![\"Average](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/average-junk-removal-costs.png\")
If you have bulky or heavy items to throw out that you don't want to haul to the landfill yourself, there are several different options available to you depending on where you live.
\r\n\r\nHometown is here to help you figure out which method will work best for your situation.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/bulky-waste-items-info_1.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live, your city or township may offer bulk waste pickup services.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost areas require you to schedule your pickup and pay for it ahead of time, while some may have designated dates and times for bulk waste pickup.
\r\n
The traditional way to schedule these services is to purchase a sticker at city hall or other providers indicated by your local jurisdiction.
\r\n\r\nMost pickups occur within 3 business days and your bulk furniture or appliance must be placed at the road with the sticker visible to be picked up.
\r\n\r\nA more modern way to schedule these services is to fill out a form online and pay for it then.
\r\n\r\nThis way typically does not require a sticker to be placed on the item that is being picked up as long as payment has been received and the pick-up has been scheduled.
\r\n\r\nFailing to follow your area's requirements and leaving your items at the road without a sticker or without scheduling a pick-up can subject you to a fine.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome weekly trash pick-up services also offer bulk waste pick-up, but not all do.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou typically have to be a customer to qualify for these services, but many companies only offer these services in certain areas.
\r\n
Arranging these services is similar to the city collection programs and can be arranged by contacting your municipal trash service.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to be specific about what you plan on having picked up because different items may require different preparation.
\r\n\r\nFor example, items like couches and mattresses that are fabric may need to be wrapped in plastic, appliances containing freon need to have the freon removed by a professional, long items may need to be cut down into smaller sections, etc.
\r\n\r\nNot following instructions and having your bulk waste at the road for too long could result in fines from your city officials.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the easiest ways to get rid of large and bulky items is to hire a junk removal service.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe convenience of a junk removal service is not having to figure out a way to haul your item(s) out to the road.
\r\n
A junk removal crew (usually 2 people) will arrive prepared to remove your heavy items from wherever they are stored, so you don't have to do any of the heavy lifting.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple junk removal quotes is easy with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nBy entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your bulk waste removal needs, you'll be shown licensed and insured junk removal companies that are locally-owned and operated in your area.
\r\n\r\nYou can read more about each company, read verified real reviews, and request free quotes to ensure you're getting the best deal with the customer service you deserve and the availability you require.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals are an affordable option if you have 7 cubic yards or more of waste to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers and trailer dumpsters are temporarily rented out to residential customers who have a lot of junk, trash, and debris to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nA project like gutting a kitchen and removing all the appliances is a great candidate for renting a dumpster, but only removing a single appliance or piece of furniture is a better candidate for a junk removal service.
\r\n\r\nThere are different dumpster sizes available for a variety of different projects, and dumpster companies are great at helping you decide which size dumpster will work best for your project.
\r\n\r\nLocally-owned dumpster companies tend to offer the best pricing and customer service, and Hometown can help with that, too.
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned and operated dumpster rental companies throughout the U.S. and make it easy to request free dumpster rental quotes with the click of a button.
\r\n\r\nJust like with junk removal, you can use Hometown to search your zip code and find providers that service your area.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you have bulky or heavy items to throw out that you don't want to haul to the landfill yourself, there are several different options available to you depending on where you live. Learn about the different options to decide which method will work best for your situation.
\r\n","changed":"2022-07-01T03:36:04+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":"4fbc8572-72e2-55ea-825c-3a9bdb2ceae4","title":"Declutter and Organize Your Garage in 5 Simple Steps","url":"/blog/declutter-and-organize-garage-in-5-steps","image":{"path":"/static/fcb977e647df0fd6bafe77289589fb51/plan-garage-cleanout.png","alt":"declutter web drawn in marker including recycle, keep, trash, sell, donate"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"86e68e5b-9753-5fb4-a2bd-6c49cc8782d3","name":"Garage Cleanout","slug":"Garage-Cleanout"},{"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":"Cleaning out your garage can feel like an overwhelming project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCobwebs, unorganized tools and lawn equipment, half-empty paint cans, dusty holiday decorations, bags of yard waste, and old athletic equipment all seem to find their way into the garage, leading to an unsightly, cluttered mess.
\r\n
Even the dirtiest garage cleanouts can be completed with minimal stress and relative ease, but only if a good plan is established first.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll outline the 5 steps your garage cleanout plan should include and how to find the help to get it done.
\r\n\r\n![\"declutter](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/declutter-and-organize-garage-infographic.jpg\")
\r\nIn most instances, people don't want to get rid of every last item in the garage.
\r\n\r\nRather, they want to get rid of some and organize the rest.
\r\n\r\nSo, unless you want to get rid of everything in your garage, you'll want to start your garage cleanout by determining what will go and what will stay.
\r\n\r\nNow, \"what will go\" could end up being sold in a garage sale, donated to a local charity organization, recycled at your local facility, or trashed, so create three separate piles for these categories.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend keeping your pile of things to toss in a place that is easy to access for when it comes time to dispose of it.
\r\n\r\nIf you do want to get rid of everything in your garage, the separating aspect of the cleanup can be skipped, and you can go straight step two.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nFor cleanups involving more than a small pile of trash, junk, or debris, we usually recommend renting a roll-off dumpster.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster is typically big enough to handle a garage cleanout, but some rental providers also offer smaller dumpster sizes if your project is very minimal.
\r\n\r\nThe national average cost of a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$450 for a one-week rental.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a garage packed full of items to toss, you may need to rent a 20 yard dumpster or a 30 yard dumpster.
\r\n\r\nOn average, a 20 yard dumpster costs $350-$550 and a 30 yard dumpster costs $450-$650.
\r\n\r\nA faster alternative to renting a dumpster is hiring a junk removal company to handle the garage cleanout for you, or at least the removal and proper disposal of the items you no longer want.
\r\n\r\nThis is a great option for those who want the job done as quickly as possible and don’t mind spending a little more to make that happen.
\r\n\r\nExpect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars (for a small garage cleanup) or more to have a junk removal company clean out the entire garage for you.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it simple for homeowners to request quotes from dumpster rental or junk removal companies, allowing you to easily determine which service is best for your particular project.
\r\n\r\nStart by clicking \"Find Pros\" at the top of this page, and select the service type you're interested in getting quotes for first: dumpster rental or junk removal.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can browse all the local companies serving your area.
\r\n\r\nThen, read more about their services, see what their customers have to say about them, and request free quotes from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting three or more dumpster rental quotes and getting multiple junk removal estimates whenever you can to help ensure you pay a fair price for whatever service you choose and get quality work from a professional and reliable company.
\r\n\r\nWhen you reach out to companies for a project quote, be as detailed as you can when describing what you need removed and how much.
\r\n\r\nIt's easy to get a dumpster rental quote over the phone, especially when you're clear about the type and amount of debris you have to dispose of.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies, on the other hand, will typically send one to two employees to your home or business to provide an in-person quote for the job, unless you only have an item or two.
\r\n\r\nThese quotes are free and you are not obligated to hire them if you don't like the price they quote you.
\r\n\r\nIf you agree to the price of their garage cleanout services, they get started right away.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nOnce your unwanted junk is removed, it's time to finish organizing the items you're keeping in your garage.
\r\n\r\nPurchase additional shelves to maximize storage space, label waterproof storage bins to keep water and dust out, and limit the amount of items you bring into the garage moving forward to maintain your clean, organized space.
\r\n\r\nEverything in your garage should have a designated storage space.
\r\n\r\nIf you must bring new items into your garage, it's a good rule of thumb to remove one item in order to minimize clutter from piling up again.
\r\n\r\nFind out how to improve your garage:
\r\n\r\nEven the dirtiest garage cleanouts can be completed with minimal stress and relative ease, but only if a good plan is established first. Learn the 5 steps your garage cleanout plan should include and how to find the help to get it done.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-16T19:18:08+00:00"},{"id":"8d997552-725d-51ac-9625-af4a17600461","title":"6 Tips for Making Moving Out After a Divorce Less Stressful","url":"/blog/6-tips-for-making-moving-out-after-a-divorce-less-stressful","image":{"path":"/static/0ca18b5e98c0a928ab5a8864a79a5013/moving-divorce.jpg","alt":"Distressed couple surrounded by moving boxes"},"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":"68ebf442-93d0-56cf-9891-e7a9d9bf7874","name":"Estate Cleanout","slug":"Estate-Cleanout"}],"content":"Whether you're happy or sad about your divorce, you're almost definitely stressed.
\r\n\r\nUnless necessary for your safety, packing up and leaving in a rush might sound like an attractive idea but could end up causing more headaches down the line.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHaving a proper plan in place is a crucial step in moving out after a divorce to make the stress of the transition as minimal as possible.
\r\n
In this article, we'll go over our top 6 tips for making moving out after a divorce less stressful.
\r\n\r\n![\"6](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/6-tips-moving-divorce-info.jpg\")
\r\nIf you're going through a divorce, hopefully you've already hired a divorce attorney, regardless of how civil you and your former spouse intend on being.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConsulting your lawyer before moving out so that they can inform the decisions you make during the process is the best thing you can do before making any rash decisions.
\r\n
It's a natural compulsion to want to move out as soon as the divorce paperwork has been filed, but as any good divorce attorney will tell you, moving out prematurely has the potential to negatively impact your financial assets and the custody of your children (if applicable) in certain states more than others.
\r\n\r\nTypically, the home is the largest asset a married couple has in their name. While it seems safe to assume that having your name on the deed and/or mortgage implies that this asset will be split evenly and there is no financial danger in leaving the home before the divorce is finalized; this is not always the case.
\r\n\r\nIf the person moving out of the home is the one who makes more money, they could be liable for still paying bills related to the home in addition to any new bills they acquire in their new residence.
\r\n\r\nThis alone can cause financial strain if you aren't adequately prepared.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to custody of the children, leaving the home prior to a custody agreement being established could end up hurting your rights in the future.
\r\n\r\nLeaving the home that the children live in makes it easier for the parent left in the home to gain more than 50/50 custody, and trying to get more time with your children could result in even more costly legal fees.
\r\n\r\nPrior to moving out, you should take inventory of all your personal and marital belongings.
\r\n\r\nWhen there are items in question, discuss it with your ex spouse.
\r\n\r\nIf the two of you don't agree, reference the court's decision on ownership if that has already taken place.
\r\n\r\nOtherwise, make note of these items and provide the list to your legal council so that it can be negotiated in court.
\r\n\r\nAfter it has been clearly established what belongs to you and what you can take from the home without contest, start separating your belongings.
\r\n\r\nGo through each room of the home and start packing your items so that you don't forget them and leave them in your spouse's possession.
\r\n\r\nThe idea is to make sure you get as much as possible—if not everything—in one go, so that it isn't necessary to make multiple visits back to the home after you move to grab X, Y, or Z.
\r\n\r\nRemoving all items at once is a helpful step in moving on.
\r\n\r\nMoving, whether it be for divorce or other reasons, can certainly be costly.
\r\n\r\nMany people still think you have to go to home improvement stores to buy packing boxes, which can add up.
\r\n\r\nCheck Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone is giving away their moving boxes.
\r\n\r\nMost people would rather let the next person to use their boxes rather than having to break down each box and recycle them.
\r\n\r\nHaving your friends and family help you move out after a divorce not only helps with the physical demands of moving, but it helps keep the mood light.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDivorce is a time in life when people rely heavily on their loved ones for advice, support, and companionship.
\r\n
Don't deny your friends' and families' help out of fear that it might make them feel awkward or uncomfortable.
\r\n\r\nMore often than not, they are eager to help and support you and allowing them to do so can even be a form of emotional support for them during this transition as well.
\r\n\r\nWhen you don't have friends or family to help, or if you're simply exhausted and don't have the time or desire to do the moving yourself, hiring help can be well worth the cost.
\r\n\r\nIf you're the only person moving out and your ex spouse is staying in the home, hiring movers to transport your belongings and furniture can make your move significantly easier and less time consuming.
\r\n\r\nIn the instance that you and your ex spouse are both moving out and selling the home, renting a dumpster is a great way to purge and get rid of old belongings that neither of you want to haul to your new home.
\r\n\r\nTemporary dumpster rentals are very affordable, especially if you and your ex split the cost.
\r\n\r\nYou could also ask neighbors if they would like to share costs so that they can get rid of unwanted items as well.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a lot to get rid of but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, hiring a junk removal company to haul away your unwanted items is a great solution.
\r\n\r\nHauling your junk to a donation center or to the dump yourself is an extra task during an already stressful and busy time. Junk removal companies can quickly come and clear your home of unwanted items so that you can focus on moving the stuff you do want to keep.
\r\n\r\nUnsure whether or not dumpster rental or junk removal services are in your budget? Get free quotes with Hometown!
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned disposal services throughout the U.S. and make it easy for you to locate local providers that service your zip code.
\r\n\r\nCompare and contrast the different service providers you speak with to choose the best company for your project.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nWhether you're happy or sad about your divorce, you're almost definitely stressed. Unless necessary for your safety, packing up and leaving in a rush might sound like an attractive idea but could end up causing more headaches down the line. Read our top 6 tips for making moving out after a divorce less stressful.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-13T14:21:45+00:00"},{"id":"d8f47bec-7c53-50e7-aa02-31b22a6060c2","title":"From Chaos to Cozy: Decluttering for a Magical Holiday Season","url":"/blog/from-chaos-to-cozy-decluttering-for-a-magical-holiday-season","image":{"path":"/static/82b77cb44548ce42263b93345421dde9/relaxing-during-holiday.jpg","alt":"feet with cozy socks kicked up in front of fireplace with hot cocoa"},"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":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"The holiday season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and joy. But for many of us, it can also be a time of stress and overwhelm, particularly when our homes are cluttered and disorganized.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDecluttering before the holidays is not just a helpful suggestion, it's a powerful strategy to create a more peaceful and enjoyable holiday season.
\r\n
In this article, we will explore the benefits of decluttering before the holidays, provide you with practical tips to get started, and break down how a clutter-free home can enhance your overall holiday experience.
\r\n\r\n![\"woman](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/woman-stressed-during-holidays.jpg\")
\r\nClutter can be a significant source of stress. Before the holidays, there are already many tasks to tackle, from gift shopping to meal planning. A cluttered home can compound this stress, making it harder to find what you need and leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
\r\n\r\nBy decluttering, you can create a more serene and organized environment that promotes relaxation and peace of mind.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering isn't just about getting rid of stuff; it's also about creating a space that promotes productivity. Whether you're wrapping gifts, preparing meals, or decorating your home, a clutter-free environment can streamline these tasks, making them more efficient and enjoyable.
\r\n\r\nA clutter-free home is more inviting to guests and family members. When you have a welcoming and spacious environment, you'll feel more comfortable entertaining friends and family during the holidays. A tidy home can create a warm and festive atmosphere that sets the stage for memorable gatherings.
\r\n\r\nThe holiday season often involves a lot of gift-giving and receiving. Decluttering before the holidays can help you be more mindful about the gifts you give and receive. By reducing unnecessary possessions, you can focus on thoughtful and meaningful gifts rather than adding more clutter to your home.
\r\n\r\nIf you love to decorate your home for the holidays, decluttering can make this process more enjoyable. You'll have a clean slate to work with, making it easier to display your decorations and create a stunning holiday ambiance.
\r\n\r\n![\"packing](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/packing-away-donations.jpg\")
\r\nBefore you start decluttering, establish specific goals. Determine which areas of your home need the most attention and what you want to achieve. For example, you might set a goal of decluttering the kitchen to make holiday meal preparation easier or decluttering the living room to accommodate your festive decorations.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering your entire home in one go can be overwhelming. Instead, break the process into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on one room or area at a time, and set a schedule that allows you to work on it regularly.
\r\n\r\nAs you declutter, categorize items into three groups: keep, donate, and discard. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use. If you haven't used or enjoyed something in the past year, it may be time to let it go.
\r\n\r\nAs you declutter and decide what to keep, invest in storage solutions that will help you stay organized. This might include shelves, bins, or drawers. Having designated spaces for your possessions will make it easier to maintain a clutter-free home.
\r\n\r\nMake decluttering a family affair. Get your spouse, kids, or other household members involved in the process. Teach them the importance of decluttering and involve them in decision-making about what to keep or let go.
\r\n\r\nSometimes, even with help from family, there isn't enough time to declutter as effectively as you'd like, and this is where professionals come in handy.
\r\n\r\nHiring professional junk removal services is a smart and efficient way to simplify the decluttering process. These experienced professionals bring a wealth of expertise and resources to the task, making it considerably easier for homeowners.
\r\n\r\nThey possess the necessary tools and equipment to safely and swiftly remove unwanted items, saving you the hassle of heavy lifting and navigating bulky or hazardous materials.
\r\n\r\nTheir experience also allows for the systematic sorting and disposal of items, distinguishing between recyclables, donations, and true trash. This ensures that your belongings are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, and valuable items are redirected to those in need, which can be especially fulfilling during the season of giving.
\r\n\r\nWhen decluttering, it's important to be mindful of the environment and donating or recycling as much as possible.
\r\n\r\nProfessional junk removal services are experts at separating donations and recyclables, and most companies prioritize donating to local charities whenever possible.
\r\n\r\nSentimental items can be the most challenging to declutter. However, it's essential to be selective about what you keep. Consider taking photos of sentimental items before letting them go to preserve the memories.
\r\n\r\nAfter decluttering, make an effort to maintain your clutter-free space. Regularly reassess your belongings and continue to donate or discard items that are no longer adding value to your life.
\r\n\r\n![\"man](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/packing-box-in-truck.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDecluttering before the holidays is a small investment that can pay in dividends, contributing to a more joyful and stress-free season.
\r\n
Decluttering is an opportunity to create a home that fosters relaxation, productivity, and meaningful connections with loved ones. By following the practical tips provided in this article, you can clear the clutter and make way for a holiday season filled with warmth, happiness, and lasting memories.
\r\n\r\nHometown is an amazing resource for those looking for help decluttering this holiday season. Whether you're looking for a junk removal company to come haul away your items for you or you think renting a dumpster would be a more convenient option for you, Hometown makes it easy to request multiple quotes from local companies, read verified customer reviews, and get answers to common decluttering questions—all of which will streamline the process, making your life easier and your holidays even brighter!
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe holiday season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and joy. But for many of us, it can also be a time of stress and overwhelm. Explore the benefits of decluttering before the holidays, get practical tips to get started, and discover the benefits of hiring some help.
\r\n","changed":"2023-11-16T18:36:08+00:00"},{"id":"5993b73f-ce46-5e64-983d-cdeba7f94f16","title":"The Best Way to Clean Out a Rental Unit","url":"/blog/the-best-way-to-clean-out-a-rental-unit","image":{"path":"/static/6a1dd932af62782b15cd5c6c581ddc40/Rental-unit-cleanout-intro.jpg","alt":"Pile of junk outside apartment complex"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"68ebf442-93d0-56cf-9891-e7a9d9bf7874","name":"Estate Cleanout","slug":"Estate-Cleanout"}],"content":"When it’s time to clean out an apartment or other rental unit, the quickest and easiest method is to hire a junk removal service. We’ll briefly touch on other methods but the best overall option is to use the services of a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nGet three or more junk removal quotes before booking the appointment. This helps ensure you’re getting the best deal. It also helps weed out junk removal companies that cannot meet your project timeline.\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nWhile many junk removal companies offer “prices as low as $99” and similar phrasing, a junk removal rental unit cleanout is a much bigger job that will cost more than the minimum price.
\r\n\r\nThe exact cost of a rental unit cleanout project will vary based on:
\r\n\r\nTotal costs can vary widely from about $500 on the lower end to $1,500+ for large and complex cleanups requiring a full day or longer to complete.\r\n\r\n
Check with multiple junk removal companies to get the best rates.
\r\n\r\nThe costs can vary several hundred dollars between junk removal companies, so doing your due diligence can really payoff for projects like this.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Large](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/fast-junk-removal.jpg\")
\r\nA key benefit of having a junk removal company handle the cleanout is the speed and efficiency in which they complete the job; they are professionals, and it’s what they do every day.
\r\n\r\nA good junk removal company can complete an average size rental unit cleanout in as little as a half-day, or about 3-4 hours.\r\n\r\n
The key is to choose a junk removal company with a positive reputation of providing great service.
\r\n\r\nYou can read online reviews and get recommendations via word of mouth to be sure you’re choosing a reputable junk removal service.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/dumpster-rental-for-rental-unit.jpg\")
\r\nIf DIY is your preference, you can rent a dumpster to accommodate the cleanout.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster or 20 yard dumpster is adequate for most rental unit cleanups.
\r\n\r\nLarger dumpsters may be required for rental units and/or those containing a lot of waste and junk, including bulky furniture and other items.
\r\n\r\nThe national average cost of a 10 yard dumpster is $350, and the average cost for a 20 yard dumpsters is $450.
\r\n\r\nThe actual cost of your rental may be lower or higher depending on where you live.
\r\n\r\nThere are many benefits to renting a dumpster for rental unit cleanouts:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find reputable dumpster rental companies near you.
\r\n
\r\nBrowse dumpster rental companies based on your zip code, read customer reviews for each company, and request quotes from multiple dumpster rental providers to ensure you pay a fair price for great services.
![\"man](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/Loading-a-van.jpg\")
\r\nHiring a junk removal service or renting a dumpster are not the only options available for rental unit cleanout projects.
\r\n\r\nWhile there is more work involved compared to the aforementioned options, clearing out and hauling away all your stuff from the rental unit yourself is always an option.
\r\n\r\nThis cleanout method requires more time and sweat to get the job done, but it can work. You’ll probably need a trailer, van, and/or pickup truck to do the hauling.
\r\n\r\nThe downside is that you will need to handle the cleanout, the loading, and the disposal.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen you hire a junk removal service, you don’t have to do any of the dirty work or heavy lifting yourself. Renting a dumpster requires loading your dumpster yourself.
\r\n
The thing to keep in mind is that a large project like this will take a lot of time to “DIY it” unless you have the experience and all the right tools, equipment, and manpower to attack it. It’s easy to underestimate the overall scale of the project.
\r\n\r\nIt’s also important to compare the cost of dumpster rental to hauling it yourself.
\r\n\r\nInitially, hiring a junk removal service comes with a bit of sticker shock but when weighing the benefits described previously, it softens the blow.
\r\n\r\nOn the flip side, doing the project yourself will likely take longer, require far more effort, and all for not that much (if any) cost savings.
\r\n\r\nDon’t forget to consider landfill dump fees, and the cost of fuel required to haul the load from the rental unit. If several trips are required, overall costs can add up quickly.
\r\n\r\nIt still may be a cheaper option, but be sure to consider the time and effort involved before deciding on your plan of action.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company to handle a rental unit cleanout is the fastest and most cost-efficient option. We'll discuss this and other rental unit cleanout options.
\r\n","changed":"2022-05-16T12:27:19+00:00"}],"populars":[{"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":"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":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh-dumpster-rental.html","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":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/pittsburgh-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"Dumpsters for Rent","body":"Each roll-off dumpster includes a certain amount of weight in the price. The amount of included weight can range from 0 lbs to several tons. Some companies have a very low delivery price, but include 0 lbs of weight. That means you still need to pay for all the weight after the dumpster is weighed, typically at the landfill. Other dumpster companies may include 1 ton (2,000 lbs) to 8 tons (16,000 lbs) or more. The bigger the dumpster, generally the greater the weight allowance. Additional costs occur when your load goes over the allotted weight. Overage costs typically range between $35 per ton and $100 per ton. Weight fees are generally determined by the cost to dump at the landfill or recycling center. The dumpster service simply passes the cost on to the customer. Household junk is much lighter compared to the same volume of dirt, bricks or concrete debris. Be wary of overage charges when dealing with heavier debris.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tAt Love Disposal Inc, our dumpster rental service is built on over 70 years of local expertise serving the PA Wilds. We make it simple to...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDumpster Rental State College provides dependable residential and commercial dumpster rental services to clients in State College and the surrounding central Pennsylvania area. We offer...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWelcome to Keystone Dumpster Rentals, your reliable partner for hassle-free dumpster rental services across the Keystone State. We offer quick, on-time delivery of dumpsters for...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBig Mountain Disposal is a locally owned and operated waste management company that has been serving Central Pennsylvania for decades. We provide fast, reliable roll-off...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJJ Peters Disposal, Inc. is a local, family-owned waste removal and dumpster rental business serving Central Pennsylvania with a strong commitment to timely pick-up, great...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHappy Valley Dumpsters is your locally owned and operated dumpster rental company, serving the Central Pennsylvania / Happy Valley area. We specialize in providing fast delivery...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t