Get matched with top haulers in Burbank, IL

Simple hand clearing is possible on a small scale, but substantial work requires professionals to properly use heavy machinery and execute it precisely.

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.

A land-clearing project begins with assessing and preparing the property and pulling any necessary permits with your municipal building department. Clearing can begin after the project details are ironed out between you and your pro and a written contract is signed. Pros will bring out the necessary equipment and crew to first remove trees, stumps, brush, and vegetation. Your pro will then load up and haul away the project debris, and depending on the project, they may finish by grading the cleared land. 

When deciding between renting a dumpster and hiring a junk removal service, the key factors are the type of project, the items you're discarding, and your timeline.

• Rent a dumpster for longer projects like remodeling or construction. It offers flexibility, allowing you to dispose of debris like broken tile, drywall, fixtures, and yard waste over several days. You will be responsible for loading the dumpster yourself.

• Hire a junk removal service for quick, hands-free disposal. This is ideal if you want to get rid of a pile of junk quickly, or if you have heavy or bulky items like furniture and boxes that you don't want to lift yourself. The professionals handle all the labor, often clearing everything out within a few hours.