A little preparation can make junk removal much easier on collection day.
Once you have finished decluttering, sort your unwanted items, check what the removal company can take and make sure everything is easy to reach.
Whether you’re clearing one room, decluttering before a move or clearing out an entire property, these steps can make the process smoother, help avoid surprises on the day and prepare you and your home for a successful junk removal day.
What should you do before house clearances?
Before hiring a junk removal service, decide what actually needs to be removed. Keep anything you are unsure about away from the collection area so it is not taken by mistake.
Finish any remaining sorting first. Also, tackle any diy beforehand, like having to remove your old carpet before getting rid of it.
If you are still decluttering your home, our guides on how to declutter your home and using a declutter your home checklist can help before the clearing starts and help you making your home clutter-free.
Make a list of what needs to go
Make a list of items you want to be taken away.
You do not need to record every small object, but noting bulky furniture and the approximate amount of waste gives the removal company a clearer picture of the job.
Include any large or heavy items, along with anything that may require special handling.
A clear list of items can also save you time on collection day because there are fewer last-minute decisions about what stays.
Sort and organise items before collection
Sort items before the junk removal team arrives.
Keep your own belongings separate, then decide what can go to donation or recycling and what will need disposal.
This part can be especially upsetting if you hold sentimental value towards certain items or if you are helping a hoarder declutter their home, so it’s important to have patience at this step but ultimately make the difficult decision to let some of them go to create a safer and more manageable living space.
Items you no longer need or items that no longer serve a purpose can be set aside for donation if they are still in good condition.
You can also donate usable items such as furniture or household goods, which helps those in need while keeping useful belongings in circulation.
Other items can be recycled depending on the material and local waste management facilities.
This is a more eco-friendly way to reduce waste and limit the environmental impact of the clear-out, with the added bonus of keeping your space a completely clutter-free home.
Separate anything you want to keep
Keep anything you are keeping well away from the collection area. If someone else is helping with the clearing, provide clear instructions about what stays and what goes.
This can streamline the removal process and give you more peace of mind once collection begins.
Check what the junk removal company can take
Professional junk removal services can differ in what they accept, so check with your chosen junk removal service before collection if you have certain items you are unsure about.
Ask about large items and electrical goods in advance. Items like furniture, appliances or anything that may need special handling are worth mentioning before collection.
Clear communication makes the junk removal process easier and reduces the chance of something being left behind.
Make access easy for the removal team
You don’t usually need to move everything outside before a junk removal service arrives. What matters is that the collection area can be reached safely.
Clear hallways and doorways
Move boxes, shoes and loose clutter away from the route to the exit.
A clear path makes it easier to carry bulky belongings without working around unnecessary obstacles.
Point out heavy or awkward items
Mention heavy furniture, appliances or items that require special handling before the clearing begins.
This helps the team plan how to remove junk safely and can make the process more efficient.
What should you do with hazardous or restricted waste?
Hazardous materials such as paints, chemicals and other restricted products should be kept separate from ordinary household waste.
Some hazardous waste needs special handling and cannot go through normal rubbish removal, so check with the removal company if they handle hazardous waste before collection if you are unsure whether it can be taken.
The correct disposal methods will depend on the type of waste you are dealing with.
Following the appropriate route for restricted materials is an important part of responsible waste management.
If something cannot be collected, you will need to dispose of it through an appropriate local service so it receives proper disposal.
Final checks before your junk removal booking
Before collection, walk through the property once more.
Make sure nothing you want to keep has ended up in the collection area and check that everything due for removal is accessible.
A prepared property helps create a smooth and stress-free junk removal experience.
It can also make the actual waste removal quicker once the collection starts.
More to clear than expected? Talk to the Junk-It team today
If sorting everything out has left you with bulky furniture, bags, boxes or a larger amount of household waste, Junk-It can take care of the heavy lifting.
Tell us what needs to go and we’ll quote for the job, collect and load the items, then sweep up before we leave.
Call us on 0131 228 3848 for a free quote with no obligation.
