Moving can be overwhelming, but clearing out junk beforehand makes it easier, cheaper, and more efficient. Here’s why:
- Save Money: Fewer items mean lower moving costs - less packing, smaller trucks, and fewer labor hours.
- Simplify the Move: Decluttering reduces what you need to pack, label, and unpack.
- Stay Compliant: Atlanta has strict waste disposal rules. Bulk items, electronics, and hazardous materials need special handling or scheduled pickups.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Donate, recycle, or responsibly dispose of unwanted items to help the community and reduce landfill waste.
Pro Tip: Start decluttering 3 months before your move, sort items into "Keep", "Donate", or "Trash", and schedule a professional junk removal service like WasteMatch to handle the rest. It’s fast, hassle-free, and ensures proper disposal.
Ask These 9 Decluttering Questions BEFORE Moving!
4 Reasons to Remove Junk Before Moving
Clearing out unwanted items before a move in Atlanta makes the process smoother and helps you stay compliant with local waste disposal rules.
Pack and Move Less
Getting rid of unnecessary items means fewer things to sort, pack, and label. This simplifies the move and helps you settle into your new home faster.
Save on Moving Costs
Transporting fewer belongings can lead to lower moving expenses. With less to move, you might save on truck size, labor hours, and packing materials, making the process more budget-friendly.
Stay Compliant with Atlanta's Waste Rules
Atlanta has specific waste disposal guidelines, making it crucial to plan properly when discarding items during a move. Hiring a professional junk removal service ensures everything is handled appropriately - whether it’s recycling or disposal - while adhering to local regulations. Some items require special attention:
- Hazardous materials: Must be taken to approved facilities.
- Electronics: Often need to follow specific recycling procedures.
- Bulk items: May need scheduled pickups with local services.
3 Steps to Clear Out Your Home
Getting ready for a big move in Marietta or Kennesaw? Use this guide to declutter and stay organized, making your moving day as smooth as possible.
Start 3 Months Before Moving
Kick off your decluttering process about 90 days before your move. Breaking it down by room can help you stay on track:
- Weeks 1–4: Focus on storage areas like the attic, basement, or garage.
- Weeks 5–8: Move on to living spaces and bedrooms.
- Weeks 9–12: Wrap up with the kitchen, bathrooms, and any remaining spaces.
Start sorting your belongings into clear groups to make decisions easier.
Sort Into Keep, Donate, or Trash
For every room, create three piles:
- Keep: Items you’ll take to your new home.
- Donate: Things in good condition that someone else can use.
- Trash: Anything broken or beyond repair.
Once sorted, you’ll be ready to remove the unwanted items efficiently.
Schedule Junk Removal Services
After organizing, it’s time to clear things out. WasteMatch makes it simple to book local junk removal pros. Here’s how to get started:
- Schedule a pickup before moving day.
- Request a free, no-obligation quote.
- Ensure your items are handled responsibly, with recycling and donations where possible.
With WasteMatch, clearing out your home is quick and hassle-free.
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Why Hire Professional Junk Removal
Moving can be stressful - let the experts take care of clearing out your unwanted items.
Save Time and Energy
Professional junk removal makes tough, time-consuming tasks simple and safe. These teams:
- Handle large, heavy items with care
- Quickly clear out storage areas or cluttered spaces
- Work efficiently to finish the job fast
In Atlanta, hiring pros not only saves you time but also ensures your junk is handled according to local waste regulations. Plus, they’ll make sure items are recycled or disposed of responsibly.
Responsible Recycling and Disposal
WasteMatch connects you with experts who prioritize eco-friendly practices. Their process includes:
- Sorting out recyclables
- Identifying items suitable for donation
- Adhering to local waste disposal laws
- Managing hazardous materials safely
- Minimizing landfill contributions
Transparent Pricing and Reliable Service
When you book with WasteMatch, you’ll get a straightforward, fully insured service that prioritizes safety and professionalism. Benefits include:
- Clear, upfront pricing - no surprise charges
- Full insurance for peace of mind
- Proper tools to handle any job
- Teams trained in safety protocols
- Careful handling to protect your property during removal
Responsible Disposal Options
Atlanta provides practical and environmentally conscious ways to handle unwanted items, especially during a move.
Where to Donate in Atlanta
Several organizations in Atlanta accept donations to help local families and individuals in need:
- The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta: This nonprofit redistributes gently used furniture to families transitioning from homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. They welcome furniture donations and put them to good use.
- Goodwill of North Georgia: Last year, they kept over 49 million pounds of items out of landfills. Donations support their career centers and job training programs, helping people find employment.
- St. Vincent de Paul Georgia: In the past year, they provided $19 million in assistance to over 116,000 people.
"We are proud of the fact that approximately 75% of the items we pick up are either donated or recycled." - Green Junk Removal
Local Recycling Centers
Recycling centers in Atlanta handle a variety of materials efficiently. The Centers for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) stands out as a leading facility in the area. In 2023, CHaRM achieved impressive results:
| Material Type | Amount Recycled |
|---|---|
| Styrofoam | 251,012 lbs |
| Chemicals | 503,225 lbs |
| Glass | 453,224 lbs |
| Total Materials | 5.7 million lbs |
CHaRM operates from two convenient locations:
- Atlanta: 1110 Hill St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
- Decatur: 1225 Columbia Drive, Decatur
Make sure to schedule an appointment before visiting either site.
Schedule Green Disposal
For items that can't be donated or recycled, green disposal services are a responsible choice. WasteMatch simplifies the process with eco-friendly options that comply with Atlanta's waste regulations. Through WasteMatch, you can:
- Get clear, upfront pricing with no surprises
- Schedule same-day or future pickups
- Track where your items go
- Receive donation receipts for tax deductions
Local providers ensure items are sorted for donation, recycling, or proper disposal, reducing waste while benefiting the community.
For additional recycling options, Keep Atlanta Beautiful offers a comprehensive database to help you find specific drop-off locations for various materials.
Conclusion
A well-organized move paired with professional junk removal can make your transition much easier. Clearing out unwanted items not only cuts down on moving costs but also ensures proper disposal, supporting eco-friendly practices in your community.
WasteMatch simplifies the entire process with clear pricing and flexible scheduling, ensuring dependable service. Here’s what one happy customer had to say:
"Excellent website, phone information including estimates, and actual pickup. At every phase the service was great!" - Eileen Connor
Here’s how you benefit:
- Save on moving costs by reducing the number of items to transport
- Stay compliant with Atlanta’s waste disposal rules
- Help the environment through recycling and donations
- Enjoy a smoother, hassle-free moving experience
