Moving Soon? Here’s Why Junk Removal Should Be Your First Step

Moving can be one of life’s most exciting transitions but let’s be real: it’s also one of the most stressful. Between packing, paperwork, and deadlines, there’s one thing most homeowners forget to do early: get rid of the junk.

At Bison Junk & Hauling, we’ve worked with hundreds of families, renters, and property managers across the Seattle area who all say the same thing:

“I wish I had decluttered before I started packing.”

In this post, we’re breaking down why junk removal is the smartest first move before your actual move and how it can save you time, money, and serious stress.

1. Why Haul What You Don’t Need?

Think about it: are you really going to pay to move that broken office chair, that dusty treadmill no one uses, or the boxes of mystery stuff in the garage?

Every item you keep adds:

• Extra packing time

• Extra cost (especially if you're hiring movers)

• Extra effort when you unpack

Getting rid of the junk first lets you move lean only taking what actually matters.

2. Decluttering Makes Packing Way Easier

Packing is already a chore don’t make it worse by boxing up junk. When you schedule junk removal ahead of your move:

• You cut your inventory in half

• You stay more organized (less stress when unpacking)

• You don’t waste time labeling or wrapping things you’ll never use

Most of our clients are shocked at how much smoother their move becomes once they’ve cleared out the clutter in advance.

3. You Save Big on Moving Costs

If you’re paying movers or renting a truck, remember: every extra pound = extra dollars.

That $200–$300 sofa you haven’t used in two years? You’ll pay to move it… then probably dump it later anyway. Junking it now saves:

• Truck space

• Moving crew time

• Your own back and sanity

Bonus: If you’re moving across the country, long distance movers charge by weight. Removing the junk first can cut your quote dramatically.

4. Final Clean Outs Are Faster (and Less Stressful)

When you finish moving, you’re already exhausted the last thing you want is to deal with a garage full of broken furniture or trash.

By booking junk removal early:

• You avoid last-minute panic before returning keys or closing

• You reduce the chance of cleaning fees or deposit deductions

• Your landlord (or buyer) walks into a clean, empty space no complaints

At Bison, we even offer move out cleanout services, so you can hand over the keys with confidence.

5. Junk Removal Helps You Mentally “Let Go”

Moving isn’t just physical it’s emotional. Holding on to too much stuff makes it harder to move forward.

Getting rid of old furniture, unused equipment, and random clutter:

• Helps you feel lighter

• Opens up space (literally and mentally)

• Sets a better tone for your new home

We’ve seen it happen time and again: clearing the junk makes people feel ready for the next chapter.

When Should You Schedule Junk Removal?

We recommend scheduling 7–10 days before your move date. That gives you time to:

1. Finish decluttering

2. Pack only what’s staying

3. Get a clean head start

We offer same day and next day service, so if your timeline’s tighter, don’t worry we’ll make it happen.

What We Take (So You Don’t Have To)

Here are the most common things we haul before a move:

• Old couches, chairs, and mattresses

• Outdated electronics and TVs

• Broken appliances

• Garage junk and yard debris

• Scrap metal, wood, renovation leftovers

• Boxes of “stuff” that never made it inside the house

We lift, load, and sweep up when we’re done you don’t lift a finger.

Final Thoughts

Don’t make your move harder than it needs to be. Hiring a junk removal crew before you pack:

✅ Saves time
✅ Cuts your moving costs
✅ Clears your head and your space
✅ Leaves your old home clean
✅ Makes your new home clutter-free from day one

At Bison Junk & Hauling, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters starting fresh in your new place.

Ready to move smarter, not harder?