Planning timeline
- 2 weeks out: Purge room by room: Move / Donate / Toss
- 10 days out: Book the dumpster for the weekend before moving day
- 1 week out: Attic, shed, and garage — the never-again stuff lives there
- Moving week: Toss pile loads as you pack; no debris mountain on truck day
- Walkthrough: House shows broom-clean; deposits and closings stay happy
Safety reminders
- Don't pack what you should pitch — 20–30% of most houses shouldn't make the trip
- Lift smart during the sprint week; the dolly is your friend
- Set hazardous garage items aside — they can't ride
- Keep pathways clear as boxes and toss piles compete for space
Dumpster sizing
An apartment or small-home purge fits a 15-yard; a family home with garage and attic runs a 20. Long-lived-in houses edge toward estate-cleanout territory — consider the 14-day rental. Not sure? Take the 60-second size quiz or see the full comparison chart.
Tips from the pros
- Purge before you pack — paying movers to haul junk hurts twice
- Break down old furniture that isn't making the cut
- Sell-worthy items: photograph now, list tonight
- Book pickup for the day after the walkthrough
Recycling suggestions
- Donation pickups book out — schedule the truck early
- Moving boxes: neighborhood groups take them instantly
- Old electronics: e-waste rides in household loads
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying to move boxes you'll toss at the new house
- Leaving the shed for 'later' — later is moving day
- Renting the can after the movers are booked (do it first)
- Forgetting the walkthrough standard is empty, not 'mostly empty'
Want the deeper read? See the full blog guide on this project.