Step-by-step guides

Choose a guide and follow it step by step. We keep instructions short and practical, with optional pro tips along the way. When you finish one section, take a breath, sip some water, and decide whether to keep rolling. Small, steady wins beat one heroic push that wipes you out.

Bulky furniture

1. Plan the path: Measure doorways, hall turns, and stairwells. Clear rugs and obstacles.
2. Lighten the load: Remove legs, drawers, and cushions. Tape hardware in a small bag to the underside if donating.
3. Protect the home: Use blankets or cardboard on door frames and floors.
4. Two‑person carry: Lift with legs, keep the item close, move in small steps.
5. Donate or dispose: If the piece is clean and sturdy, schedule a donation pickup. If not, check city bulk pickup rules or book a haul‑away.

Pro tip: For a couch through a tight doorway, tilt it into an “L” shape and lead with the back. For stairs, pivot slowly and communicate every step.

Electronics (e‑waste)

1. Back up and reset: Save data, sign out of accounts, and factory reset devices.
2. Remove batteries: Many are recycled separately; bag them and label.
3. Wipe and bundle: Clean screens lightly and bundle cords with labels.
4. Use certified channels: Retailer take‑back or city e‑waste events keep toxins out of landfills.
5. Document donations: Photograph working devices before drop‑off.

Pro tip: Keep a small “universal cable kit” and donate the rest—less clutter, more clarity.

Yard waste

1. Sort by material: Leaves, branches, grass, and soil may have different rules.
2. Bag and bundle: Bag leaves; bundle branches with twine per length limits.
3. Compost smart: Consider a backyard bin for leaves and kitchen scraps.
4. Schedule pickup: Many cities offer seasonal yard waste collection—use it.

Pro tip: Keep a small tarp handy; it’s the easiest way to drag leaves or clippings to the curb.

Moving cleanout

1. Start with volume: Garage, attic, and closets first—they free up the most space.
2. Set the four bins: Keep, Donate, Recycle, Trash. Label boldly and stand them near the door.
3. Pre‑book pickups: Donation and junk haul‑away for two days before moving day.
4. Photograph donations: Create a quick album for documentation.
5. Final sweep: Vacuum, wipe, and take “after” photos for peace of mind.

Pro tip: Use colored tape to mark boxes by room at your new place—future you will say thanks.

Appliances

1. Unplug and prep: Empty, defrost, and dry refrigerators and freezers to prevent leaks.
2. Safety first: Doors off or secured if storing outside, especially around kids.
3. Refrigerants: Schedule certified removal; don’t handle it yourself.
4. Disposal: Some utilities offer rebates for old, working appliances—check before scrapping.

Construction debris

1. Estimate volume: A small dumpster can beat multiple car trips.
2. Separate materials: Metal may be recyclable; treated wood usually isn’t.
3. Load safely: Heavy items on the bottom; don’t overfill past sidewalls.

Household hazardous waste

1. Identify clearly: Paint, solvents, pesticides, and automotive fluids are special handling.
2. Contain & label: Keep in original containers when possible; don’t mix unknowns.
3. City programs: Use county HHW days; never pour or toss in regular trash.

Donation best practices

• Clean and test items; add hardware or manuals if available.
• Group by category; label boxes on two sides.
• Schedule weekday morning pickups when routes are lighter.

When the clock is ticking

If you’re on a tight deadline, time‑box each room to 45–60 minutes and finish with a single haul‑away or city bulk pickup. The combination of a clear time window and a definite end makes decisions easier.

Have a scenario we should cover? Tell us.