Junk happens. One day your home is tidy, the next it’s overflowing with stuff you don’t need.
We’ve got five clever, wallet-friendly ways to clear the clutter for good. No more tripping over boxes or cramming closets shut.
We will break down each method, helping you choose the best option for your situation. From DIY approaches to professional services, we cover all the bases.
Key Notes
- Best for large-scale cleanouts: Rent a dumpster – flexible capacity and most cost-effective for high volumes.
- Best for convenience: Hire a junk removal service – professionals handle everything from hauling to disposal.
- Best for making money: Sell items online or host a garage sale – turn unwanted items into cash while decluttering.
1. Rent a Dumpster
How do you get rid of a house full of junk? Renting a dumpster may be the answer.
It involves having a large, rectangular container delivered to your home. You fill it with trash, and the rental company picks it up when you’re done.
It’s ideal for getting rid of large amounts of trash, such as yard waste, construction material, and old fittings and furnishings.
What It Involves
To rent a dumpster, contact a rental company, select your desired size, and schedule a delivery. The company drops off the dumpster at your location, usually in your driveway or another accessible area.
You then have a set period to fill it with your unwanted items. Once full or your rental period ends, the company returns to pick it up and dispose of the contents.
Who Is It Best For?
This option is great for homeowners tackling major cleanouts or renovation projects. It’s ideal if you’re clearing out a garage, basement, or attic and you don’t know where to throw away junk.
It’s also useful for yard cleanups if your normal bins are buckling under mounds of branches and debris.
If you have enough space for the dumpster and can fill it within the rental period, this method saves you time and the only effort you put in is getting the container filled up.
Pros
- Takes large volumes of junk
- Convenient drop-off and pick-up
- Cheapest way to remove junk in large quantities
- Eliminates need for multiple trips to the dump
- Offers flexibility with various sizes available
Cons
- Requires space for placement
- May need a permit in some areas
2. Hire a Junk Removal Service
Junk removal services entail professionals coming to your home to haul away unwanted items. They provide the labor and transportation needed to remove your junk.
What It Involves
You contact a junk removal company to schedule a pickup. On the appointed day, a team arrives, assesses the items to be removed, and provides a quote.
If you agree to the price, they’ll load the items onto their truck and haul them away. Many services will also sort items for recycling and donation, reducing landfill waste.
Who Is It Best For?
Busy people or those unable to lift heavy objects will find this an attractive choice, as there’s no self-loading involved.
If you have a variety of items, including furniture and appliances, and want them gone quickly, a junk removal service is a good choice.
Pros
- Quick and convenient
- Often includes sorting and recycling
- Professionals handle all the heavy lifting and disposal
Cons
- A more expensive option
- Must schedule an appointment
3. Selling Items Online
Are you thinking how do I get rid of old things at home? Consider selling items online and list your unwanted goods on platforms where others can buy them.
Common platforms include eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. This is one of the cheapest ways to get rid of junk.
What It Involves
You need to create accounts on the platforms you’ve chosen. Take photos of the items, write detailed descriptions, and set prices. Once your listings are live, potential buyers can contact you with offers.
You’ll need to coordinate with buyers for shipping or pickup. While this can take time, on the plus side you pocket money from unwanted goods.
Who Is It Best For?
You’ll like this option if you have valuable or functional items other people might want. It’s particularly suitable if you have time to manage listings and communications with buyers.
If you enjoy sales and have patience for potential delays in finding buyers, selling online can be a rewarding way to declutter.
Pros
- Can make money
- Reduces waste by reusing items
- Easy to list items from home
Cons
- Can be time-consuming
- Items may not sell
- Interaction with buyers
| Platform | Listing Fees | Final Value/Transaction Fees | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | Up to 250 free; $0.35 per additional listing | 12.9% of total sale price + $0.30 per order | None |
| Amazon | $0.99 per item (Individual); $39.99/month (Pro) | Referral fees: 6%-45% depending on category | None |
| Etsy | $0.20 per item | 6.5% of total sale price (including shipping) | 3% + $0.25 per transaction |
| Free | 5% per shipment or $0.40 for items $8.00 or less | None | |
| Poshmark | $2.95 for items <$15 | 20% for items sold for $15 or more | None |
| Decluttr | None | None (Decluttr buys items directly) | None |
| Swappa | None | PayPal fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per sale | $5 to feature a listing |
4. Donating to Charities
Donate your unwanted goods to organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local shelters to help those in need.
What It Involves
Identify charities that accept the types of items you have. Some offer pickup services for larger donations, while others ask you to drop off items at their locations.
Make sure your goods are clean and in decent condition.
Who Is It Best For?
It’s perfect for philanthropic individuals who want to give back to their community. If you prefer a charitable approach to decluttering and have transportation, donating is an excellent option.
Pros
- Helps the needy
- Can be tax-deductible
- Sustainable way to dispose of items, reducing landfill waste
Cons
- Some items not accepted
- Needs transport
5. Host a Garage Sale
Consider yard sales to get rid of old junk. People sell items directly from their garage, driveway, or yard and connect with their community.
What It Involves
Choose a date and gather your items for sale. Price your goods and advertise your sale through signs, online listings, and social media.
On the day of the sale, set up in a visible and accessible area. Be prepared to negotiate prices with buyers and manage the transactions.
Who Is It Best For?
If you have a basement full of small items to get rid of, a garage sale is a good way to do it. It’s also a great option if you’re a people person and have the time to organize and run the sale.
Pros
- Immediate removal of items
- Opportunity to profit from items you no longer need
- Engages the community and builds connections with neighbors
Cons
- Takes time and effort
- Weather-dependent
- May need a permit
Not The Best Way To Get Rid Of Junk
Don’t be tempted to leave items on the curb without checking local regulations. Illegal dumping can result in fines and is harmful to the environment.
And be cautious with hazardous items. Follow local disposal guidelines for paint, batteries, and electronics to avoid environmental harm and legal issues. Always prioritize safe and responsible disposal methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size dumpster to rent
Assess the volume of your junk. Dumpster rental companies can help estimate the size you need based on the scope of your project.
What items can junk removal services take?
Most services take furniture, appliances, electronics, and general household items. Some restrictions may apply, so check with the service provider beforehand.
How can I make sure my items sell online?
Take clear, high-quality photos, write detailed descriptions, and price items competitively to attract buyers. Respond promptly to inquiries to facilitate quicker sales.
Conclusion
For large-scale cleanouts or renovations, renting a dumpster offers the most flexibility and capacity. If you’re short on time or physical ability, a junk removal service can handle the heavy lifting for you.
Selling items online or hosting a garage sale is ideal for those looking to make some money from their unwanted goods, while donating to charity is perfect for giving back to the community and potentially earning tax deductions.
Ready to transform your home and free it from unnecessary clutter? Contact us today to rent a dumpster and take the first step towards a lighter, brighter living space. Your clutter-free future is just a phone call away.
