How much does junk removal cost in Allentown, PA?

Junk removal pricing depends on what you need removed, how much space it takes up in the truck, and whether the items are curbside or need to be carried out from inside the property. Total Hauling offers free estimates so you know the price before the job begins.

Do I have to move my junk to the curb?

No. You do not have to bring everything to the curb. Curbside pickup may cost less, but our team can also remove items from inside the home, garage, basement, office, rental property, or other approved areas.

What types of junk do you remove?

Total Hauling removes furniture, mattresses, appliances, household junk, office items, cleanout debris, renovation debris, and many other non-hazardous items. If you are unsure about a specific item, call or send photos for an estimate.

Do you offer weekend junk removal?

Yes. Weekend availability may be possible depending on the schedule. Total Hauling can work with customers to find a pickup time that fits their needs.

Can I get an estimate by sending photos?

Yes. In many cases, photos are enough to provide an estimate. Larger cleanouts, hoarding situations, or complex jobs may require an on-site assessment.

Estate Cleanout Checklist: Step-by-Step Home Guide for Allentown, PA

An estate cleanout checklist helps families sort a home without losing important papers, personal items, or valuable property in Allentown, PA. The best plan is to confirm who can make decisions, secure the home, sort items into clear groups, and work through one room at a time.

Table of Contents

An estate cleanout can involve grief, family decisions, legal duties, and tight deadlines. A written plan helps reduce mistakes and keeps the work organized.

Before You Begin an Estate Cleanout

Before removing items, confirm who has legal authority to act for the estate. Protect documents, keys, jewelry, photos, and financial records first. Family members should also agree on which items will be kept, sold, donated, recycled, or discarded.

The executor named in a will may need formal authority through probate. When there is no will, the court may appoint an administrator. Families with questions should contact the estate attorney or the Lehigh County Register of Wills. Pennsylvania also has inheritance tax rules, so keep tax records, account statements, and property documents until the estate’s legal and financial work is complete.

Before sorting:

Confirm who may approve the cleanout.
Secure doors, windows, keys, and alarms.
Check for leaks, mold, pests, or unsafe floors.
Photograph each room.
Gather wills, deeds, tax forms, and insurance papers.
Ask family members about personal items.
Set aside property that may need an appraisal.

Do not rush this stage. Recovering a missing document or keepsake may be difficult after items leave the home.

Step-by-Step Estate Cleanout Checklist

A useful estate cleanout plan follows a clear order: document the home, collect important records, sort belongings, separate unsafe materials, remove large items, clean each room, and complete a final inspection. This order keeps sale, donation, recycling, and disposal items apart.

1. Photograph the Property

Take photos of every room, closet, cabinet, storage area, garage, basement, attic, and shed.

Create a room list:

Kitchen
Living room
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Closets
Basement
Attic
Garage
Yard
Shed

Photos create a record of the home’s condition and help family members who cannot visit.

2. Find Documents and Records

Search desks, safes, drawers, bags, filing cabinets, books, and boxes before discarding paper.

Set aside:

Wills and trust papers
Property deeds
Vehicle titles
Tax returns
Insurance policies
Bank records
Military records
Birth and marriage certificates
Loan documents
Business papers
Password lists

Shred private documents that no longer need to be kept. Do not place papers with account numbers, medical details, or Social Security numbers in open trash bags.

3. Create Sorting Groups

A clear sorting system is one of the most important parts of any house cleanout checklist.

Group	Examples	Next Step
Keep	Photos, documents, keepsakes	Pack and label
Give to family	Furniture, tools, dishes	Record who receives it
Sell	Collectibles, usable furniture	Appraise or list
Donate	Clothing, household goods	Confirm acceptance
Recycle	Metal, electronics, cardboard	Use an approved site
Dispose	Broken or unusable items	Follow local rules
Special handling	Fuel, chemicals, paint	Keep separate

Use labels or colored tape. Do not rely on memory once several people begin moving items.

4. Pack Personal Items First

Move photos, letters, jewelry, awards, artwork, and keepsakes to a secure area before removing furniture or junk.

Check inside:

Coat pockets
Shoes
Handbags
Books
Dressers
Toolboxes
Mattresses
Old containers

People sometimes store cash, keys, or papers in places that look unimportant.

5. Remove Food and Unsafe Materials

Empty refrigerators, freezers, pantries, and cabinets early. Spoiled food can create odors and attract pests.

Keep hazardous materials out of the main junk pile, including:

Gasoline
Propane tanks
Pesticides
Pool chemicals
Paint thinner
Medicines
Used oil
Car batteries

Keep chemicals in their original containers when possible. Do not mix them.

6. Remove Furniture and Appliances

After small items are sorted, remove sofas, tables, beds, dressers, appliances, exercise equipment, and other bulky property. Measure doorways before moving large furniture. Clear walking paths and keep children and pets away from the work area.

Curbside bulk collection is limited in Allentown, PA. The city states that residents may place one approved bulk item or up to 40 pounds of construction material out on the second collection night of the week. Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic. The city handles metal and appliances through separate recycling options.

7. Clean One Room at a Time

Finish one room before starting another. This makes progress easier to track.

For each room:

Empty drawers and closets.
Remove nails and loose hardware.
Sweep or vacuum.
Wipe counters and cabinets.
Check walls and floors for damage.
Photograph the empty room.
Mark the room complete.

Leave utility areas until near the end if the home still needs water, heat, or electricity.

How to Clean Out an Estate Without Feeling Overwhelmed

To clean out an estate without feeling overwhelmed, divide the property into small work zones, limit the number of decision-makers, and use short work sessions. Start with records and personal items before moving furniture. A room-by-room plan creates steady progress and prevents repeated handling.

Choose one person to track decisions. Other family members can sort, pack, carry, photograph, or arrange donations.

A basic schedule may look like this:

Timeline	Task
Day 1	Secure the property and collect records.
Day 2	Sort bedrooms and closets.
Day 3	Sort the kitchen and living areas.
Day 4	Clear the basement, garage, or attic.
Day 5	Remove large items and clean.
Final Day	Complete the walkthrough.

Homes with hoarding conditions, heavy furniture, outdoor structures, or tight sale deadlines may need more time.

Should You Keep, Sell, Donate, or Remove an Item?

Ask four questions:

Does the family or estate need it?
Does it have personal or financial value?
Is it safe and usable?
Is there a confirmed place that will accept it?

Avoid building a large “maybe” pile. Set a deadline and let the authorized estate representative make the final call.

What Can Be Donated or Recycled During an Estate Cleanout?

Usable furniture, clothing, tools, dishes, and household goods may be donated if a local organization accepts them. Metal, cardboard, electronics, and some building materials may be recycled. It is important to check current rules before loading items into a vehicle, since programs may limit what they accept based on type, size, or condition.

Local churches and Goodwill may accept usable items, but it is recommended to call ahead to confirm acceptance before dropping anything off.

Pennsylvania requires special handling for covered electronics such as televisions, computers, laptops, and monitors. These items should be taken to an approved recycling program.

How Much Does an Estate Cleanout Cost?

Estate cleanout cost depends on the amount of material, item weight, home access, labor, disposal fees, and special handling needs. A small curbside pickup costs less than clearing a full house, basement, garage, or hoarding property. An on-site estimate gives the clearest price.

Cost Factor	Why It Matters
Load size	More material takes more truck space
Item weight	Heavy debris may cost more
Stairs and access	Long carries require more labor
Furniture breakdown	Large items may need disassembly
Sorting needs	Mixed contents take longer
Special materials	Some items need separate handling

Ask what the estimate includes. A clear quote should explain labor, loading, transportation, and disposal.

What Should You Check Before Leaving the Property?

Before closing the home, check every drawer, cabinet, closet, appliance, attic corner, garage shelf, and outdoor structure. Confirm that family items were distributed to the correct people and that any private records were handled securely. Take final photos, lock the property, and keep all receipts for records.

Use this final house cleanout checklist:

Open every cabinet and drawer.
Check behind doors and appliances.
Inspect the washer, dryer, oven, and refrigerator.
Check the attic, basement, garage, and shed.
Remove food and loose trash.
Confirm utility settings are turned off or adjusted as needed.
Photograph each empty room.
Label or return all keys.
Save donation and disposal receipts.
Provide final documentation to the executor or property administrator.

A More Manageable Estate Cleanout in Allentown, PA

An estate cleanout becomes easier when families protect important items first, use a clear sorting system, and follow local disposal rules. The goal is not only to empty the home, but to handle the property with care while preparing it for sale, transfer, or its next use.

TOTAL HAULING provides estate cleanouts, property cleanouts, furniture removal, appliance removal, electronics removal, and related services in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. Our family-focused team offers estimates based on load size and can work around your schedule. For help completing your estate cleanout checklist, call for an estimate or send photos of the items that need removal. It’s one call for your TOTAL HAUL!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an estate cleanout take in Allentown, PA?

The timeline depends on the size of the home, the amount of property, access, and how many family decisions remain. A small sorted property may move faster than a home with a basement, garage, shed, or hoarding conditions.

Do I need to bring everything to the curb?

No. Items can be removed from inside the property, including furniture and other bulky belongings. Placing items at the curb may lower the price because it reduces carrying time, labor, and the time needed to complete the job.

What items cannot be included in an estate cleanout?

Some materials require special handling and are not accepted, including:

Hazardous waste
Gasoline and used oil
Propane tanks
Pesticides and paint thinner
Medicines
Asbestos and biohazards
Tires

These items should be kept separate and taken to the proper local disposal program.

How is estate cleanout cost calculated?

Pricing is based on load size. The amount of material, item weight, property access, labor needs, and material type can affect the final price. Free estimates are available, and customers can send photos to help review the size of the cleanout.

Can an estate cleanout include a garage, basement, or shed?

Yes. Garage, basement, attic, barn, shed, home, property, and estate cleanouts are available. We can also remove approved construction debris and handle several light demolition services when the job includes cabinets, flooring, drywall, fencing, or similar materials.