Garage and Basement Cleanouts: What to Prepare Before Pickup
Garages and basements collect years of "we'll deal with it later". A cleanout clears it in one go, and a little preparation makes pickup day faster and your quote more accurate. Here's what to do before the crew arrives.
Before
AfterStep 1 (optional): Sort into four groups
Sorting is optional — our crew can load everything from where it is. If you have time, these groups speed things up:
- Keep: move it to one side, or into the house, so it doesn't leave by mistake.
- Sell or donate: furniture, tools and sports gear in good shape.
- Hazardous: set aside for proper drop-off (see step 2).
- Haul away: everything else goes with the crew.
Short on time? Just mark the "keep" items with tape and we'll take care of the rest.
Step 2: Set aside what can't be taken
Garages especially tend to hold items that can't go in a junk removal load: paint, solvents and other chemicals, fuel, propane tanks and batteries. The City of Edmonton's Eco Stations accept many household hazardous items, including paint, propane tanks and batteries. Check the City's current list before you go. If you live outside Edmonton, check your own municipality's drop-off options.
Have gas-powered equipment like a lawnmower or snowblower? Mention it when you request your quote. Fuel can't go in the load.
Step 3: Basement-specific checks
- Access: note tight stair turns, low ceilings or a narrow side door. That affects how large items come out.
- Water-damaged items: wear gloves when handling damp boxes or furniture.
- Building materials in older homes: if a cleanout involves torn-out drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation or flooring from a home built before about 1990, those materials may contain asbestos. Alberta health guidance says not to disturb them, and to have an environmental consultant test before work that would disturb them. Read MyHealth Alberta's guidance. Asbestos can't be included in a junk removal load.
Step 4: Send the right details
For the most accurate quote, fill in the quote form with:
- Photos of the space. Wide shots plus close-ups of big items are ideal, up to 8 on the form.
- A rough list of large items: appliances, furniture, exercise equipment, shelving.
- Where the items are: garage, basement or a mix.
- Anything heavy, like renovation debris, tile or concrete.
Curious how pricing works? Read what affects a junk removal quote.
Step 5: Pickup day
- Leave the garage door or basement entrance accessible, with a clear path.
- Make sure the crew can park close by. Move vehicles out of the driveway if needed.
- Keep pets and kids out of the work area.
- Do a final check together so nothing you want to keep leaves on the truck.
Prefer to clear it out yourself over a few days?
If you'd rather sort and load at your own pace, a bin rental may suit you better. A 12-yard bin ($285 CAD + GST, including 3 days and 1 tonne) suits many single-garage or basement cleanouts; bigger or heavier cleanouts may need a 17 or 20-yard bin. Choose "Help me choose" on the form and we'll recommend a size. Compare options in Bin Rental vs. Full-Service Junk Removal.
Cleanouts across the Edmonton region
We handle garage and basement cleanouts in Edmonton and all surrounding communities. See our junk removal services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sort everything before you come?
No. Sorting helps, but even marking the items you're keeping is enough. Our crew loads the rest from where it is.
Can you take old paint and chemicals from my garage?
No. Hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, fuel, propane tanks and batteries can't be taken. In Edmonton, many household hazardous items can go to an Eco Station.
Is a bin or junk removal better for a garage cleanout?
If you want it gone in one visit without lifting, choose junk removal. If you'd rather sort and load over a few days, a bin works well: a 12-yard suits many garage cleanouts, and we can recommend a size for yours.
Sources
Rules and requirements can change. Check the official source for current details.
