How to choose bulk waste removal for an attic or basement cleanout

Walk the route from the attic or basement to the exit. Note stairs, narrow turns, door clearances, heavy pieces and whether furniture needs preparation or dismantling. Heavy furniture movement requires a planned route, suitable equipment and enough helpers. If you need the crew to carry items out from inside, choose a service whose stated scope includes that labor.

If you can arrange the labor yourself, move accepted items to an outdoor location that is accessible for pickup. Keep belongings you are retaining clearly separate from the removal pile.

If a couch blocks the route, review couch disassembly limits before removing parts.

Sources: U-Haul large-furniture preparation; Dropcurb current pricing and standard pickup scope.

Make a separate list of electronics and devices that contain lithium-ion batteries. Remove personal information from electronics before donation or recycling, and check the manufacturer, retailer or local facility for its exact intake requirements.

Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them do not belong in household trash or municipal recycling. Use a qualified battery or electronics recycler or a household hazardous-waste collection, and do not pry open devices or attempt to remove batteries that are not user-serviceable.

For computers in the cleanout, use the computer-wiping checklist before handoff.

Sources: EPA electronics donation and recycling; EPA lithium-ion battery disposal.

Count and describe the items, including separate boxes and unusually heavy or oversized pieces. Ask whether the provider handles the access and labor you need, what preparation is required, what is included in the price, and which pickup dates are available.

Sources: Dropcurb current pricing and standard pickup scope.

Dropcurb fits when accepted leftovers, such as a standard sofa, standard cabinet or filled household boxes, are already outside and accessible before pickup. For those items, Dropcurb handles loading, transportation and disposal. Standard pickup does not include indoor carry-out, so if the attic or basement contents still need to be carried down stairs or through the home, use a service that includes that labor. You can check the item price before moving the items outside, then arrange an accessible outdoor staging location and access for pickup.

Sources: Dropcurb current pricing and standard pickup scope.