\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen you need junk removed from your property quickly and safely, it's important to make sure you're hiring a company that is reputable and capable of delivering high-quality results on time and for a fair price.
\r\n
It's common to hyper focus on pricing when hiring any service provider—and junk removal services are no different—but professionalism and reliability are just as important as pricing.
\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to research a company is to read reviews from real customers who have worked with the company and can shine an honest light on the type of service you can expect from them. There are several things to look for when reading junk removal reviews that can help you determine who the best company for your job is, and we'll go over them all in this quick guide.
\r\n\r\nThere are many motivations behind someone leaving a fake review, negative or positive, which is why it's important to make sure that the reviews you check out are verified and from real customers.
\r\n\r\nYou don't want a company's competition, loving mother, or the company themselves influencing your purchasing decisions, which is why it's best to only consider reviews from customers who have actually hired the company you're considering.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to ensure you're reading verified reviews from real junk removal customers is to read the reviews on Hometown. Our site personally verifies every review that is submitted before publishing it, good or bad. Our only motivation behind accepting company reviews is to help inform future customers like you, so you never have to wonder if the gleaming 5-star review or scathing 1-star review is left by the owner's wife or scorned enemy.
\r\n\r\nWhen visiting other sites to read reviews about a junk removal company, look for an indication that those reviews are real before giving them too much weight in your consideration. For example, do they use overly flowery marketing language? Do they speak in absolutes and extremes? Are they super vague about their experience? These are all potential signs of a fake review that you should make note of.
\r\n\r\nSome websites, like Google, allow the owner of the company to respond to reviews, which can be worthwhile to read as well.
\r\n\r\nWhile this doesn't happen on Hometown due to our review verification process, it's not uncommon for reviews to be left for a product, service, or company that either don't match the product/service description or were out of the company's control. There are plenty of instances where a quick look at a company's 1- to 2-star reviews reveals they are actually completely irrelevant to the service they're reviewing.
\r\n\r\nFor example, you may see a \"negative\" review for a company in which the entire review actually compliments the company and their employees on all their hard work, but the author of the review only gave them 2 stars because of circumstances that are irrelevant to the service or were out of the company's control.
\r\n\r\nHere are some examples:
\r\n\r\n\"ABC Junk Removal's service was great, but there was construction on 8th street so they got stuck in traffic and arrived 30 minutes later than expected. That's the only reason I'm leaving 2 stars, but the actual company and service was great!\"
\r\n\r\n\"123 Junk Be Gone was friendly, professional, and worked quickly to remove our junk. They had to reschedule our pick-up due to severe weather, but other than that, the service was excellent.\"
\r\n\r\nAs you can see, though these may technically not be 4- or 5-star reviews, the actual customer service and workmanship that these companies provided was 5 stars, so be sure you take all aspects of the reviews you read into consideration.
\r\n\r\nUnless you have a considerably large project, junk removal services should be completed quickly. So, when reading junk removal reviews, look for mention of how fast or efficient their service was. The timeliness of the actual service is important as well as the timeliness of their customer service and how quickly they respond to your quote request or any questions you have.
\r\n\r\nAre they available to chat when they're contacted, or at least able to get back to you in a reasonably punctual manner? Are emails and questions answered in a timely fashion so that you aren't left waiting on a response for days? Any mention of junk removal crews charging by the hour for large projects who are slow-moving and seemingly unmotivated is an immediate red flag.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal jobs are priced on the amount of junk you have, and most junk removal companies train their crew to be as time-efficient as possible at each job site so that they can quickly move on to the next job and make as much money as possible each day. Being fast and efficient not only benefits you as a customer, but it should be the business strategy of a successful junk removal company, too.
\r\n\r\nYou should expect a certain level of professionalism from any company you do business with, regardless of the type of service they offer, and it's not unusual for those leaving reviews to touch on this subject.
\r\n\r\nIf you notice more than one person mentioning a lack of professionalism from the company in question, they could end up being a headache to deal with for you as well.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRespectful, punctual, and helpful communication should be the standard for any company you spend your hard earned money on.
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Reviews that mention how professional, friendly, and eager to help their customers a company is should be given higher standing as you consider all your local options.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal industry is large and it can be overwhelming and take up a significant amount of time to find companies in your area that are competitively priced, have a good reputation among their customers, have availability when you need it, and are locally-owned and operated.
\r\n
\r\nFinding these quality companies for your removal needs has been made simple with Hometown. Our easy-to-use search engine allows you to enter your zip code and find reputable services in your area that are licensed, insured, and locally-owned! You can read verified reviews from customers who have hired them and make the most informed decision based on the experiences of their customers and the price they quote you.
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\r\nOur quote request form allows you to get multiple quotes from up to 3 qualified companies in your area so that you don't have to keep answering the same questions about your project details every time you want a company to quote your junk removal job. We do all the legwork for you free of charge, so you can focus on more important matters.
Learn about things to look for when reading junk removal reviews to help you determine who the best company for your project is.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-24T13:54:33+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"28cad9ae-30f9-59ee-97e9-b69c1565b034","title":"Why You Should Hire Junk Removal for Evictions","url":"/blog/why-hire-junk-removal-for-eviction-cleanups","image":{"path":"/static/1e81160596b6cb8d4810d0ebaf9ecadc/eviction.png","alt":"Eviction notice on door"},"tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"7ce68dc2-095e-5221-a253-7b8b847933db","name":"House Cleanout","slug":"House-Cleanout"}],"content":"\r\n\r\n\r\nEviction cleanups can be messy, long, and potentially dangerous jobs.
\r\n
For busy landlords or property management companies, hiring a junk removal service can be an invaluable resource to quickly clean out a rental so they can get their next tenant in as soon as possible.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over the several benefits of hiring a professional junk removal company to handle your eviction cleanout.
\r\n\r\n![\"Why](\"/static/63062132b59b9cb4decad837ae731bef/Artboard-1.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, cleaning out a home or rental unit that has been abandoned after an eviction can host health and safety issues.
\r\n\r\nNot all eviction cleanups have these problems, but some examples of common hazards found in eviction situations include:
\r\n\r\nBeginning an eviction cleanup project without first taking the necessary safety precautions could result in temporary or long-term health concerns, like infections, bodily injury, or respiratory issues.
\r\n\r\nProfessional eviction cleanup companies outfit themselves in personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent unnecessary physical harm and are insured for instances when accidents occur.
\r\n\r\nWhile not recommended, if you plan on performing an eviction cleanout on your own, getting your own PPE is absolutely necessary.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe best case scenario for an eviction cleanup is to have the tools and manpower to complete the task within a day.
\r\n\r\nIf an eviction cleanout takes place over several days or weeks, the cost of income lost by not being able to begin improvement projects or moving in a new tenant can add up quickly.
\r\n\r\nIt also increases the risk of further damage being done if there is sitting water or decomposing material.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting as much done as possible in a short amount of time helps everyone involved and junk removal specialists are very attuned to this.
\r\n
The quicker the eviction cleanout is performed, the sooner you can begin checking off other boxes on your to-do list, like having the home professionally cleaned, replacing appliances or finishings, getting professional photos taken, and putting the home back on the market for rent or sale.
\r\n\r\nIf you decide that the home or unit needs interior demolition work, find a local contractor on Hometown Demolition.
\r\nRenting a dumpster and and emptying the eviction home on your own is a great option if you're on a tight budget and have the time and strength to do so.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to remember that items thrown in a dumpster will end up at the landfill, and if the home is full of items that are still in good condition, donating or recycling is a more environmentally response choice.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are skilled at sorting through the junk left behind in a home and separating recyclable and donation-worthy items, making the majority of junk removal companies the most eco-friendly disposal method.
\r\n\r\nIf you're interested in the cost of junk removal services, getting multiple quotes from local companies is the best method to:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes finding locally-owned junk removal companies and requesting free project estimates quick and easy.
\r\n\r\nBy simply entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your eviction cleanout, you'll be shown reputable, licensed, and insured junk removal companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nLearn about the many benefits of hiring a professional junk removal company to quickly handle an eviction cleanout.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T02:52:49+00:00"},{"id":"4f2c415e-8754-546d-8197-62d5b1038b96","title":"6 Steps to Cleaning Up After Your Basement Floods","url":"/blog/basement-flood-cleanup","image":{"path":"/static/d861c0f209af871d5b5d4881c4462bd8/basement-flood.png","alt":"rubber boots standing on wet floor"},"tags":[{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"},{"id":"9b611674-a2b8-541f-99a9-bfaf0063fc7d","name":"Storm Cleanup","slug":"Storm-Cleanup"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"A flood in your basement, whether from a burst pipe, heavy rain, sewer backup, faulty appliance, or floodwaters, is a huge pain, regardless of the severity.
\r\n\r\nStatistics show that more than 14,000 people experience a water disaster of some kind every day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe fallout and cleanup involved with a basement flood doesn't have to be overly stressful, and Hometown is here to help.
\r\n
In this guide, we'll outline the steps you should take to protect your property, and thereby yourself, by getting things dried out, cleaned up, and back to normal as soon as possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"basement](\"/static/9084cd38357a712f56827d7f0adb2ffc/basement-flood-cleanup-infographic.png\")
\r\nRegardless of the cause of your basement flood, your first question will likely be, \"What do I do now?\"
\r\n\r\nThe first step is to make sure you and any other residents are not putting yourselves at risk.
\r\n\r\nWhenever entering a flooded home or area, be sure you're wearing protective clothing, like rubber boots and gloves.
\r\n\r\nWading through dirty water or touching items that have come into contact with flood water can expose you to pollutants, like bacteria, mold, chemicals, etc.
\r\n\r\nIn cases of more extreme flooding, make sure the house is safe to enter first.
\r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for telltale signs of structural damage, like buckling floors or walls or warped or cracked foundations.
\r\n\r\nWe also recommend taking photos and video of the damage and documenting cleanup efforts in case you need to submit them to your insurer.
\r\n\r\nAdequate documentation will allow the insurance adjuster to accurately assess the damage and your loss.
\r\n\r\nImmediately contact your utility companies if you suspect any damage has occurred to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines.
\r\n\r\nSafety is always more important than salvaging household items, so be wise as you assess the structural integrity of your property.
\r\n\r\nEven a small amount of water can cause an electrocution hazard in your home, so we recommend cutting the power to your home to mitigate your risk, even if there is a widespread power outage.
\r\n\r\nLocate your electrical panel and turn off the main breaker and each fuse switch.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, unplug appliances, equipment, or machinery if they are at risk and prop them up on blocks to keep them out of rising water whenever possible.
\r\n\r\nA backup generator can be a huge asset during floods because they allow for an electric sump pump, water vacuums, fans, and lights to run without putting yourself at risk of electrocution.
\r\n\r\nWe also advise shutting off your gas or reaching out to your gas company to do it for you if your home uses natural gas.
\r\n\r\nIf your home experiences serious flooding, a qualified electrician will need to inspect, clean, and dry the power box before you can turn the power on again.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you're sure your safety is not at risk, the next thing you need to do is stop the water from rising if possible.
\r\n\r\nIf a pipe has burst or a broken appliance is leaking, turn off the water supply to your home immediately.
\r\n\r\nIf your home is flooding due to a storm or natural disaster, call your city to make sure the storm drains are open and cleaned out to ensure the water recedes as quickly as possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"water](\"/static/52888cc8e4e8423b1f66e647b5ccf7a5/basement-water-seepage.png\")
\r\nYour homeowner's insurance may be able to help pay for flood damage remediation and repairs if it's included in your policy.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInsurance companies classify water damage differently and are typically very strict about what they will and won't cover.
\r\n
In many cases, water damage is preventable with adequate home maintenance.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, insurance providers only cover very specific circumstances.
\r\n\r\nThe most common types of coverage include:
\r\n\r\nFlood damage is not covered in your standard homeowner's insurance policy, but a separate policy can be purchased from government-backed National Flood Insurance Program.
\r\n\r\nIf you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you can buy a policy through a private insurer in order to meet your mortgage requirements and federal mandates.
\r\n\r\nHowever, surface water, like rain, rivers, lakes, or oceans overflowing, is excluded.
\r\n\r\nDamage from your pipes bursting is typically covered in a standard homeowner's policy.
\r\n\r\nHowever, if your pipes are slowly leaking over a longer period of time, this damage is excluded.
\r\n\r\nA home insurance policy typically includes water overflow under the water damage clause, but you will need to add water backup coverage.
\r\n\r\nWater Backup Coverage includes the backup of water from a drain, pipe, or sump pump.
\r\n\r\nWater overflow water is usually clear and relatively clean because it's never entered the plumbing system.
\r\n\r\nWater backup water is often dark brown or black and grainy because it comes from deeper within the plumbing system.
\r\n\r\nYou can generally purchase water backup coverage as an add-on coverage when you first purchase your policy in increments of $5,000 of protection.
\r\n\r\nWater damage caused by a storm is likely covered by your standard homeowners policy if the water enters from above ground level.
\r\n\r\nGroundwater seepage is not covered in a standard homeowner's policy.
\r\n\r\nWater seepage is when water seeps into your home via porous material or tiny holes due to groundwater levels rising or excess water in the soil causing hydrostatic pressure against your home's foundation.
\r\n\r\nFollow all the instructions laid out by your insurance company when it comes to the clean up and restoration process.
\r\n\r\nWait to begin any repairs or demolition until your insurance company has sent an adjuster to your home to assess the damage or has given you authorization to move forward.
\r\n\r\nKeep track of all the damage by taking photos and video of the entire process, documenting conversations with your insurer, and maintaining consistent, clear communication.
\r\nRemoving water as quickly as possible after your basement floods is important in order to minimize any damage to flooring, carpets, drywall, etc.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAct quickly to limit damage to your home and avoid further problems down the road.
\r\n
If you have a sump pump, this is the best choice for removing large amounts of water.
\r\n\r\nBuckets or a hose to siphon the water are your next best bets.
\r\n\r\nA wet vac can suck up relatively small amount of standing water from carpets and floors.
\r\n\r\nIf the flooding is minimal, mopping up the water with towels or an absorbent mop head is typically sufficient.
\r\n\r\nThe longer the water is allowed to sit in your basement, the more extensive the damage is likely to become.
\r\n\r\nOnce the bulk of the water is removed, open your windows (if it's dry outside) and utilize fans and dehumidifiers to move air and dry out your basement and belongings. Running the air conditioner or furnace can be helpful, too.
\r\n\r\nIf you're able to dry out your basement and belongings in less than 24-48 hours, you can likely get away without removing or tossing too much.
\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, remember to document the entire process as you go, taking photos and video of the level of flood damage.
\r\n\r\nWater damage can be sneaky and penetrate the structure of your home, causing trapped moisture pockets, which can lead to hidden mildew and mold within your walls or beneath your floors and eventually, structural damage.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend using a moisture meter to ensure moisture doesn't go undetected.
\r\n\r\nIf the flood damage is extensive, you'll want to contact a qualified flood restoration company to take any additional steps to ensure your home is adequately dried out, repairs are made, and the structure is safe for years to come.
\r\n\r\nIf the cause of the flood is covered by your homeowner's insurance, you will need to get authorization from your insurer before beginning cleanup, so reach out to them immediately.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, the faster you can dry things out, the less damage you'll experience.
\r\n\r\nAs soon as it's safe to do so, separate any water-logged items and air them out. (Don't forget to document!)
\r\n\r\nThe quicker you can remove salvageable items, the better chance you have of saving them.
\r\n\r\nIf an item has been exposed to water for more than 24-48 hours, they likely contain mold spores and should be thrown out.
\r\n\r\nSimilarly, we recommend throwing out any food that has been in close proximity to flood water, not just the food that has come in contact with it.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a decent amount of items to get rid of, whether it's random household items, furniture, appliances, or carpeting, a junk removal company can help haul it away quickly and safely.
\r\n\r\nOr, if you'd rather do the work yourself, renting a dumpster is another great option.
\r\n\r\nHometown specializes in helping homeowners find junk removal services and dumpster rentals in their hometown. Browse companies in your area, read customer reviews, and request quotes from multiple providers to ensure you get the best price for great services.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf your basement flood was caused by a burst pipe or broken appliance, a qualified local plumber should be one of your first calls.
\r\n\r\nA plumber will be able to stop the leak, fix the pipe, and resolve any plumbing issues that contributed to the flood.
\r\n\r\nMany plumbers will also recommend restoration companies to help remove any water and restore your property, but don't allow any restoration company to begin any work before your insurance company has the chance to send an adjuster to look at the damage and assess your claim.
\r\n\r\nFind reputable demolition contractors in your area to help you complete any structural or renovation-related work. We also recommend getting multiple quotes from demolition contractors before signing a contract to ensure you don't overpay.
\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nA flood in your basement is a huge pain, regardless of the severity. Learn the steps you should take to protect your property, and thereby yourself, by getting things dried out, cleaned up, and back to normal as soon as possible.
\r\n","changed":"2022-02-09T15:23:23+00:00"},{"id":"40199077-d6db-5e4a-9b14-8605e4788425","title":"How to Get Rid of Exercise Equipment","url":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-exercise-equipment","image":{"path":"/static/20f69ee22892c71d2dad9d862d511850/exercise-equip.jpg","alt":"row of exercise bikes in gym"},"tags":[{"id":"1e45c637-f541-57aa-bc46-d9d831cafe4c","name":"Furniture Removal","slug":"Furniture-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"Whether you have exercise equipment that no longer works or you've decided to free up some space for items you'll actually use, getting rid of exercise equipment isn't typically a one person job.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are the fastest, most convenient way to get rid of your old treadmill, row machine, exercise bike, or bench press.
\r\n\r\nIf you've never used a junk removal service before, we'll go over everything you need to know about getting rid of your unwanted exercise equipment in the fastest, easiest way possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/static/1654b0bbda400f045ff836889976abd1/exercise-equipment-removal-info.jpg\")
\r\nExercise equipment that is no longer in working condition will need to be recycled or disposed of rather than sold or donated.
\r\n\r\nFor electronic exercise equipment, like treadmills or exercise bikes, local e-waste recyclers will likely accept these items for the most environmentally responsible disposal. Predominately metal items, like bench presses or free weights, are usually accepted by scrap metal recyclers.
\r\n\r\nIf you live in an area that doesn't have these types of recyclers nearby, disposal at a landfill may be your only option.
\r\n\r\nRegardless of the disposal method that makes the most sense in your situation, junk removal services offer the handiest option when you don't have the time, strength, vehicle, or desire to haul and dispose of your exercise equipment yourself.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are trained to load up your unwanted items quickly and safely, being sure to cause zero damage to your walls and property. They'll load up your unwanted items, like workout equipment, into their truck or trailer, safely secure them, and haul them to the nearest recycling center or landfill. Oftentimes, these services are available the same or next day.
\r\n\r\nThese types of companies typically send a crew of two with the proper tools and equipment to safely remove heavy items and mitigate the risk of injury or damage to property. This is especially helpful in cases where you have a large treadmill or exercise bike to remove, as these items tend to be bulky, heavy, and difficult to move.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of exercise equipment removal will vary based on many different factors, including how much space your equipment takes up in the junk removal company's truck or trailer, disposal fees in your area, ease of access, where you're located, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, the following chart depicts national average costs for the removal and disposal of popular types of workout equipment.
\r\n\r\n| Type of Exercise Equipment | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost for Removal | \r\n\t\t
| Treadmill | \r\n\t\t\t$150-$250 | \r\n\t\t
| StairMaster | \r\n\t\t\t$150-$250 | \r\n\t\t
| Exercise Bike | \r\n\t\t\t$100-$200 | \r\n\t\t
| Row Machine | \r\n\t\t\t$100-$250 | \r\n\t\t
| Bench Press | \r\n\t\t\t$75-$150 | \r\n\t\t
| Free Weights | \r\n\t\t\t$75-$250 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more:
\r\n\r\nExercise equipment that is still in working condition can be donated to local charity resale stores, community centers, or individuals.
\r\n\r\nLocal resale stores, like Goodwill or The Salvation Army, will often take exercise equipment that is in clean and operable condition. You may also want to consider looking up youth homes, halfway houses, senior centers, women's shelters, LGBTQ+ centers, refugee organizations, homeless shelters, or other community programs and reaching out to see if any of them would be interested in your unwanted exercise equipment. Oftentimes, creating a post in Facebook groups for your designated area offering up items for free can attract several \"buyers\" happy to take your unwanted items off your hands.
\r\n\r\nIf you can't find a group or individual willing to come and haul away your equipment donation for free, junk removal companies are a great alternative.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies are happy to haul your unwanted fitness equipment to the donation center of your choice, handling all of the lifting, loading, and transporting so that you don't have to. They can even provide you with an itemized donation receipt for tax purposes if you request one.
\r\n\r\nThe cost for junk removal services with the intention to have the items donated rather than disposed of is comparable but can sometimes cost slightly less. Because the junk removal company will not have to pay for landfill or recycling fees, they may pass those savings onto you when you have your items donated for free. There are also added savings if you itemize your tax deductions and make sure to get a receipt of your donation from the junk removal company on your behalf.
\r\n\r\nRead On: Donate Your Unwanted Items Easily with Junk Removal
\r\n\r\nWhether you choose to have your unwanted exercise equipment donated, recycled, or disposed of, there is no safer or easier way to do so than with the help of junk removal services, and there is no better way to find a qualified junk removal provider in your area than with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal companies that we publish are vetted to insure they are licensed, bonded, and insured to perform the services they offer, and we only publish reputable companies who provide a quality customer experience.
\r\n\r\nOur single quote request form makes it convenient to get multiple quotes that allow you to compare the cost, customer service, and availability of each service provider you chat with.
\r\n\r\nYou simply enter your zip code, answer a few short questions about your equipment removal needs, and select up to 3 providers in your area to request a quote from. We'll even match you up with local services if you don't feel like looking through their profiles yourself.
\r\n\r\nHometown knows the type of quality service you deserve and offers the quickest and easiest way to compare your options all in one easy-to-use place.
\r\n\r\nTry our free quote request form today and have your unwanted workout equipment hauled away in no time!
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nFind out how junk removal services can help you get rid of unwanted exercise equipment. Learn about disposal options, average costs, and how to find local services.
\r\n","changed":"2023-06-12T12:59:08+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}