Junk removal during a move helps you cut costs, reduce stress, and keep usable items out of landfills. Instead of packing and hauling things you no longer need, you can sort, donate, and dispose of unwanted belongings before moving day. Green Bay Moving Co. offers junk removal services in Green Bay alongside our moving services, so your entire transition is handled by one trusted local team.
Moving is one of the biggest opportunities you will ever have to reset your space and lighten your load. Whether you are relocating across town in Green Bay, heading to Appleton, or moving out of state, taking time to declutter before packing saves real money and real headaches. Below, you will find a step-by-step approach to sorting your belongings, scheduling donation pickup services, and making the most of professional junk removal.
Key Takeaways
- Decluttering before a move can reduce your moving costs by up to 40% since professional movers charge based on the weight or volume of your belongings
- Professional junk removal services recycle or donate roughly 60% of collected items, keeping usable household goods out of local landfills
- Coordinating moving, junk removal, and donation pickup with one team saves time, reduces scheduling stress, and supports families in need throughout the Green Bay area
Why Should You Declutter Before Moving Day?
Decluttering before a move is one of the simplest ways to save money and feel more in control of your relocation. The fewer items you pack, the faster and more affordable your moving day becomes. It is also a chance to start fresh in your new home with only the things that matter to you.
How Removing Items Lowers Your Moving Costs
Most moving companies price their services based on the total volume or weight of your belongings. According to HomeAdvisor, the average household’s belongings weigh around 7,500 pounds, and the average professional move costs about $1,706. Experts at All Ways Moving & Storage estimate that decluttering can reduce moving costs by up to 40% because fewer belongings mean fewer packing materials, less truck space, and shorter loading times.
For local moves in Green Bay and surrounding Wisconsin communities, movers typically charge $80 to $100 per hour for a two-person crew. Every box you eliminate shaves minutes off your total. For longer moves, the savings multiply because long-distance movers charge by weight, often between $0.50 and $1.00 per pound. Removing a few hundred pounds of clutter before the truck arrives can easily save you hundreds of dollars.
The Mental Health Benefits of a Clutter-Free Move
The financial savings are clear, but the emotional payoff matters just as much. Research published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people who described their homes as cluttered showed higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Sorting through belongings before a move gives you the chance to let go of items tied to stress or outdated routines and start your next chapter feeling lighter.
What Can Be Donated, Recycled, or Hauled Away?
Not everything you want to remove needs to end up in a dumpster. According to ZipDo, professional junk removal companies recycle or donate over 60% of the items they collect. The key is knowing which items can go where.
Items That Local Charities Accept
Most local charities and thrift stores accept gently used household goods in working condition. Common items that qualify for donation pickup include:
- Furniture such as sofas, tables, chairs, dressers, and bed frames
- Working appliances like microwaves, toasters, and small kitchen equipment
- Clothing, shoes, and linens in clean, wearable condition
- Books, toys, games, and sporting goods
- Home decor and kitchenware you no longer need
According to The Salvation Army’s donation guide, donated furniture can earn you between $10 and $1,000 or more in tax deductions per item. Our donation run service delivers your items directly to local Green Bay charities, so your belongings reach families who can use them.
Items That Need Professional Junk Removal
Some items are not suitable for donation and require proper disposal. These include broken furniture, old mattresses, outdated electronics, expired chemicals, and general household debris. According to the EPA, over 12 million tons of furniture and furnishings enter the U.S. waste stream each year, with roughly 80% ending up in landfills. Professional junk removal helps ensure that recyclable materials are sorted and diverted from the landfill whenever possible.
For items that simply need to go, our dump run removal service in Green Bay handles everything from old carpet and broken shelving to garage cleanout debris.
How Does Donation Pickup Services Work During a Move?
Coordinating donation pickup alongside your move does not have to be complicated. With a little planning, you can have everything handled in a single, efficient timeline.
Scheduling a Donation Run with Your Moving Team
The easiest approach is to schedule your junk removal and donation pickup a few days before your actual move. This gives you time to sort items into “keep,” “donate,” and “dispose” categories without the pressure of moving day logistics. About 29% of people already use junk removal services when moving, and bundling these services with your moving company makes the process seamless.
When you work with Green Bay Moving Co., our crew can handle the donation run and junk haul in one visit. That means fewer appointments, fewer strangers in your home, and fewer things to coordinate during an already busy week.
Getting Tax Deduction Receipts for Your Donations
Donating during your move is not just good for the community. It can also benefit you at tax time. Charitable donations of household goods are tax-deductible when you itemize your return, and organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity provide receipts upon pickup. Keep a detailed list of what you donate and its estimated value so you are prepared when filing.
What Are the Benefits of Using One Team for Moving and Junk Removal?
A 2023 NielsenIQ survey found that 78% of consumers say sustainable living is important to them. Choosing a moving company that also handles responsible junk removal and donation pickup aligns your move with those values while simplifying the entire process.
Fewer Appointments and Less Scheduling Stress
When you hire separate companies for moving, junk removal, and donation drop-off, you are juggling multiple schedules, multiple crews, and multiple points of contact. One team means one phone call, one timeline, and one crew you already trust. Our team at Green Bay Moving Co. handles it all so you can focus on settling into your new space.
Responsible Disposal You Can Trust
Not all junk removal companies prioritize responsible disposal. Working with a local, licensed team means your items are sorted with care. Usable goods go to local charities. Recyclable materials go to the right facilities. Only true waste goes to the landfill. That kind of accountability makes a difference in a community like Green Bay.
How to Plan Junk Removal and Donations Before Your Move
Follow these steps to stay organized and make the most of your pre-move declutter:
- Start 4 to 6 weeks before your move. Walk through every room and identify items you no longer use or want. Use our complete moving checklist to stay on track.
- Create three sorting categories. Label bins or areas for “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Remove.” Be honest about what you actually need in your new home.
- Check donation guidelines. Not every charity accepts every item. Confirm that your donations are in good, clean condition before scheduling a pickup.
- Schedule junk removal before moving day. Book your junk removal and donation run at least one to two weeks in advance. This clears your home and gives the moving crew space to work efficiently.
- Keep donation receipts. Document everything you give away for potential tax deductions, and save those receipts with your other financial records.
- Pack what is left with intention. Once the clutter is gone, packing feels lighter and faster. Check out our packing and organizing tips from our crew for practical advice.
Ready to Simplify Your Move and Give Back to the Community?
Junk removal during a move is about more than clearing space. It is about moving forward responsibly, saving money, and supporting local families who can use what you no longer need. When you combine moving, junk removal, and donation pickup into one plan, the entire process feels manageable and meaningful.
Green Bay Moving Co. is here to help you through every step. Whether you need a full junk cleanout, a donation run to local charities, or a stress-free moving day with our crew, we have got you covered. Request a moving quote that includes junk removal and let us make your next move your smoothest one yet.
