Downsizing or sorting through the house is a process. A few people find the task overwhelming and ship everything into a storage unit to deal with at another time. That is one approach, or you can deal with the matter. At some point in the process, you must decide whether to hire a hauler.
What is the process?
After you figure out the first three items, you are down to the trash and recycling. It’s too much to fit in the cans, so what do you do? Do you ration out the stuff for the weekly or bi-weekly pick-up? That might take a lot of time. Call your local waste management company and see if they offer a free bulk pick-up. Most offer one or more free bulk pick-ups but are limited in size. Another option is to hire a reputable hauler.
What are the benefits of hiring a hauler:
- Convenience factor – truck comes with people, and they drive away with unwanted items
- Aesthetic aspect – What once looked like a pile of trash is now a clean area
- Efficiency and peace of mind – A team of haulers quickly and efficiently clear away any unwanted items
- Health and Safety – Avoid cuts, abrasions, or pulling muscles (i.e., back goes out) because the team of haulers will take care of everything for you
- Expertise – They know how and where to dispose of your unwanted items
Most haulers are not licensed to handle hazardous waste; a specific license is required. Haulers can be fined and potentially lose their business if they improperly handle hazardous waste, so please do not ask them to do this.
There are options for hazardous waste.
- Contact your local waste management company for accessible drop-off locations for their residents.
- Some waste management companies allow residents to place used or unwanted batteries in a clear plastic container/bag on top of the trash bin.
- Contact your local pharmacy or fire department to take care of expired or non-needed medications or needles; some have a bin to drop off these items.
STAGES is here to help you learn about the services available.
