThe main benefits of hiring a junk removal company to help you declutter before moving is convenience and speed.
\r\n\r\nHometown is here to help you find reputable, locally-owned dumpster rental and junk removal companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nRead verified reviews from real customers to learn more about each service provider and easily request transparent pricing and availability details to book online anytime.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend comparing at least 2-3 different quotes whenever possible to ensure you get the best price and customer service available.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nRidding your home of unnecessary clutter prior to moving is an efficient way to de-stress and make the moving process easier. Read tips about how to strategically declutter before your big move.
\r\n","changed":"2025-11-13T19:08:03+00:00"}],"populars":[],"tips":[{"name":"Removing Unwanted Junk","body":"Most companies charge a minimum fee of $75-$150 for any junk removal job, regardless of size. If you have an entire house worth of debris, then you could pay upwards of $500 - $1,000, or more in a hoarding situation or other large volume cleanup.
\r\n\r\nIf you have more than a couple of items, many companies will quote a price based on the expected volume of the debris in the truck. For instance, a full truckload, 1/2 truckload, or 1/4 truckload. Some companies will charge by the hour.
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you get the best price, get quotes from at least three different junk removal companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nThat depends on the type of \"junk\" you have. If any of it is in reusable condition, it could be donated, sold for cash, or recycled.
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tMountain Man Services is a premier property enhancement specialist headquartered in Ruidoso, providing comprehensive dumpster rental, junk removal, and demolition solutions to the scenic communities...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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