Cleaning out a basement can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan and optional help from local junk removal services, you can turn a cluttered space into a clean, usable area quickly.
\r\n\r\nThis guide walks you through the step-by-step basement cleanout process, how to organize what you keep, and when to hire professional basement cleanout services to save time and heavy lifting.
\r\n\r\n![\"basement](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/basement-cleanout-infographic_1.png\")
\r\nKnowing what your goals are and determining an ideal timeline will help you create the most realistic expectations and efficient strategy.
\r\n\r\nSo, before you start moving boxes or furniture, define your goals:
\r\n\r\nNext, decide your timeline:
\r\n\r\nA clear goal and timeline make the entire project more manageable and help prevent cleanout fatigue.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBasements accumulate clutter because people store items and forget about them until the sheer amount of items is impossible to ignore.
\r\n
It's easy to get off track or feel overwhelmed by a large project when you're jumping from one area to another. To avoid feeling overwhelmed:
\r\n\r\nSort your basement one section at a time:
\r\n\r\nAs you clear each area:
\r\n\r\nThis “clean-as-you-go” method prevents having to redo work later.
\r\n\r\nThe easiest way to begin organizing a large amount of items is to create a pile for items you plan on keeping, items you plan on donating or selling, items you can recycle, and items that need to be thrown in the trash.
\r\n\r\nAfter you've done that, you can bag up your trash and recyclables (be sure to keep them separated) and then begin organizing the items you plan on keeping.
\r\n\r\nTips for organizing your “keep” pile:
\r\n\r\nOnce the basement is organized, you’ll likely have large piles of unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nItems in good condition can be donated to:
\r\n\r\nIf you have multiple heavy items or large volumes of debris, junk removal services are the fastest and easiest solution.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies can:
\r\n\r\nThis is ideal when you want the job done quickly or when items are too heavy to carry upstairs.
\r\n\r\nGetting the best price is easy if you compare multiple local junk removal companies.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith Hometown, you can easily find and compare local junk removal companies and get free, no-obligation estimates for your basement cleanout.
\r\n
During an on-site estimate, the junk removal team will determine:
\r\n\r\nIf you like the price, they can often remove everything the same day. If not, you’re free to decline and get more quotes.
\r\n\r\nOnce you approve a quote:
\r\n\r\nDIY basement cleanouts can take 1-3 days, depending on clutter. Junk removal crews can finish most jobs in 1-4 hours.
\r\n\r\nCosts depend on volume, access, and debris type, but most basement cleanouts cost $300-$800.
\r\n\r\nChoose junk removal for quick, labor-heavy cleanouts.
\r\n\r\nChoose dumpster rental if you want to clean at your own pace.
\r\n\r\nYes, many offer full-service basement cleanouts, including labor, hauling, and disposal.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out and organizing your basement can seem like a daunting task, but with a plan in place, it doesn't have to be. Learn about how to quickly tackle a basement cleanout with proper planning.
\r\n","changed":"2025-12-08T20:35:39+00:00"},{"id":"337b59bd-5c55-5206-806a-6469377a1b95","title":"Cardboard Recycling 101: What Homeowners and Business Owners Should Know","url":"/blog/cardboard-recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/b612765e280e9a4093f3c1563ee081f9/cardboard-1.jpg","alt":"Pile of recyclable cardboard"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"d7a82c6b-3d3b-5d72-ba59-4bdd492bf55f","name":"Cardboard Recycling","slug":"Cardboard-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 over 90% of all products shipped in the US being cardboard boxes, it's no wonder why consumers and businesses are being asked now more than ever to recycle cardboard as often as possible.
\r\n\r\nLandfill \"real estate\" is precious and limited, and we are all sitting on a huge opportunity to reduce our contributions with plenty of recycling options at our fingertips.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling is the environmentally responsible thing to do, 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 cardboard recycling for homes and businesses so you can ensure your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, one of the more obvious benefits of recycling cardboard is conserving landfill space, but that is only the beginning of a long list of cardboard recycling benefits.
\r\n\r\nMany of us were taught in school that recycling cardboard and paper helps reduce the amount of trees that are cut down, but how many trees are we actually preserving?
\r\n\r\nFor every ton of cardboard that is recycled, 17 trees are preserved, which can absorb around 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year!
\r\n\r\nFor every ton (2,000 lbs) of cardboard that is recycled, we save roughly:
\r\n\r\nIf you're someone who is less concerned with the environment than you are the economy, there are plenty of economical benefits to recycling cardboard and other materials as well.
\r\n\r\nA new study by Eco-Cycle indicates 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\nThese job creations aren't your run-of-the-mill minimum wage jobs, either. The recycling industry offers their employees competitive wages and health benefits.
\r\n\r\nWith so many benefits to recycling, it's a wonder why anyone would choose not to take advantage of free recycling programs.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when recycling cardboard is that it is crucial to keep all paper and cardboard 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 cardboard.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe best recycling practice is to keep cardboard and paper separate from other types of recyclables so that they can remain clean and free of contaminants.
\r\n
It's also important to understand the different types of cardboard products we use and what they can sometimes be lined or mixed with.
\r\n\r\nWhile most cardboard and paperboard products can be recycled, there are some products that are lined with plastic film or coated with wax, and these items should be thrown away rather than recycled.
\r\n\r\nIt's not unusual for boxes that contain frozen items to be lined with wax or plastic to prevent them from getting soggy, so if you can't verify that your frozen boxes are recyclable, err on the side of caution and throw it away.
\r\n\r\nAnother important note to remember is that cardboard that has embellishments like foil, glitter, or velvet should also be thrown away rather than recycled.
\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 cardboard lined with plastic.
\r\n\r\nThere are, however, some recycling centers that have special machines that can separate this plastic from cardboard or paperboard.
\r\n\r\nAs a general rule, cardboard boxes with mailing labels or packing tape are okay to be tossed into your recycling, but there are some exceptions to this rule at certain facilities.
\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 cardboard or other items you're trying to recycle because rules can vary from one community to the next.
\r\n\r\n![\"Cardboard](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardboard-2.jpg\")
\r\nThere are many common mistakes well-intentioned people make when recycling cardboard.
\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 not breaking down large cardboard boxes when placing them into their recycling bin.
\r\n\r\nMake sure to always break down cardboard boxes to preserve space not only in your personal bin, but in the recycling truck.
\r\n\r\nDepending on how large the box is, it may be necessary to cut your cardboard up into more manageable sized pieces.
\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 recycling options available.
\r\n\r\nIt's becoming more and more common for communities to offer drop-off recycling programs or community dumpsters at different drop-off locations for recyclables.
\r\n\r\nMichigan, for example, has a cardboard and paper recycling program called PaperGator where residents can deposit their recyclable paper products into dumpster containers at several designated drop-off locations.
\r\n\r\nIf you need help locating a community recycling program, visit 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 near you.
\r\n\r\nIf you're a business or contractor that has large amounts of 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 cardboard to recycle but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, consider hiring a junk removal company to haul away your cardboard for you.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company will be able to recycle all your 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 cardboard 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 cardboard recycling to ensure that your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-17T13:54:08+00:00"},{"id":"ed4c31cb-6012-5c53-ac56-fd16fed586a3","title":"Streamline Fire Damage Cleanup with Junk Removal","url":"/blog/fire-damage-cleanup","image":{"path":"/static/2e993eac5aa85f775c1a2d13b0a54916/fire-damage.png","alt":"flames coming out of toaster in kitchen"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"9b611674-a2b8-541f-99a9-bfaf0063fc7d","name":"Storm Cleanup","slug":"Storm-Cleanup"}],"content":"Smoke damage, ash, burnt items, and potential water damage or foam from extinguishing a fire...these are all things you might face after minor fire damage.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo clean up your home after a fire, whether from a small kitchen or electrical fire or a wildfire, professional cleanup services can help get it done fast.
\r\n
Professional fire damage cleanup and junk removal services can save you time, stress, and risk.
\r\n\r\n![\"fire](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/fire-damage-cleanup-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nWildfires and house fires, even if not extreme, can cause a decent amount of damage.
\r\n\r\nOnce you're sure the fire is extinguished and your home is safe, we recommend starting to find cleanup assistance ASAP.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProfessional fire damage cleanup crews have the experience and equipment necessary to safely clean up ash and soot, haul away heavy items and debris, and clear the property of any additional damaged items.
\r\n
Fire damage cleanup crews bag and box up whatever you need removed, and then they haul it away to be disposed of responsibly.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFire damage cleanup costs can vary a great deal depending on how severe the damage is, the labor involved with the cleanup, where you live, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor minor fire damage cleanup, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$1,000.
\r\n
More extreme fire damage cleanup will be double or triple these costs, if not more, and we often recommend remediation companies for major fire damage cases.
\r\n\r\nFor many fire damage cases, your homeowner's insurance may help pay for the cleanup and repairs, so reach out to them immediately.
\r\n\r\nNote: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, it may be difficult to get home insurance that covers wildfire damage due to the risk involved with insuring homes in these areas. However, if you are able to get coverage, it would mitigate or eliminate the cost of paying the pros to clean up and dispose of debris from a covered wildfire loss, leaving you with less stress in the long run.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen your property is affected by a fire, you want to get it handled as quickly as possible, and Hometown gets that.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHometown can help you find qualified junk removal and fire damage cleanup pros in your area, read reviews, and request quotes easily and free of charge.
\r\n
Give as much detail about your project as you can to each company you speak to in order to get the most accurate junk removal quote. Oftentimes, cleanup and hauling companies will need to come out to your property to assess the work and provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nWhenever possible, we recommend getting more than one estimate for your junk removal project to ensure you get the best service for the best price.
\r\n\r\nIf you'd rather clean up the mess yourself, dumpster rental is an ideal option, and Hometown can help with that, too! Just like with junk removal, Hometown can help you find dumpster rental companies in your area. We even make it easy to request multiple dumpster quotes and read reviews.
\r\n\r\nNote: If your property has extreme damage, you will likely need to reach out to a restoration company.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nSmoke damage, ash, burnt items, and potential water damage or foam from extinguishing a fire...these are all things you might face after minor fire damage. Get your home cleaned up fast after a fire with the help of professional cleanup services.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T18:23:50+00:00"},{"id":"ce99a8d2-1b31-5d73-8048-f80c75090e47","title":"Decluttering Your Home After Your Kids Move Out","url":"/blog/decluttering-after-kids-move-out","image":{"path":"/static/524a4c6219a89a6fab1ed3e23df789d3/decluttering-1.jpg","alt":"grown child moving boxes out of parents' home as they look on"},"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":"Empty nesters, or those looking to downsize, inevitably reach a point when decluttering becomes necessary.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt makes perfect sense to not hang onto things no longer needed once the kids go off to college or move out to begin their adult lives.
\r\n
Of course, as a parent, you always want to hang onto sentimental items, but often, these items can be consolidated into a few boxes or containers and put into storage.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll discuss the benefits of decluttering and downsizing, how to plan out your project, who to hire for help getting it done, and how to get it done yourself.
\r\n\r\n![\"Stressed](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-2.jpg\")
\r\nA cluttered home leads to a cluttered head.
\r\n\r\nStudies have shown that living in a cluttered environment can increase stress levels.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering not only makes the house look great, but it also does wonders for the mind.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to the decrease in stress and improved wellbeing, decluttering also makes the home safer.
\r\n\r\nTripping hazards are a real concern, particularly for the elderly or those who are less mobile.
\r\n\r\nThis becomes a major issue during emergency situations, such as a fire, when clutter can impede a quick exit.
\r\n\r\nDonating usable goods and furniture to local charitable organizations is a third benefit of decluttering a home.
\r\n\r\nIt helps support the community and offers tax benefits for you.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Declutter](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-3.jpg\")
\r\nAs with any project, making a decluttering game plan is a critical part of achieving success and minimizing stress and headaches. Make this your first action.
\r\n\r\nMake a list, or take mental note, of anything in the house that is no longer needed or will no longer be used now that the kids have moved out.
\r\n\r\nThis may include furniture, TV/gaming area, bed, dresser, clothing, and other clutter accumulated through the years.
\r\n\r\nA pile system can help provide some organization. For example, separate the clutter into five piles:
\r\n\r\nWith this information in hand, it’s time to rally the troops. Get the kids to help, or bribe friends and family with a free lunch to help clear out the clutter.
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, contact a junk removal company to get some free quotes.
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-4.jpg\")
\r\nAn effective hands-off approach to decluttering a home is to hire a junk removal company to handle all the heavy lifting.
\r\n\r\nA full-service junk hauling company will handle it all:
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal provider can handle removal of items that can be donated as well as recyclables.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal is a full-service, eco-friendly option that offers convenience and speed in tackling the job.
\r\n
The cost to hire a junk removal company to handle a project such as this can vary based on the complexity of the cleanup, your location, and the amount of junk.
\r\n\r\nExpect to pay a minimum of $300 to $500 for a partial home cleanout.
\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-5.jpg\")
\r\nWhen downsizing or partaking in a major home decluttering project, a residential dumpster is your best friend.
\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live, a 10 yard dumpster costs an average of $300 for a one-week rental.
\r\n\r\nThis is money well spent to have the convenience of tossing in the clutter and having the dumpster rental company haul it away for you.
\r\n\r\nA decluttering project such as this can usually be completed in a weekend or less.
\r\n\r\nSome dumpster rental companies offer discounted rates for short-term rentals (1 to 3 days) rather than 7+ day rentals. When calling for a quote, be sure to ask about dumpster rental discounts.
\r\n\r\nTo get more decluttering tips and information, check out the links below:
\r\n\r\nEmpty nesters inevitably reach a point when decluttering becomes necessary, especially when you're moving or downsizing your home. Find out the benefits of decluttering and downsizing, how to plan out your project, who to hire for help, or how to get it done yourself.
\r\n","changed":"2022-03-23T22:13:38+00:00"},{"id":"14d74582-bb88-5a54-aa93-e4a49f7ffb3e","title":"How Much It Costs to Dump at the Landfill (and Why It's Not Always the Best Option)","url":"/blog/cost-to-dump-at-landfill-and-why-its-not-the-best-option","image":{"path":"/static/b0474525af70a8e567a1993fd6dfe2e0/landfill-line.png","alt":"Line of cars and dump trucks at the landfill"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"eaa330a8-0d72-5067-8dcf-6c77df0afbab","name":"Temporary Dumpster Rental","slug":"Temporary-Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"Hauling your junk, trash, or debris to the landfill isn't something that most people do every day, and for good reason.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe smell alone is enough to deter most people from attempting to tackle the landfill themselves, but in a desperate pinch, you may find yourself contemplating whether or not hauling your trash to the landfill yourself is the most economical option.
\r\n
We'll go over the process, average costs, and alternative options so that you can make the best, most informed decision for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\nThe first thing you'll need to do if you want to haul your junk to the landfill yourself is make sure that you have a vehicle capable of fitting all your junk in one trip. Once that's confirmed, you'll need to make sure all junk is secure and not at risk of flying out of the vehicle during transport.
\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live and when you go, there will likely be a line of cars waiting to access the landfill. In large cities, it's not uncommon to wait in line at the landfill, sometimes hours in certain cities.
\r\n\r\nBefore you enter, your car will be weighed so that they'll know how much to charge you when you leave. You'll then be directed to a dumping location—typically towards the top of the trash pile—where you will be able to unload your garbage and debris.
\r\n\r\nBecause so many others are dumping all kinds of different waste in the same area, it's important to be very careful when driving and walking at a landfill site. There are plenty of hazards that could cause you to puncture a tire or damage your car in other ways, so you'll want to drive slow and make sure you're keeping your eyes peeled for any sharp objects.
\r\n\r\nOnce you've emptied your vehicle of waste, you'll drive to the exit where you will be weighed again to determine the weight of waste you've dumped so you can be charged accordingly.
\r\n\r\nLandfill fees vary, but the average cost of landfill fees across the U.S. is around $40-$60 per ton—or around $15-$30 per cubic yard for relatively small loads—but landfill fees aren't the only cost to consider.
\r\n\r\nIt's also important to consider the cost of fuel and your time when deciding whether or not to haul your items to a landfill yourself. When gas prices are high, the cost of driving to and from the landfill can add up quicker than you'd expect. Depending on how you value your time, this could influence your decision as well.
\r\n\r\nThe labor of loading your trash into the vehicle or trailer, waiting in line for your car to be weighed, unloading it once you're at the landfill, waiting in line again to exit, and then cleaning your truck or trailer afterwards can easily cost you a full working day or more, not to mention if your car incurs any damage during drop-off.
\r\n\r\nWhen you consider all these factors, it might make more sense to spend a little more money for a significantly more convenient, efficient, and safe disposal option.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/landfill-help.png\")
\r\nThere are two common alternatives for large disposal projects that can save you quite a bit of time and back-breaking labor:
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal crew is definitely the most convenient method of the two for most projects because it requires zero heavy lifting or loading on your part.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies send a crew, usually made up of two workers, to come to your location and load all your unwanted items into their truck or trailer. It's as simple as requesting quotes from local companies and showing them what to take once they've arrived. After they've loaded your items, they'll provide you with an invoice that you can either pay on the spot or you can call into their office and pay over the phone.
\r\n\r\nWhile usually slightly more expensive than renting a dumpster, the convenience often outweighs the cost for many and has quickly become one of the most popular methods for large and bulky waste disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf you have seven or more cubic yards worth of waste to get rid of, renting a dumpster might make more sense for you. Renting a dumpster is a simple process that involves contacting a dumpster rental company, choosing a container size, scheduling it to be dropped off at your property, filling it up, and having it hauled away.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers have door(s) that swing open, making loading very easy by being able to walk in any large or heavy items. Trailer dumpsters and roll-off bins both feature an open top so that you can easily throw your trash inside without having to worry about navigating a lid. 10 yard dumpsters are one of the most popular sizes for residential projects because they can hold a significant amount of waste for an affordable price, costing between $250-$450 on average.
\r\n\r\nWhen you want to gather more information about these types of services in your area, the best thing to do is to contact different companies and compare quotes. Hometown makes it easy to get free quotes with our single quote-request form. By entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your disposal needs, you'll be shown qualified companies in your area that are licensed, local, and eager to earn your business.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing quotes, also take into consideration the type of customer service you're given, their availability, and reviews left by other verified customers. Getting quotes from both junk removal and dumpster rental companies in your area will help give you a better idea of what average prices are near you and which service will best fit your budget and timeline.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have large amounts of trash, junk, or debris to get rid of, you may be considering hauling your trash to the landfill yourself. Read about the process, average costs, and alternative options so that you can make the best, most informed decision for your disposal project.
\r\n","changed":"2025-05-01T23:06:53+00:00"},{"id":"b303ad5c-d340-502c-be9b-6b865b7603cd","title":"How to Find the Right Hoarding Cleaning Service","url":"/blog/how-to-find-the-right-hoarding-cleaning-service","image":{"path":"/static/646c4ac1e01b4aa8ac84c54bc6ca5417/hoarder-2.jpg","alt":"hoarding cleanup workers dressed in hazmat suits carrying boxes"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8d15e244-391b-564d-8e25-ec23f4896b56","name":"Hoarding Cleanout","slug":"Hoarding-Cleanout"},{"id":"5928a41a-3ef0-577b-a694-0bb6cb93c693","name":"Hiring for Junk Removal","slug":"Hiring-for-Junk-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"Cleaning up a house in hoarding condition is not for the faint of heart. In fact, in many cases, it can be outright dangerous. That's why hiring professional services is always the best practice when remediating a hoarder's home.
\r\n\r\nWhen searching for professional hoarding cleanup services, knowing where to start can be half the battle. With hundreds of search results at the click of a button, it can be overwhelming to even begin the task of finding the right hoarding cleanup crew in your area that will not only fit your budget, but who will use discretion and prioritize quality customer service.
\r\n\r\nFinding the right hoarding cleaning service doesn't have to be hard when you use Hometown. We make it easy for homeowners and business owners to find locally-owned and operated junk removal companies across the country and vet them to ensure they're reputable.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to look for when scouting hoarding cleanup services is professionalism. Do they answer your phone calls and emails in a timely fashion? Are they available and eager to answer all of your related questions honestly? Do they interact with their potential customers in a friendly and professional manner? Ask yourself these questions throughout the course of your initial correspondence.
\r\n\r\nIt's also a good idea to find out the type of experience each junk removal company has with hoarding cleanups specifically. Because they're often the most extensive jobs junk removal businesses offer, you won't want your project to the be the first hoarding cleanout the company in question has tackled. Experience in the level of safety measures, attention to detail, and efficiency required to remediate a hoarder home is important if you want to complete your project correctly, on time, and within your intended budget.
\r\n\r\nHoarding cleanups can be an emotionally delicate situation if the homeowner is around during the cleaning, so a company with experience in handling these situations can be the difference between a successful remediation and a complete backslide. It's important to know how to be delicate and discrete, yet efficient and motivating, and these skills often only come with proper education and plenty of previous experience.
\r\n\r\nAnother important thing to look for when choosing a hoarding cleanup service is what their previous customers are saying about them. Offering the lowest rate in town might attract many customers to a company, but paying attention to the feedback they receive from previous customers is key when choosing who to hire. Read reviews from real customers on Hometown to get an idea of the level of customer service you can expect.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, price should also be a factor to consider. While going with the cheapest company in town runs the risk of dealing with a less qualified crew, there's no reason that you should be spending more than the average going rate for hoarding cleaning services in your area. The average cost for hoarding cleaning services range around $1,000-$2,000 per day that it takes to complete the job, but there are many factors that are play in a hoarding cleanup. The cost of your particular job will vary based on the size and scope of your project, time and manpower required, presence of hazardous material, landfill fees in your area, where you're located, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to get an idea of what a fair price is for your particular cleanup project is by getting multiple quotes from local companies in your area. (Again, Hometown makes this easy.) Because hoarding cleanups are big projects that take careful planning and organizing, the junk removal companies you speak with will most likely want to send someone to the home to assess it in person in order to provide you with the most accurate estimate.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Bathroom](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hoarder-1.jpg\")
\r\nDoing a hoarding cleaning yourself is never recommended due to the safety and health risks, but there are ways to do it that will decrease your chances of injury and increase your level of efficiency.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important steps in a DIY hoarding cleanup project is to wear protective clothing from head to toe. Hazmat suits are ideal, but coveralls with hoods and shoe coverings, in addition to gloves, boots, goggles, and a respirator mask is necessary. People often underestimate the amount of toxic fumes that are airborne from mold, chemicals, animal droppings, decaying matter, etc. There are also typically plenty of sharp edges and rusty metal hiding in the depths of piled up junk, so leave no room for error and suit up accordingly.
\r\n\r\nAnother critical component of DIY hoarding cleanups is having a proper disposal solution, i.e. a dumpster. Temporary dumpster rentals are perfect when you have large amounts of trash and they come in a variety of different sizes to suite the disposal needs of every project.
\r\n\r\nAs is the case with junk removal services, Hometown can help you find dumpster rental services in your area that are affordable and available when you need it.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nHometown simplifies the process of getting free quotes from dumpster rental and junk removal companies that provide hoarding cleanout services in your area. By doing a quick search of your zip code, you'll be shown local businesses near you that are reputable, qualified, and eager to offer free quotes.
\r\n\r\nYou can select your own service provider, or Hometown will match up your request to the right local experts for you. Either way, we make getting quotes fast and easy.
\r\n\r\nBecause of the extensive nature of hoarding cleanups, most junk removal companies will need to come to the job site to assess the amount of work that needs to be done and provide an on-site estimate that is as accurate as possible. However, dumpster rental quotes can be given over the phone or via email within 1-2 business days.
\r\n\r\nWith Hometown, you can read reviews from previous customers to gather information about the type of customer service each company is known for and get answers to the most common hoarding cleanout questions so your project goes well from start to finish.
\r\n\r\nLearn what to look for in hoarding cleanup services, how to find local hoarding cleaning companies, and request free quotes form reputable services in your area with Hometown.
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\r\n\r\nIf you'd rather have someone else handle the dirty work for you, then junk removal is the best route to take. A team of junk removal specialists will come to your home or junk site, give you an estimate, then get to work if you're satisfied with the bid. You don't have to lift a finger; just tell them what you need removed, and they'll do the rest.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: When Is It a Good Idea to Hire a Junk Removal Service?
\r\n\r\nGenerally speaking, junk removal companies accept more items than dumpster rental companies and may be more willing to remove some of the items that you can't put in a dumpster, like tires, refrigerators, or old cans of paint.
\r\n\r\nSome of the most common items accepted by junk removal companies include:
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Junk Removal 101
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