Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and being unable to resist the urge to buy new decor, the holidays are typically a time when we're bringing more stuff into our home than we're taking out.
\r\n\r\nBy the time the new year rolls around, you're probably already looking forward to spring cleaning.
\r\n\r\nOn top of that, the holidays often bring visiting family, get togethers with friends, and more hosting than you're typically used to.
\r\n\r\nBefore you let the holiday clutter bog you down, follow this guide to declutter, get organized, decorate to impress, and discover the best ways to streamline it all.
\r\n\r\n![\"A](\"/static/00f258e1c5791f0a6d2077e171ba8d46/ready-for-holidays-info.png\")
\r\nIf you haven't already, it's time to swap out your spring/summer clothes with your fall/winter gear.
\r\n\r\nHaving two separate wardrobes that you can pack away after the season changes allows you to...
\r\n\r\nWhile you're packing away your warmer weather clothes, set aside items that you rarely touched over the past season.
\r\n\r\nWhether you have pieces that no longer fit, have gone out of style, or they're falling apart at the seams, get rid of these items before you pack up your summer wardrobe.
\r\n\r\nSimilarly, while you're unboxing your winter clothes, set apart any items that you know you'll likely not wear often or at all this upcoming season.
\r\n\r\nDoing this periodically throughout the year helps keep your wardrobe manageable so that you can easily access the clothes you actually wear as well as free up valuable storage space that can be used for new items that you purchase or are gifted during the holidays.
\r\n\r\nIn the same vein, organizing and decluttering the storage space in your home before the holidays is a great way to clear up space for any new items you'll be acquiring over the holiday season.
\r\n\r\nA clean, organized house does wonders to relieve day-to-day stresses and improve the overall safety of your home, which is perfect for what many consider a stressful time of year.
\r\n\r\nFollow the \"6 month rule\" when you're struggling to determine what is worth hanging on to and what is better off donated or tossed in the trash.
\r\n\r\nThe 6 month rule is a general guideline for decluttering that indicates it's best practice to get rid of anything that you haven't used in the last 6 months (other than seasonal items, in which case you can extend the timeframe to 1 year).
\r\n\r\nIn most circumstances, if you haven't used an item in 6 months, it's not worth hanging on to.
\r\n\r\nAnother great rule of thumb is the \"in-and-out rule\", which states that every time you bring a new item into the home, remove an old one.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nIf you plan on hosting this holiday season, take advantage of contractors' slow season and finish up your interior projects before you invite guests over.
\r\n\r\nWinter tends to be the slow season for demo contractors, so if you've previously put any projects on pause, consider tackling these projects before the holidays arrive.
\r\n\r\nWhen we host the holidays, we spend so much time in the kitchen to prepare. Why not get the upgrades you've had your eye on and enjoy the space you're doing it in?
\r\n\r\nOr, if you've been thinking about investing in new flooring, take advantage of Black Friday deals!
\r\n\r\nIf you need interior demo for your interior project, Hometown can help you find local pros in your area.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf you only have a bag or two worth of items to get rid of, dropping it off at a donation center or tossing it in your regular trash should be sufficient.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have large amounts of junk to get rid of or heavy, bulky items that aren't easily removed, hiring professional services will be the best option for a stress-free declutter.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies often haul away furniture, old appliances, e-waste, demo debris, and bulk amounts of junk and are able to do so within a matter of minutes.
\r\n\r\nIf you have 7 cubic yards or more worth of stuff to part ways with, renting a dumpster will likely be a more cost-efficient option, given you are able to do the heavy lifting and loading on your own.
\r\n\r\nWhen you need large disposal solutions, find reputable professionals in your area by searching on Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned companies across the U.S. to help consumers connect with qualified junk removal and dumpster rental providers who offer great customer service and don't overcharge.
\r\n\r\nSupporting local businesses not only benefits your local economy, but when it comes to the dumpster and removal industries, they typically offer the best pricing and personalized services.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes to compare pricing and availability is easy, free, and can be done within a matter of minutes!
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nOnce your house is all tidy and organized, it's time to enjoy the fun part of the holidays.
\r\n\r\nDecorate your home to get into the holiday spirit, or at the very least, to provide extra lighting during the darkest time of the year!
\r\n\r\nThe holidays are typically a time when we're bringing more stuff into our home than we're taking out. Before you let the holiday clutter bog you down, follow these simple tips to prepare and enjoy the holidays clutter-free.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-15T00:26:05+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"6831934f-abd0-540e-b874-5de8dff0ee66","title":"Items That Can Incur Additional Dumpster Rental Fees","url":"/blog/items-that-incur-addtional-dumpster-rental-fees","image":{"path":"/static/f8f6fd6d89c6ba9d7856f4440d7b9c94/overflowing-dumpster.png","alt":"Roll-off dumpster overflowing with trash"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"}],"content":"It's important to understand all the terms and conditions of your dumpster rental agreement to ensure that you aren't charged more than the price you were originally quoted.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNot being aware of what you are putting in your dumpster, or how much, can result in overage fees that can quickly add up.
\r\n
Hometown understands how important it is to keep disposal costs low, so we've put together this quick guide of things to be aware of so that you don't overpay.
\r\n\r\n![\"Items](\"/static/104e7cd1c0ccd2d0defb5ee30040860d/additional-dumpster-fees_0.png\")
\r\nWhile roll-off containers are great for heavy, bulky items, you'll have to make sure that they fall within your dumpster rental's weight allowance.
\r\n\r\nThe trucks that deliver and pick up dumpster rentals can only safely lift and maneuver so much weight, which is why there are weight limitations in place.
\r\n\r\nIt's rare for a dumpster rental to have a flat fee because the contents of the container that are dropped off at a landfill or recycling facility are priced by weight.
\r\n\r\nThe average charge for overage fees fall around $75-$100+ per ton over the weight limit, which can add up fast.
\r\n\r\nRenting a larger dumpster than you think you'll need is the best option when in doubt.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nSimilar to adding too much weight to your dumpster rental, overfilling your container can also result in fines.
\r\n\r\nMost dumpsters have fill lines that indicate when you should stop adding items to the container.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you fill your dumpster beyond the specified fill line, you will be responsible for unloading the material on top until the container is filled appropriately.
\r\n
If you are unable or unwilling to do so yourself, the dumpster professional in charge of loading your rental onto their truck will have to do so and will certainly add an additional fee to your invoice as a result.
\r\n\r\nOr, they may refuse to pick up your rental until it meets their requirements, causing you to have your dumpster longer than intended and requiring a second trip for pick-up, resulting in additional fees.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumpster rental companies dump their containers at local landfills and must comply with their rules and regulations in order to avoid getting fined themselves.
\r\n\r\nItems that are banned from landfills can create hazardous byproducts that leak into the surrounding soil and find its way into local bodies of water, which is why there are federal, state, and local guidelines to follow when dumping at a landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe most common types of household hazardous wastes that are banned in landfills include:
\r\n\r\nThrowing away items that are prohibited in your dumpster rental will result in additional fines and fees, so if you are unsure if your items are accepted or not, be sure to share these details with your dumpster rental provider.
\r\n\r\nRead more: What Goes in a Dumpster and What Doesn't [Infographic]
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you're renting a dumpster to dispose of recyclables, you'll likely be required to \"clean load\" your container.
\r\n\r\nClean loading a dumpster means to only load one specific type of debris into the dumpster, which allows the material to be recycled or reused somehow.
\r\n\r\nThis type of disposal actually often saves you money on your dumpster rental, but most importantly, it keeps valuable materials out of the landfill.
\r\n\r\nIf you rent a recycling dumpster but mix it with other junk and trash, you can expect to be charged additional fees.
\r\n\r\nHere are some examples of common types of construction and demolition debris that are often clean loaded:
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn about the items that commonly incur additional dumpster rental fees so that you don't pay more than your initial quote.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T02:06:55+00:00"},{"id":"99dd366e-9b72-5cb0-b417-b958713301e2","title":"Tips for Achieving and Maintaining an Organized Home","url":"/blog/tips-for-an-organized-home","image":{"path":"/static/d168a2f5d444f1b5c9c02307f9b82d6d/enjoying-clean-house.jpg","alt":"woman enjoying her clean house"},"tags":[{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"7ce68dc2-095e-5221-a253-7b8b847933db","name":"House Cleanout","slug":"House-Cleanout"}],"content":"When it comes to getting your home organized—and keeping it that way—having a plan of action makes the entire process less stressful
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOur tips will help make the decluttering and organizing process a success.
\r\n
Starting with a \"clean slate\" of only the items you use, love, and absolutely need to keep is the best first step to getting organized and staying organized.
\r\n\r\nAs you're going through your items, make separate piles for things that are trash, things that can be donated, things that can be sold, and things that can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nSeparating your items will make it easier to determine disposal solutions down the line.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering can be hard to do at times, especially when you struggle with getting rid of items.
\r\n\r\nOur decluttering guide is a great place to start if you're looking to start the decluttering process.
\r\n\r\nOnce you have a general idea of how much you have to get rid of, you'll be able to figure out the best solution for it all.
\r\n\r\nDonate
\r\n\r\nIf you have a lot of clothes, furniture, or other useable items that can be donated or sold, you can save a lot of money on disposal costs.
\r\n\r\nAll donations can be driven to or picked up by a local charity, but the rest will have to be disposed of properly as well.
\r\n\r\nRent a Dumpster
\r\n\r\nIf you have a large amount of trash or items that are no longer usable, a dumpster rental is a great option.
\r\n\r\nRanging from 10 cubic yards to 40 cubic yards in most cases, dumpsters come in many sizes to accommodate a wide range of disposal projects.
\r\n\r\nA 10 cubic yard dumpster is roughly 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3-4 feet tall.
\r\n\r\nThe 10, 15, and 20 yard dumpster options are ideal for driveways or other small areas while still giving you a lot of room for your junk or debris.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost for these dumpster sizes is $250-$550 but can be more or less depending on where you live, how much weight is included in the price, and who you rent from.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: The Beginner's Guide to Renting a Dumpster
\r\n\r\nJunk Removal
\r\n\r\nIf you have a smaller amount of items to get rid of than would fill a dumpster, junk removal may be a better option.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies offer a more inclusive disposal solution in which a crew of two or more come and haul away your items for you using a truck or large trailer.
\r\n\r\nBecause of the convenience, junk removal services typically cost slightly more than dumpster rental in most cases.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge based on the amount of space your items take up on their truck, with potential additional fees if they're overly heavy or large and difficult to maneuver.
\r\n\r\nFor a small- to medium-size junk removal project, you can expect to pay $300-$1,000 depending on where you live, how involved the removal is, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: When Hiring a Junk Removal Company Is the Best Choice
\r\n\r\nAs we've mentioned previously, pricing for both dumpster rental and junk removal services can vary quite a bit from one company to the next.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, we always recommend getting three quotes whenever possible.
\r\n\r\nBy comparing services, availability, and pricing, you'll be sure you hire the best person for the job.
\r\n\r\nEasily request quotes from local dumpster rental or junk removal providers with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nSimply enter your zip code in the search bar at the top of the page and click \"Find Pros.\"
\r\n\r\nFrom there, answer a few quick questions so companies can accurately quote your project.
\r\n\r\nBy comparing quotes, you'll be sure you choose the right service and hire the right company for the job.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNow that all of the unwanted and unnecessary items are out of your home, it's time to tackle organization.
\r\n\r\nEvery item in your home should have a designated spot where it returns after being used.
\r\n\r\nWith a proper home, it's easier to make sure everything is where it should be and everything is neat and tidy.
\r\n\r\nMaximize storage space by adding shelving and decorative organization options.
\r\n\r\nUtilize storage space by using space-saving bags or hangers that are organized by season or purpose.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have an organization system in place, limit the new items you bring into the home in order to maintain your newly clean and organized space.
\r\n\r\nIf you must bring new items into your house, it's a good rule of thumb to remove one item in order to reduce the risk of clutter piling up again.
\r\n\r\nThis is the key to maintaining an organized home, so don't underestimate the importance of this tip.
\r\n\r\nBefore buying a new item to bring into the house, honestly ask yourself if this is something you'll love for years to come or if it's just an impulse buy you'll regret later.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n\r\n","teaser":"When it comes to getting your home organized—and keeping it that way—having a plan of action makes the entire process less stressful. Learn our tips to help make the decluttering and organizing process a success.
\r\n","changed":"2022-08-23T23:28:55+00:00"},{"id":"b4f9f619-c9d0-5a28-b93b-6888780fb057","title":"15 Yard Dumpster Guide: Cost to Rent, Weight Limits, and More","url":"/blog/15-yard-dumpster-guide","image":{"path":"/static/2f43af611b3ef136e9021e74cb2d31ac/15-yard.png","alt":"15 yard dumpster full of concrete debris"},"tags":[{"id":"ff9e5cd8-9806-5b72-851a-8d9bd13c62e4","name":"15 Yard Dumpster","slug":"15-Yard-Dumpster"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"15 yard dumpsters are a great disposal option for a number of different small to medium cleanup projects or heavy debris disposal, like concrete.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n15 yard dumpsters can handle a variety of different projects, like small kitchen renovations, full bathroom renovations, shed demolition, and home cleanouts.
\r\n
This dumpster guide will go over all the details you need to know about 15 yard containers to make the most informed decision for your particular project.
\r\n\r\n![\"15](\"/static/f4932de20e92090b64da00e89c77540b/15-yard-dumpsters-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nWith a maximum capacity of 15 cubic yards, 15 yard dumpsters can hold between 7-8 pick-up truck loads' worth of debris.
\r\n\r\nThe dimensions of a 15 yard dumpster will vary from carrier to carrier, but the most common dimensions of a 15 yard container are:
\r\n\r\nWith an overall size similar to that of a van or minivan, placing a 15 yarder in a residential driveway is generally not an issue.
\r\n\r\nLike most other roll-off containers, 15 yard roll-off dumpsters feature a swinging back door(s) so that you can walk in heavy or bulky items with ease, and their open top makes throwing trash and debris over the side walls a non-issue.
\r\n\r\n15 yard trailer dumpsters are also a popular option and are perfect for those who need to adjust the placement of their dumpster throughout the duration of their rental or are worried about driveway damage.
\r\n\r\nTrailer dumpsters sit on rubber wheels, making them driveway-safe and easily maneuvered.
\r\n\r\nIf you need to have your rental placed in a tight space and are worried about size, be sure to ask the different companies you speak with what the dimensions are of their particular containers to ensure a suitable fit.
\r\n\r\nAll dumpsters have weight limits that renters must abide by in order to avoid overage fees.
\r\n\r\nWeight limits are set in place for many reasons, including the safety of the dump truck and driver, abiding by local road restrictions, and ensuring that the company's profit margins aren't eroded.
\r\n\r\nEvery company will have their own specific set of terms for their rentals, but on average, most 15 yard dumpster rentals have a weight limit between 2-3 tons, or 4,000-6,000 pounds.
\r\n\r\nGoing over your weight limit will result in additional fees best cast scenario, or having to rent a second dumpster worst case scenario.
\r\n\r\nOverage fees are typically somewhere in the $75-$100 range per ton over the limit, while having to rent a second dumpster will double your costs immediately.
\r\n\r\nIf you're worried about going over your weight limit, speak with the rental company to discuss in detail the type and amount of trash/debris you need to dispose of so that they can help you choose the right size dumpster for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThe nationwide average cost to rent a 15 yard dumpster is around $300-$500.
\r\n\r\nThat being said, your 15 yard dumpster rental could cost more or less depending on a number of factors, like:
\r\n\r\nThe weight capacity of the dumpster and weight of your debris will be the biggest factor in determining how much you will pay for your dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nRental duration will hves less of an impact, but could still influence the cost of your rental if you only need the dumpster for 1-2 days versus 1-2 weeks.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in a large city with a high cost of living and high landfill fees, you'll pay a lot more than if you were to rent in a less populated suburb with a lower cost of living.
\r\n\r\nThe company you rent the dumpster from is also an important factor that will affect the overall price you pay.
\r\n\r\nEvery service provider has different overhead costs, different profit margins to meet, and therefor the cost for the same size container from one company to the next can vary quite a bit.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to find out what a competitive price is for a 15 yard dumpster is to get several quotes from companies near you.
\r\n\r\n15 yard dumpsters are a great size container for a wide range of small to medium cleanups, including:
\r\n\r\nGetting the best service at the best price is easier when you get multiple quotes from providers in your area.
\r\n\r\nBy getting multiple estimates, you'll be able to compare weight limits, pricing, customer service, dumpster types, rental durations, and availability.
\r\n\r\nIt's important when speaking with different rental companies to ask important questions beyond their pricing, like:
\r\n\r\nRenting from smaller local providers tends to be the best way to get the best price for a dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nLocally-owned and operated dumpster companies tend to have lower overhead costs than large national chains and are able to provide better savings and a more personable customer service experience.
\r\n\r\nFinding local dumpster companies is fast and easy with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your dumpster rental needs, you'll be shown qualified companies in your area that are licensed, insured, and reputable.
\r\n\r\nOur single quote request form allows you to get free dumpster rental quotes from several companies at once, cutting down the time you spending researching significantly!
\r\n\r\nHometown makes finding competitively priced dumpster rentals in your area fast and convenient, so you can focus on tackling your project with ease.
\r\n\r\n15 yard dumpsters are a great disposal option for a number of different small cleanup projects or heavy debris disposal, like concrete. Read this guide to learn all the details you need to know about 15 yard containers to determine if it's the right size container for your project.
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