Get matched with top dirt haulers in Foothill Ranch, CA

Begin by asking neighbors whether they hired a nearby junk removal company in the past. A great junk removal team should have glowing local reviews, an upfront estimate process, and easy scheduling. They should also be able to show proof of license and insurance. Lastly, get to know at least three junk removal companies before making your choice.

Since you’ll likely be sorting through and getting rid of unwanted items anyway, this may be the perfect time to also plan for a garage sale. This way, you can think through how you want to price your items and group them for sale as you’re purging them from your home. You may also save on having to hire a service to haul away your items, and you’ll make money selling your items instead! Worst case, you can always drop off whatever you don’t sell at your nearest consignment store or donate to a charitable organization.

Pouring chemicals down the sink or toilet is a bad idea. In large amounts, they can damage plumbing and septic system. Tossing them in the trash can cause leaks, harmful fumes, and other problems, too.

Pouring chemicals onto the ground or nearby storm drains is also not recommended. Toxic chemicals can leak into nearby plants, lawns, or even water sources. It’s also illegal to pour out certain substances like used motor oil. Instead, schedule a trip to a local dropoff site for household hazardous wastes. Most local government websites can give you information on where to dispose of these substances.

The most affordable way to get rid of junk often involves a do-it-yourself approach, especially if you don't have a large amount of debris. Start by sorting your items into categories: donate, recycle, sell, or trash.

• Donate or Sell: Usable goods can be donated to local charities. You can also list items for free or for a low price on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

• Use Municipal Services: Your city's regular garbage collection or bulk pickup days can be the cheapest option. However, be sure to check community guidelines for quantity limits and accepted materials. You can also take recyclables to a city drop-off center.

• Haul it Yourself: If you have a truck or suitable vehicle, loading the junk and taking it to a local transfer station, public dump, or waste disposal facility is a very cost-effective method.

If a DIY approach isn't possible, consider these options:

• Rent a Dumpster: You can rent a dumpster, fill it yourself, and the rental company will haul it away. This is a good middle-ground if you can do the labor but don't have a vehicle for transport.

• Hire a Junk Removal Service: While typically the most expensive choice, hiring a professional junk removal team is the most time-efficient and requires the least effort from you. This is a good solution if your city's services won't accept the items or if you are unable to move them yourself.