![\"Average](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/average-junk-removal-costs.png\")
The New Year provides the perfect opportunity to tackle an area of your life that needs improvement.
\r\n\r\nFor many, this means finally decluttering their living space, getting rid of unwanted items taking up valuable space, and regaining organizational control of their home.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDecluttering doesn't have to be a difficult, overwhelming, or intimidating task to keep putting off; that will only allow more items to pile up and continue the negative cycle.
\r\n
Hometown has compiled our biggest tips for tackling the New Year head on and getting decluttered and organize.
\r\n\r\nJumping into a deep decluttering project without a plan can do more harm than good.
\r\n\r\nWhen we find ourselves overwhelmed, it's easy to give up and walk away, leaving the clutter to be dealt with another day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPacing yourself and mapping out a plan of attack will give yourself the best chance to succeed.
\r\n
Rather than trying to get everything done within a day or a single weekend, consider how much free time you actually have to offer this project.
\r\n\r\nWork on only one room at a time so that all other areas of the home are still functional because—spoiler alert—things are probably going to look worse before they start to look better.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering involves going through every belonging in a room and determining what will stay, what will be donated or tossed in the trash, and then finding the most efficient way to organize the items you plan on keeping.
\r\n\r\nThis process can be time consuming and will temporarily make the area look messier than before you started, but you have to trust the process.
\r\n\r\nDecide which rooms will take the most amount of time and start there. Spend a few hours a day tackling that room until things are organized and the room is complete.
\r\n\r\nIt's okay to take a break between rooms to reward yourself for your hard work, but don't make the mistake of walking away for too long and losing your momentum.
\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest mistakes people make when decluttering is to be indecisive about what to do with items and decide to box them up and stuff them in a closet somewhere.
\r\n\r\nYou should restrict your storage space to only being used for items that you actually need and use often, and boxed items should be reserved for seasonal or sentimental items.
\r\n\r\nWhen you are going through your belongings and deciding what to do with them, limit yourself to placing these items into one of four piles:
\r\n\r\nItems you plan on donating should be in clean, working condition and can be placed in boxes or bags for easy transport.
\r\n\r\nYou can drop these items off at local donation centers, like Goodwill, or you can place an ad on Facebook Marketplace as free items for porch pickup.
\r\n\r\nItems that can be thrown away should be bagged and tossed into your trash.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a bulk amount of trash to get rid of, or large, bulky items that won't fit into your trash, consider renting a temporary dumpster.
\r\n\r\nAnother option that simplifies donating or throwing away unwanted items is to hire a junk removal company. They'll haul away your unwanted junk and donate the items in good condition and take the trash to a local landfill or recycling center when applicable.
\r\n\r\nFor the items that you plan on selling, make sure they're clean and take a variety of well-lit photos from a couple different angles.
\r\n\r\nList these items on an online marketplace, like Facebook, Craigslist, or Depop, and be sure to include a detailed description to give yourself the best chance of attracting the right buyer.
\r\n\r\nThe items that you plan on keeping should be dusted or wiped down before ultimately being put away in an organized fashion.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend organizing the items you plan on keeping after you get rid of the items you plan on selling/donating/throwing away.
\r\n\r\nIt's much easier to organize in a room with less clutter, so save this part for last.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Person](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/new-year-scan.png\")
\r\nA new modern way to hang onto sentimental items in a storage-friendly way is to digitalize documents, photos, videos, and memorabilia when you can.
\r\n\r\nBoxes of paperwork, photos, or handwritten notes from high school can ultimately take up a lot of space.
\r\n\r\nEliminate the need to find a home for these boxes by taking photos or scanning them into a hard drive or Google Drive so that you can get rid of these old documents.
\r\n\r\nDigitalizing sentimental or important documents is also a great way to protect them from theft, fire/water damage, or from being lost.
\r\n\r\nWhen you find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of stuff to get rid of, hiring help will streamline the disposal aspect of your project so that you can focus on organizing and cleaning.
\r\n\r\nHaving to haul boxes, bags, and old furniture is a physically draining and time consuming project in and of itself.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are designed to help you unload unwanted items in the fastest, most convenient way possible.
\r\n\r\nThey will either come into your home and haul away your items from wherever they're placed, or you can pile up your items on the porch or in the driveway for completely contactless pickup.
\r\n\r\nEither way, these services are very fast and their convenience cannot be understated.
\r\n\r\nFor those that have large, ongoing projects and want to do a little more physical labor in order to save on costs, renting a dumpster is a great solution.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental services are affordable, easy to schedule, and provide the perfect solution for larger cleanup projects.
\r\n\r\nThe New Year provides the perfect opportunity to tackle an area of your life that needs improvement and for many, this means finally decluttering their living space and regaining control of their home. Follow these simple steps to decluttering your home to start the new year off right.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-10T14:31:50+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"},{"id":"94e35050-c364-5a94-9897-c3a4b14a74a6","title":"How to Clean Up a Foreclosure or Eviction Property","url":"/blog/how-to-efficiently-clean-up-a-foreclosure-or-eviction-property","image":{"path":"/static/3971a648041b66554f04a7f303cb1743/foreclosure-property-clean-out.jpg","alt":"Foreclosure or Eviction trash-out services"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"7ce68dc2-095e-5221-a253-7b8b847933db","name":"House Cleanout","slug":"House-Cleanout"}],"content":"Cleaning up after a foreclosure or an eviction can be a lot of work in some cases.
\r\n\r\nEvery situation is different, but when residents leave behind junk, trash, or damage, a cleanup plan of attack is the key to success.
\r\n\r\n\r\nReal estate owned (REO) properties, banks, realtors, and homeowners oftentimes need a quick turnaround time to get a property back to sellable or rentable condition.
\r\n\r\nWe’ll discuss the most efficient ways to get a property back in tip-top shape.
\r\n\r\nNot all cleanups are cut and dry.
\r\n\r\nThere are safety hazards to be aware of when tackling a large-scale residential or commercial building foreclosure cleanup.
\r\n\r\nHazardous materials may be involved, and that’s the first thing to factor in when tackling a cleanup.
\r\n\r\nThis is another major factor to consider.
\r\n\r\nHow fast do you need the job done, and how much do you have to spend?
\r\n\r\nIf the job needs to be done ASAP, hiring a junk removal company to handle the cleanup for you may be the best option.
\r\n\r\nIf your budget is tight, it may be more cost-effective to rent a dumpster and do the job yourself; it just depends on your needs.
\r\n\r\nThe key to completing any major project on time, on budget, and with the least amount of stress possible is to create a plan.
\r\n\r\nMake sure you know the square footage of the property.
\r\n\r\nAlso, how accessible is your home or business? Can a dumpster be positioned in a convenient location for efficient loading?
\r\n\r\nLikewise, can a junk removal truck access the site and complete the work efficiently within the allotted time scheduled for your cleanup?
\r\n\r\nAre you disposing of small household junk, bulky furniture and appliances, hazardous materials, demolition debris, or other wastes?
\r\n\r\nHave a good idea of the type of junk you'll be disposing.
\r\n\r\nApproximately how many yards of debris or junk do you have?
\r\n\r\nMost dumpsters are measured in cubic yards (3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft).
\r\n\r\nHaving a rough estimate of the amount of junk or debris you need to dispose of will help you find the most cost-efficient cleanup solution for the job.
\r\n\r\nNext, determine your desired method of completing the job.
\r\n\r\nThe most efficient methods for cleaning up a mess after a foreclosure situation include:
\r\n\r\nYour next step is to book the dumpster, hire the junk removal company, or get to work loading up the junk in your truck or trailer.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend calling several days ahead of time if you need to hire a junk removal company or rent a dumpster to ensure availability on the day(s) the foreclosure needs to get done.
\r\n\r\nMany waste removal companies offer “same-day” service, but that’s never a guarantee during the busiest times of the year (spring and summer).
\r\n\r\n![\"eviction](\"/sites/default/files/migrate_images/foreclosure-property-clean-out-2.jpg\")
As stated above, there are three popular foreclosure cleanout solutions.
\r\n\r\nThis may be the most cost-effective method for medium to large-size home or commercial building cleanouts.
\r\n\r\nHowever, this DIY option requires a lot of manual labor on your part. If this is an issue for you, you will want to consider another option.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental costs are highly variable, but the nationwide average is $300 for a 10 yard dumpster and up to $500 for a 40 yard container.
\r\n\r\nMost dumpster rental companies offer 3-day or 7-day container rentals, though many offer longer rental periods if needed.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about dumpster costs
\r\n\r\nThis is easily the most convenient and fastest disposal option.
\r\n\r\nWhen you hire a junk removal company, they handle all the lifting and loading of the debris for you, as well as the disposal.
\r\n\r\nA whole-home foreclosure cleanout can easily cost $1,000 or more, sometimes several thousand dollars, when hiring a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nIf there are salvageable items or metal scraps, that can lower the price a bit.
\r\n\r\nIf you want the job done quickly and without having to lift a finger, this is the option for you.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about junk removal costs
\r\n\r\nThis is a great option if the following are true:
\r\n\r\nIt’s also important to note that if there is not a landfill or transfer station nearby, costs can start to rise.
\r\n\r\nDon’t forget to factor in the time required to drive the junk to and from the dump station, as well as the wear and tear on your vehicle.
\r\n\r\nFind local REO trash-out or foreclosure cleanout service providers near you
\r\n\r\nTo rent a dumpster, find a rental provider in your hometown.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn how to efficiently clean up after a foreclosure or eviction. Develop a plan of attack for when residentis leave behind junk, trash, or damage.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T01:24:21+00:00"},{"id":"e20a874c-4cce-5f5a-a7b2-3168f677b0e0","title":"How to Streamline Your Office Cleanout","url":"/blog/office-cleanout","image":{"path":"/static/b9d524e2c6d50f9bb79c163f1a7b0fea/organize-company-office.png","alt":"organized company office"},"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":"c23bcb0b-96a0-5824-8982-82dd3a7e2c0a","name":"Commercial Cleanout","slug":"Commercial-Cleanout"}],"content":"Maintaining an organized company office is crucial for the productivity and morale of a company’s employees.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFailing to keep an office space organized can negatively impact your company's profits in a number of ways.
\r\n
When it's time for you to clean out your office space, whether to prepare for an expansion, a downsize, a relocation, or simply to get back on track, our guide will help you get it done efficiently.
\r\n\r\n![\"streamline](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/streamline-office-cleanout-infographic.png\")
\r\nThe first step of an office cleanout is determining your goals.
\r\n\r\nWhat do you want to accomplish with this cleanout?
\r\n\r\nAre you looking to completely gut out the office and start from scratch with a redesign and new storage systems?
\r\n\r\nMaybe you’re just looking to remove excess junk and organize the stuff you already have.
\r\n\r\nSpring cleaning a year's worth of junk?
\r\n\r\nNo matter the scale of the cleanout, planning it out should be step one.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe next step in cleaning out your company’s workspace is to go through all your items, materials, and equipment to determine what you have.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBy separating items according to purpose, it will be easier to determine what you want to keep, what you want to donate or recycle, what is trash, and the best organization system for your remaining items.
\r\n
Sort through everything and separate things based on the purpose they serve, grouping things to make duplicates clear.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen you come across trash or broken equipment that is not reusable, we recommend renting a dumpster to enable streamlined disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf you anticipate having less than 5 yards of debris, a junk removal company may be the better, less expensive option.
\r\n\r\nHowever, if you have more than 5-7 yards of junk or equipment to trash, then a dumpster rental is the best way to go.
\r\n\r\nYou can rent a roll-off dumpster and have it on location so that you can toss junk as you go, making the office cleanout go as efficiently as possible.
\r\n\r\nIf you need help with the office cleanout, hiring a junk removal company is a great solution.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental companies can provide quotes for their dumpster via phone or text, but most junk removal companies will come on location to assess the project and provide you with a quote for junk removal services in-person.
\r\n\r\nHiring professional junk removal services can help speed up your office transformation.
\r\n\r\nFinding locally-owned dumpster rental and junk removal companies is easy with Hometown. Read customer reviews and request quotes from as many providers as you’d like to ensure you get the best price, availability, and customer service.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n\r\nNext, it's time to organize your remaining items and equipment.
\r\n\r\nKeep functionality and accessibility in mind when organizing your office.
\r\n\r\nMake it easy to access the items your employees use frequently.
\r\n\r\nYou can optimize the accessibility of items in your office by strategically installing hooks, hangers, cabinets, overhead storage, and shelving.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChoosing efficient storage solutions can help create additional floor space and make your office appear larger and brighter.
\r\n
Utilize vertical space and smart storage systems to maximize the square footage and storage capacity in your office.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: 5 Advantages to Keeping an Organized Company Office
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNow that your office is decluttered and organized, make sure the systems you've put into place are easy to maintain.
\r\n\r\nOnly bring in new items, equipment, or materials when absolutely necessary, and be sure employees don't allow junk to pile up anywhere within the office.
\r\n\r\nKeeping your office in good shape can increase morale and boost profits.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nMaintaining an organized company office is crucial for the productivity and morale of a company’s employees. When it's time for you to clean out your office space, our guide will help you get it done efficiently.
\r\n","changed":"2025-11-13T18:56:02+00:00"},{"id":"05f51cd7-aaab-52a6-b9c2-e169cd7f48f0","title":"Paper Recycling 101: Everything You Should Know","url":"/blog/paper-recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/06aa8e7ad205e7d5db7ed2e3be936947/paper-recycling.jpg","alt":"Yellow dump truck next to large pile of paper at recycling plant"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"ed797128-86b6-5592-953b-f6cbae7dd3e2","name":"Paper Recycling","slug":"Paper-Recycling"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"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":"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.
\r\n
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":[{"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":"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":"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":"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":"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":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-pittsburgh-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"Dumpsters for Rent","body":"Each cleanup project involving a temporary dumpster is unique, so the accurate way to get a dumpster rental price for your project is to contact one or more local roll off companies. Contact 2-3 companies and describe your project for the most accurate dumpster rental quote.
\r\n\r\nHere are some of the factors that impact dumpster prices:
\r\n\r\nYour dumpster rental provider can help in choosing the correct dumpster size for your project. Be sure to have some basic background information (type of debris, size of job, etc.) about your project to help the dumpster rental company make an educated estimate of the total debris and which container size is right for the job.
\r\n","place":null,"code":"dumpster"}],"related":[{"title":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-belmont-pa"},{"title":"Junk - Clean-up or Removal","url":"pennsylvania/junk-removal-belmont-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":"Residential Trash Service","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Residential_Trash_Service","code":null}},{"name":"Excavating","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Excavating","code":null}},{"name":"Septic Tank Service","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Septic_Tank_Service","code":null}},{"name":"Portable Toilets","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Portable_Toilets","code":null}},{"name":"Storage Containers","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Storage_Containers","code":null}},{"name":"Portable Offices","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Portable_Offices","code":null}},{"name":"Temporary Fencing","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Temporary_Fencing","code":null}},{"name":"Equipment Rental","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Equipment_Rental","code":null}},{"name":"Dumpster Rental","code":"dumpster","paths":{"name":"Dumpster_Rental","code":"dumpster-rental"}},{"name":"Junk Removal","code":"junk-removal","paths":{"name":"Junk_Removal","code":"junk-removal"}},{"name":"Commercial Waste Management","code":"comercial-trash-service","paths":{"name":"Commercial_Waste_Management","code":"commercial-waste-management"}}],"seo_desc":[{"name":"Dumpster Rental","code":"dumpster","kg_homepage_seo_desc":"Find Dumpster Rentals","kg_kpp_seo_desc":"Compare local dumpster rental prices and sizes in PLACE_NAME. View average costs, top-rated local haulers, and book online, hassle-free with Hometown!","kg_seo_label":"Top Dumpster Rental Services","kg_state_seo_desc":"Find affordable dumpster rentals in STATE_NAME from top-rated dumpster companies. See reviews and prices for the top roll-off services and rent a dumpster today.","kg_panel_page_seo_desc":null}],"pros":"22740, 37740","profiles":[[{"id":"22740"},{"id":"37740"}]],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"kpppages"},"cards":{"22740":"\n\t\t\t\t\tPro Disposal is a family-owned and locally operated dumpster rental and waste management company. We pride ourselves on the dependable and highly reputable services that...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEasterbrook Hauling Inc is a family‑run waste removal and dumpster rental company headquartered in Elton and deeply rooted in the Johnstown region, serving homeowners...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t