How Do I Get Rid of Large Amounts of Junk?
Remove the Junk Yourself:
If you don’t mind a lot of hard work and sweat, then you can get rid of large amounts of junk yourself. Depending on what you need removed, you may need power tools such as a drill, a saw or a jack hammer. Don’t forget personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, glasses and a hard-hat. If the material is heavy, such is the case with construction debris, you may even need to rent a bobcat to remove the material. Depending on the amount of junk you have, and the size of your vehicle, you may need to make multiple trips to the landfill. Each time you go you will have to pay a dump fee. Just because you can do the job yourself, doesn’t always mean it’s the best option. The costs of the job can quickly add up and get away from you.
Rent a Dumpster:
Dumpsters are a great option for the do-it-yourself person who likes to take on projects themselves. They can be parked on site and used at your own leisure, making it a very convenient option. But not every job requires a dumpster and there are some things you should be aware of. Dumpsters are often large and unsightly looking. If dropped improperly, they cause damage to your driveway or lawn. If you live in a community governed by an HOA, you may need permission before securing a dumpster. Some communities will not allow them and you will want to double check with the city if parking it on the street. There may be restrictions. It’s also best to make sure the material you are dumping in there is allowed. Most dumpster rental companies restrict certain material. They will also sometimes cover only the first dump fee. Dumpsters can only hold so much weight, so if you go over the fill line you will run into an additional charge. Make sure you know all the costs up front before renting a dumpster, because if you don’t you can end up over spending.
Host a Garage Sale:
You can try hosting a garage sale to get rid of large amounts of junk. Make sure you secure any permits if necessary from the city, or if you live in a development, the HOA. This is a great way to make some extra cash, but be prepared to set all the items out and then pack them all back up once you are done, because not everything will sell and you will have to find a place to store it. What you don’t sell you can list online for sale or simply keep. The chances are though, you just want to get rid of it, because that is why you had a garage sale in the first place. The other option is to throw it away. Depending on the amount of junk this may be viable, but if it’s a large amount of junk to get rid of, you will have to take it to the landfill. If you don’t want to deal with packing everything up and hauling it away, the next option may be your best solution.
Hire a Junk Removal Company:
If you are pressed for time and/or don’t want to do the labor yourself, your best bet is to hire a local junk removal company like Kraken Junk Removal to get rid of large amounts of junk for you. They have the tools, expertise and knowledge to do the job in a timely manner. If you’re hosting a garage sale, call a reputable junk removal company in your area before you open and explain your situation. You can tell them to stop by after the garage sale is over and have them remove all of the unwanted items for you. This way you don’t have to worry about packing up and looking at those items again. Some companies even offer curbside junk removal service, so if you are tired and want to lounge on the couch, you can pay over the phone and not have to worry about doing any more work.
Rent a Uhaul:
If you have to get rid of a large amount of junk, this is a viable option, but is it the best? The rental will incur a cost and time out of your day. You will not only have to pay for the rental, but also for fuel and dump fees. If you have to make multiple trips to the landfill, the costs can quickly add up. It may even be more expensive than hiring a junk removal company to handle the work for you.
Friend With a Truck:
If you have a single item that you need hauled away or a small pile of junk, great. That's what friends are for. But if you have to get rid of a large amount of junk, multiple trips to and from the landfill can be a lot. You will have to pay for the gas to get there and then the dump fee each time. Depending on how far you are from the landfill, this may not be something you can do in just one day. Also, some landfills require certain personal protective equipment, so if you don’t have the equipment that is another fee you will incur. You will also need to make sure the items are secured in the truck. You don’t want stuff flying off and hitting someone. That can cause an accident and you don’t want that. On top of all this you will have to do all the manual labor yourself. For just a fraction of the cost you could hire a local junk removal company to get rid of the large amount of junk for you.
Donate Reusable Items:
If you need help getting rid of a large amount of junk, and it’s in good condition, you may be able to find a local company in your area to take it for you. A lot of times these companies are booked well in advance, so if it’s something you need gone immediately, this is probably not the best option. Oftentimes, these companies are picky on what they will accept. Some people have had them show up, only to find they wouldn’t take their item, because of the shape it was in. If it’s a large amount of junk you have, don’t count on them taking it, but if it’s in good condition you can try searching your area for a donation center that does pickups.
