If you’re looking around and spot a bunch of trash to get rid of, you’re also probably wondering what the most effective and low-cost disposal option is. Maybe you're in the middle of spring cleaning. Some clever decluttering methods will help get the small things out of the way, but what about those big junk jobs?
Moving into a fixer-upper, clearing out years of storage, or renovating your living space are just a few situations where debris can’t just be tossed in a trash bag. For some projects you need to call in some help to get the job done quicker. When talking about these kind of big junk jobs, two of the most popular options include renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal crew.
So, what’s the difference between calling out a junk crew and renting your own dumpster? Let’s look at a few benefits of both. We'll also tell you how you can get rid of junk in your home by yourself.
There are some situational benefits to renting a dumpster over hiring a junk crew or doing it yourself. We’re going to look at times when a dumpster rental service will be the optimal choice for getting rid of junk. A driver will drop a dumpster off at your home, you load it up with trash or junk, and the driver picks it back up and takes to to a landfill or recycling center.
It is safe to say that bigger renovation or cleanup projects generate more junk than your everyday pick-up truck could handle. Also, not all projects can be taken care of in one or two trips.
Whether you’re contracted for a job, fixing up a home you live in, or rearranging a newly purchased home, you’re going to need somewhere to put all that junk. Dumpsters are a great place for building materials, scrap metal, general garbage, and a variety of other things.
You’ll want to take note of what type of clutter you’ll be throwing in the canister. There are different guidelines for different dumpster companies. Unfortunately, you can't throw anything and everything into a dumpster. Asphalt, freon appliances, and electronics are a few items that can’t be placed in a rental can. Most garbage should be okay.
It’s much easier to toss all your lumber, junk, or other big and bulky items into a dumpster, rather than the bed of somebody’s pick-up truck.
Big projects with a lot of junk often take longer than a day to complete, and junk removal crews charge for each trip they make to your house. When you’ve got a floor to replace or a garage to clean out, time is your biggest asset. You need to plan the project, get everything sorted, and clean it all up. With a dumpster, you have two weeks of dumping access and a range of canister sizes, so there are no multiple trips or hourly-rate time crunches.
Another piece to consider is that you care more about your stuff than a stranger does. Although the items you’re moving are trash, you’re often moving it over, under, or around property you actually want to keep. A junk hauling team has other appointments to make and can be in a rush. You and your friends or family will be the most careful about not damaging your home in the process of a big junk cleanup.
Some people don’t mind spending a little time getting a workout whenever they can. Taking the stairs over the elevator, parking in the far side of the lot, or handling your junk haul by yourself are all great ways to fit exercise into tasks that need to be done anyways. Turn up the volume on your radio, put on some safety gear, and get ready to sweat!
A dumpster rental service like Discount Dumpster is there for customers every step of the way. We can give you size suggestions based on your job, give you a list of prohibited items, and schedule your dumpster at a flat fee; everything is included. That's something junk removal companies just do not have.
Renting a dumpster is a great option for getting rid of piles of junk, but there are some situations where it makes more sense to hire a service team to come haul your junk. We’ll look over a few scenarios where hiring a junk removal crew is the most effective disposal solution.
Junk comes in all shapes and sizes, just like we do as people. Sometimes the objects we want to throw away require more physical ability to move than we can give as individuals. Whether age and/or ability are a factor, we may need the help of junk removal services to clean up the spaces around us.
Avoid hassle by calling out a crew of trained junk haulers to make quick work of that stuff you need tossed. Even if you are young and able, you don’t want to injure or over-exert yourself by overestimating what size junk you can handle. Junk haulers specialize in furniture removal.
As I mentioned above, projects that require time are best served by renting a dumpster. If all your junk can fit into a junk van in one trip, it would be most efficient to hire a junk removal service to come to your home.
Let’s say you already pushed an old dresser, mattress, and fridge into a corner. You don’t need 14 days for that kind of job. You can just call a junk removal company to pick it up. It’ll be done in a few hours.
Continuing with the example from above, a fridge and mattress are a few items that can’t be accepted in rental dumpsters. Dumpster companies have specific guidelines on the types of waste they can hold, often due to the regulations at the landfills they use to dump. There are different types of canisters you can use for different materials like concrete, bricks, or heavy construction debris.
Freon appliances, like air conditioners or fridges, are considered hazardous waste and need to be treated at specialized waste facilities. Junk hauling services are experienced in handling those types of items and know where to take them. You’ll get fined for placing banned waste in a rental dumpster, so be aware of prohibited materials and don’t try to sneak any in. Just call a service team and they’ll take care of it, no problem.
A junk job that has items like a mattress, fridge, and dresser should be handled by a team. If you don’t have a group of people that can volunteer and help you, don’t try to go it alone. The job will get done quicker and much safer if multiple people are handling this sort of job.
If done by yourself, it will take up more of your time and you could get injured in the process. Save time and a trip to the hospital by just calling a team of professionals to help make it an easy job. Who knows, they may even let you help. (Probably not.)
Let's say you don't want to rely on a dumpster or junk removal services to get rid of junk for you. You can load your clutter into trash bags and take it to a landfill or recycling center yourself. You can also sell your junk to some one in your area or donate it.
One person's trash is another person's treasure. Give your junk a new life!
Instead of toss certain items in the trash can, consider donating. Take clothes, furniture, electronics, mattresses, and other items to consignment stores, your local Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity. Someone is bound to find use for them.
One thing junk removers won't do is sell your things for you. Get rid of junk by putting on a yard sale or post them on Craigslist. If you're old water heater is taking up space and it's fixable, wipe off the dirt with some paper towels and someone will buy it to fix and flip it. Get some cash for those old clothes you don't fit into anymore. If no one in your house uses the exercise equipment, consider selling it online.
Read our blog "How to Have a Successful Yard Sale" for more information
The curb in front of your house is a great place to get rid of things. Place stuff safely at the curb outside your home with a sign that says "free."
Take these tips into consideration when you're figuring out how to get rid of junk. There are many ways to get rid of clutter and garbage. Choose the best junk removal option for you. If it's only a few articles of clothing, donate it for a new life. If you're just getting rid of your ancient water heater, box spring, or anything bulky, call a junk removal company. If you have a big job and want to work at your own pace, reach out to Discount Dumpster for a roll off dumpster.
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