Home renovations can be transformative and life changing, but even when you hire a professional contractor to tackle the renovations for you, there is still work that needs to be handled beforehand.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to properly prep the areas of your home being renovated before the work begins to not only ensure your belongings are protected, but to ensure that there are no unnecessary road blocks getting in the way of the contractors or DIY experts performing the work.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over the most important and often overlooked steps to take before your home renovations begin.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/static/2c4303aca49413f220e28ffa3de41ae1/prepare-home-renovation-info.jpg\")
\r\nBefore you start clearing out the area of your home that is being renovated, you'll need to have a storage area ready to accommodate the items being temporarily relocated.
\r\n\r\nFor renovations only taking place in one room of the house, it's typical for people to make space in a spare bedroom, basement, or their garage to temporarily store all furniture, decor, clothing, or other items that normally belong in the room being renovated.
\r\n\r\nIf your home renovation is a much larger, more involved project, it's possible that you'll have to store your belongings off-site. Popular options to accommodate this include utilizing extra space at nearby friends', family, or neighbors' homes or renting a temporary storage shed.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Planning a Successful Demolition or Renovation Project
\r\n\r\nIt's important to remove as many belongings as possible in the parts of your home being worked on prior to the work beginning.
\r\n\r\nIt's typically not enough to just cover all furniture with sheets to protect them from airborne dust and debris. A better way to ensure that your furniture and other items are protected is to have them removed and stored elsewhere for the duration of your renovation project.
\r\n\r\nDecorative items, such as hanging art or other displays, should be removed from the room, as well as curtains, rugs, plants, and other easily removable items.
\r\n\r\nIf your renovation is taking place in an area with built in storage that is being replaced, like cupboards or vanities, these should be emptied completely for the smoothest and most organized renovation. This also applies to clothing stored in nearby closets to avoid the chance of dust settling into the fibers of your wearable belongings.
\r\n\r\nWhile removing your belongings in preparation of your renovation, this is a good time to sort through each item and determine whether or not you'd like to actually keep it. It's so common for us to store items in drawers or cabinets where they end up being forgotten about and rarely used.
\r\n\r\nUse this time to sort through your belongings and consider getting rid of items that you no longer use. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if it's something you haven't used in 6 months or longer, it's probably safe to donate or throw out.
\r\n\r\nYou might also want to consider doing this in the area of your home that you plan on using as temporary storage. If you have a spare bedroom, office, basement, or garage that you plan on storing items in throughout the renovation, it's not uncommon that you'll have to make room for these storage arrangements.
\r\n\r\nConsider taking advantage of this by taking inventory of your items in your storage area as well and set aside items that can be given or thrown away.
\r\n\r\nHome improvement projects are the perfect excuse to finally declutter parts of your home that have been put off for too long and will only further improve the quality of life that your home renovations help provide. Decluttering has several mental and physical health benefits and should be part of your renovation plan.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nAfter you've successfully sorted through all your belongings in both the renovation and storage parts of your home, you should have a pile of items that you are ready to let go of. Whether this pile is small or large, you'll need to arrange for a way to dispose of it.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most convenient ways to get rid of unwanted household items is to hire a junk removal company to load and haul it away.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal is an especially great choice if you have a decent amount of items still in good, usable condition that maybe you've just outgrown or are outdated. Junk removal companies are known for being environmentally friendly and usually sort through all the items they haul away in order to donate as many salvageable items as possible rather than just dumping them at a landfill.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a large amount of items to get rid of before your renovation project, renting a dumpster might be the better choice for you. Renting a temporary dumpster can be more cost-effective than junk removal services when you have 7 or more cubic yards worth of junk or trash to get rid of. A dumpster rental on-site before, during, and after your renovation also provides a great way to contain and control renovation debris if you're responsible for the cleanup.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to keep in mind, however, that renting a dumpster requires you to do all the heavy lifting and loading. So, if you have old, heavy furniture or appliances to get rid of and you don't have the proper tools, strength, or help to load the dumpster on your own, junk removal services are likely the better disposal solution for you.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies can have your unwanted items, big or small, loaded into their truck or trailer and hauled away to the appropriate facility within a matter of minutes in most cases.
\r\n\r\nWhether you decide that junk removal or dumpster rental is better for your pre-renovation home declutter, Hometown can help you get in touch with locally-owned and operated services in your area for completely free quotes.
\r\n\r\nWe provide a simple, fast way to get multiple quotes from different junk removal and dumpster rental providers in order to compare pricing, customer service, and find the availability your project requires.
\r\n\r\nSimply enter your zip code and answer a few short questions about our disposal needs and we'll connect you with the right local experts. We never sell or share your data; it's only given to the appropriate service providers you request quotes from!
\r\n\r\nOur sister site, Hometown Demolition, can help connect you with professional, reliable, and local remodeling and demolition contractors if you're still searching for help with your project.
\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nLearn the most important and often overlooked steps to take before your home renovations begin.
\r\n","changed":"2023-08-01T23:25:28+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"1e9f9e7d-872a-55db-9f97-25370fbfc6d1","title":"How to Request Junk Removal Quotes with Hometown","url":"/blog/how-to-request-junk-removal-quotes-with-hometown","image":{"path":"/static/445c9cf52436151a6717d557e0b83dd2/hometown-junk-removal-quote-request.png","alt":"Hometown junk removal quote request form"},"tags":[{"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"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"\r\n\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, our quote request form simplifies the process of getting free estimates from local junk removal service providers.
\r\n
You 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\n\r\n\r\nWe'll ask you a few questions about your project, including...
\r\n\r\nNote: We never share or sell your data. We only use your project details to help connect you to the right local junk removal companies and to follow up on your satisfaction level. That’s it.
\r\n\r\nOnce your request is submitted, you’ll receive a text alerting you when a service provider accepts your request and agrees to provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nThe company will then follow up with you directly to provide or set up a quote.
\r\n\r\nThere’s no obligation to hire.
\r\n\r\nCompare the customer service and quotes you receive. If and when you’re ready, hire the junk removal company you like the most.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, our quote request form simplifies the process of getting free estimates from local junk removal companies. Find out how Hometown makes getting junk removal quotes fast and easy for a stress-free home or business cleanup experience.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-13T22:17:10+00:00"},{"id":"581dbb1a-04e2-5301-accc-cc0ce050e96d","title":"Frequently Asked Junk Removal Questions","url":"/blog/junk-removal-faqs","image":{"path":"/static/22b182bd8ebd6a37557ac964d91ba325/junk-removal-crew.png","alt":"junk removal crew loading furniture onto truck"},"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"}],"content":"Looking for answers to some of junk removal customers' most frequently asked questions? We've got the answers you're looking for.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we answer some of the most common junk removal questions:
\r\n\r\nSearch for junk removal services in your area using Hometown's easy-to-use database.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can compare the services each company offers, read customer reviews, and request quotes from as many service providers as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nIf you have just a couple of bulky items to toss, like an appliance or a small furniture set, then the junk hauler may be able to give you a quote before coming out to your site.
\r\n\r\nIf you have more than a few items to get rid of, the junk removal service will likely need to see the junk in person to give an accurate estimate.
\r\n\r\nTypically, a crew of two people will come out to your property to assess the junk's volume and the amount of effort necessary to remove it.
\r\n\r\nThey then provide you with an exact quote, and if you're satisfied with the price, the team removes the junk on the spot.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't like the price that particular company quotes you, you're not obligated to hire and estimates are free.
\r\n\r\nPayment is only taken after the job is completed and your junk is gone.
\r\n\r\nIf the price works for you, then most haulers will remove the junk on the spot.
\r\n\r\nThe crew who gave you the estimate will then load all your unwanted junk onto their trucks and haul it away, leaving you with a clean-swept space.
\r\n\r\nAfter your junk is hauled away, relax and enjoy your clutter-free space.
\r\n\r\nIt feels great to get rid of unwanted or unneeded items cluttering up your life, especially when someone else did all the heavy lifting and dirty work for you.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal experts will handle your debris responsibly, donating reusable items in good condition and recycling when possible.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies structure their services in a way that allows you to get rid of a large (or small) amount of junk in a single trip without sending it to the landfill by throwing it away with a dumpster rental.
\r\n
Items are separated so they can be donated or recycled whenever possible.
\r\n\r\nIf you only have a couple items to get rid of and they're all going to the same place, the company will typically drive them there directly, either to a local donation center/charity or to the local recycling facility. Whatever cannot be donated or recycled is taken to the landfill for disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf you are donating furniture or a large amount of items, the company should provide you with a donation receipt.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\n![\"pile](\"/static/fa90086207bd2cc8b02ac337e54792c0/junk-removal-items.png\")
\r\nJunk removal companies are willing to take nearly anything off your hands, including items you can't put in a dumpster, like air conditioning units, refrigerators, and other freon-containing appliances.
\r\n\r\nHere's an idea of what most junk removal companies will take:
\r\n\r\nKeep in mind: There are some items are not accepted due to safety concerns, like hazardous materials (mold, asbestos, lead paint), chemicals, etc.
\r\n\r\nDouble check with each company you speak to that they accept the items you have.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting a quote from a junk removal company is always free, but the cost for your specific junk removal project will depend on a number of factors.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal services have a minimum charge of $75-$100.
\r\n\r\nThis will generally include the pick-up of a couple small pieces of furniture or a very small pile of lightweight junk.
\r\n\r\nThe average junk removal project, however, is typically bigger than this, so the average cost of junk removal services is typically closer to $500-$1,000.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs you might imagine, one of the biggest factors influencing cost is the amount of items you have, because the more items you have to remove, the more space it takes up in the company's truck, the more labor hours and people it will take to get the project done, and the more it will cost for the job.
\r\n
For example, if you have heavy or large items to get rid of, it will take more than one person to haul them away, which results in a higher cost.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you live in a remote, rural area, it will cost the company more to get to your property and haul the junk to the nearest recycling facility or landfill, and you will have to cover that cost difference.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How Much Does It Cost to Haul Away Junk?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn most cases, dumpster rental prices fall between $250 and $550 for a seven-day rental, while junk removal can be as low as $75 or as high as thousands of dollars.
\r\n\r\nTypically, junk removal services cost more than renting a dumpster because they do all the work for you.
\r\n\r\nHowever, the exception to this rule is when you have a smaller cleanup, like hauling away a couple pieces of furniture or getting rid of a refrigerator.
\r\n\r\nIn general, if you need to get rid of only a couple larger items like appliances or furniture, junk removal is usually the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nBut, if you have a larger project, then dumpster rental is likely less expensive.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental saves you money when you have more than a few yards of debris or junk to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal estimates are almost always provided on-site.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal crew will come out to your home, yard, or business to see your junk cleanup project in person before providing an estimate for the junk removal work.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBecause junk removal pricing is based on how much space your items take up in the company's truck, they will need to see the items in person before they can provide an exact quote. For single item removals, they may be able to offer an estimated price, but the final cost is not given until the crew is on site.
\r\n
When the junk removal company comes out and gives you an estimate, if you agree to their price, they'll often get started right away or schedule a time that's convenient to complete the work.
\r\n\r\nThese quotes may be provided in person, but you are in no way obligated to hire a junk removal company if you don't feel like their price is fair or there are other red flags, like poor customer service.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: What Is an On-Site Junk Removal Estimate?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTips are not required or expected, but if your junk removal crew does a great job, it's relatively standard practice to tip 10-20%.
\r\n\r\nA basic guideline for tipping a junk removal company is 10-15% tips for a small cleanup project and 15-20% for a larger cleanup.
\r\n\r\nHowever, you are in no way obligated to tip your junk haulers.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How to Choose the Best Junk Removal Company
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"junk](\"/static/cf9d0aa9128070b5063c723230a5fe4f/junk-removal-company_0.png\")
\r\nHometown makes it easy to find the right local junk removal company for the job.
\r\n\r\nYou can browse companies that serve your zip code, read their company profiles, see what customers have to say about their service, and easily request a quote from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend reaching out to multiple junk removal providers before hiring because it will help to ensure you get a fair price, good customer service, and the services you need when you need them.
\r\n\r\nContact a minimum of two to three junk removal companies to be sure you have a good understanding of your options and that you pick the right company for you and your project.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nLooking for answers to some of junk removal customers' most frequently asked questions? We've got the answers you're looking for. Find out how junk removal works, how much it costs, who to hire, whether or not to tip, and more.
\r\n","changed":"2022-04-27T16:21:33+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"},"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](\"/static/055031e41e49c7e962b5c81931aefd73/6-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.
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