Junk removal isn’t always just about hauling out broken furniture and dusty boxes; sometimes, you get a fun (or frightening) look into the past. When people move out, clean up, or leave properties behind, they often abandon items that tell deeper stories of generations past, changing lifestyles, or things once too valuable or too burdensome to discard.
These types of items tend to accumulate in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and other areas you might not expect.
As Boston junk removers, you can imagine that we encounter some fascinating, strange, and even crazy items during our weekly projects. Here’s a glimpse into some of the more unusual discoveries our crews have made over the years, and some thoughts on why these forgotten objects might have been left behind in the first place.
Junk Removal Stories: A Family of Creepy Dolls
Tucked behind old luggage and vintage trunks, we came across a collection of antique porcelain dolls. They were carefully placed in a dusty corner during an attic cleanout, some with names scrawled on the bottoms of their shoes. Dolls like these were often passed down as heirlooms or collected decades ago, but over time, their sentimental value may fade while their fragile forms remain hidden and undisturbed for years. Needless to say, these types of items are straight out of central casting in a horror movie, and no one particularly enjoyed having to relocate them.
A Fully Intact (But Non-Functioning) Toilet In the Attic
In one surprising find, we unearthed an old porcelain toilet placed squarely in the middle of the attic. It wasn’t connected to plumbing, but just sitting there, a remnant of a past project or perhaps a misplaced renovation plan. Alongside it, we found a mix of furniture spanning several decades: remnants of shag carpet from the 1970s, glass coffee tables from the 1980s, and velvet armchairs dating back to the 1950s. It’s not uncommon for people to store these items “just in case,” until one day they become part of the background, forgotten but never discarded.
An Estate Cleanout Full of Mystery Meals
One estate cleanout service project took an unexpected turn when our crew found hundreds of neatly packed bags of non-perishable food items, individually organized into daily meal portions. Canned goods, protein bars, bottled water, and utensils were grouped in precise bundles, as if meant for someone receiving regular supplies. But the strange part? The home had been uninhabited for years. There were no signs that anyone had been living there to prepare or consume the food. It left us wondering whether someone had been planning for emergencies, or perhaps preparing for someone who never showed up.
It’s All in a Day’s Work
Junk removal often uncovers what’s been left behind, and sometimes leaves us questioning why. Often, these items were kept out of habit, sentimentality, or sheer indecision. Over time, what once seemed useful or too important to toss becomes part of a home’s overlooked clutter.
From old furniture stored with the intention of reuse or family keepsakes tucked away and forgotten, each item has a story to tell. And with every estate cleanout, we help people close one chapter and make room for what’s next.
Got Junk? We’re Ready
You don’t need to have century-old dolls or a toilet in the bedroom to call us, just a space that’s ready for a fresh start. Let our team help you make sense of what’s left behind. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you move forward.
Basement Cleanouts | If your basement is cluttered, now is the perfect time to clear it out. Our professional basement cleanout services can help you.
Furniture pick-up service | For homeowners eyeing big-ticket items like sofas, dining sets, or mattresses, this is the time to score major savings.
Residential Junk Removal | With the school year wrapped up and summer camps (hopefully) in full swing, this season offers a golden opportunity for parents to declutter and reclaim their homes from the mountains of no-longer-wanted items.
Summer junk removal | When summer arrives, along with it comes the heat and humidity the Boston area is notorious for, not to mention the inevitable skyrocketing of your energy bills. But here’s a question you might not have considered: could all that junk in your home actually be making it hotter?
Regardless, for businesses of all sizes, whether relocating to a new building or simply downsizing, there is likely a lot of unnecessary equipment and junk they can leave behind. That’s where professional office move-out junk removal comes in.
Professional attic cleanout services. At The Junk Removers, our teams come equipped with proper safety gear, tools for lifting and hauling, and the know-how to sort, dispose of, and donate items responsibly.
How to dispose of office furniture | The attic is often the final frontier of home organization. It’s where holiday decorations go to hibernate, childhood mementos collect dust, and old furniture is stashed with the hope it might be useful "someday." Learn how to clear that space out-finally!
When a tenant moves out or gets evicted, landlords and property managers are often left with a mess to deal with, some worse than others, but it’s never a pleasant part of the process. Old furniture, broken electronics, piles of trash, and even partially dismantled cubicles can turn a commercial space from ready-to-show into a renovation headache. Luckily for Greater Boston, that’s where our commercial property cleanout services come in!
If your garage has become a cluttered mess, it’s time to take back your space with our professional garage cleanout services!
If spring cleaning has you feeling overwhelmed, don’t go at it alone. Our seasonal junk removal services help you take the first (and most important) step toward a cleaner, more organized home!
We all know the one massive, clunky 36” CRT television from the early 2000s that weighs more than a small refrigerator. It’s been sitting in the basement, the garage, or maybe even shoved in a spare room, untouched for years. You may have fond memories of it; perhaps you watched your first DVD on the things back in the day or enjoyed some N64 Mario Kart on the big old beauty, but its time has come and gone. You’d love to get rid of it, but the question remains: where does it actually go? Where to dispose of a big old TV!? The Challenges of Disposing of Old TVs Unlike modern flat-screen TVs, older cathode-ray tube ( CRT ) televisions contain hazardous materials such as leaded glass and mercury, making them a disposal nightmare. Simply tossing them in the trash isn’t an option, and many states, including Massachusetts, have strict laws against it due to environmental risks. CRT TVs have to be properly recycled according to state guidelines . Professional Junk Removal: The Hassle-Free Solution Instead of breaking your back trying to move one of these behemoths or searching for a proper recycling site, our professional junk removal services make the process easy. We’ll take your old TV to an appropriate electronics recycling facility, where harmful materials are properly handled. Environmental Surcharges: Why TV Disposal Isn’t Free Because old CRT TVs contain hazardous materials, recycling facilities often charge an environmental disposal fee. These surcharges help cover the costs of safely extracting and disposing of the lead, phosphor coatings, and other toxic substances inside the tubes. While it’s an extra cost, it’s a small price to pay to prevent dangerous materials from leaching into the environment. Feel Like DIY-ing Your Old TVs Disposal? If you prefer a DIY approach, you can check with: Local Electronics Recycling Centers – Some towns and cities offer drop-off locations for a fee. Retail Trade-In or Recycling Programs – Stores like Best Buy or Staples occasionally offer take-back programs for old electronics. But chances are, with a 20+-year-old TV, they won’t want to deal with it either. Community Cleanup Events – Many municipalities hold special hazardous waste collection days for items like CRT TVs. Resale Market —Funny enough, some CRT TV models have found new life on the secondary resale market because they’re much better for retrogaming on older consoles. Your big old TV may be worth some cash! Say Goodbye to the Big Old Box, Make Room & Move On! If your old Sony, JVC, or Mitsubishi (throwback) TV isn’t doing anything but taking up space, whether it’s in your garage, basement, or attic, it’s time to clear it out! Our junk removal team can take it off your hands quickly and recycle it responsibly so you can finally reclaim that corner of your home. Don’t let outdated electronics clutter your space any longer. Contact us today to schedule a trash removal / junk pick-up and say goodbye to your ancient TV for good! While you’re at it, why not get rid of some old furniture to accompany it? Learn about our furniture removal services .
If walls could talk, foreclosed and abandoned properties would have some wild stories. Unfortunately, they also tend to have piles of junk, outdated appliances, and questionable furniture that no one wants to deal with. That’s where professional real estate junk removal services step in!
Selling or renovating? A basement cleanout saves valuable time, allowing you to focus on listing and selling the property while we handle the mess. Many Boston-area homeowners are converting basements into income-generating rental units, making a cleanout an essential first step in getting the best returns.
Instead of struggling with the burden alone, downsizing cleanout services provide expert assistance, helping you declutter efficiently and responsibly.
As the real estate season ramps up in late winter and early spring, homeowners in the Greater Boston Area search for ways to make their properties more appealing to buyers. At The Junk Removers, we specialize in professional junk removal services for home sellers to help all parties involved streamline the pre-sale preparation process.
As the season shifts from the cold, cluttered days of winter to the fresh, renewing breezes and sunshine of spring, there’s no better time to declutter your home.
At The Junk Removers, we specialize in helping homeowners clear out unwanted items efficiently so that properties are presented in their best possible light.
Boston, of course, is known to be the city of champions, historic landmarks, Afflecks, Whalbergs, and…strict trash removal laws. If you’re a Bostonian—or a recent transplant—you’ve likely noticed that disposing of waste in the city proper isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. Breaking Boston’s disposal laws can leave you with more than dirty looks from your neighbors. City fines are real, and they’re no joke! To help you stay on the right side of the law (and your landlord), here’s an informative look at Boston’s trash rules and the big No-Nos you should avoid. Boston Trash Rules - The Big No-Nos #1: Curbside Furniture Dumping Let’s start with a classic mistake. You might think leaving your old couch on the curb is a convenient way to "gift" it to someone else. Think again! In Boston, abandoning furniture on the sidewalk is a surefire way to rack up a hefty fine. The city has specific guidelines for bulk item disposal, and leaving your beloved-but-battered recliner out for "curb shopping" doesn’t qualify. Instead, contact furniture removal services and ensure your old couch is in the right place for processing. #2: Ignoring Electronics Recycling Rules Do you have an old TV, computer, or other electronics you’re ready to part with? Don’t just toss them in the trash. Electronics, or "e-waste," require proper recycling due to the hazardous materials they contain. Boston has dedicated locations for electronic disposal; failing to use them can lead to fines and environmental harm. A professional junk pick up service will help ensure these items are handled responsibly and in compliance with city regulations. #3: Plastic Bags in the Recycling Bin One item that trips up even the most well-intentioned recyclers is plastic bags. They might seem harmless, but tossing them in your blue recycling bin is a big mistake. Plastic bags clog up the city’s recycling machinery and are strictly prohibited. Instead, recycle them at designated grocery store collection points, or better yet, ditch single-use bags altogether. Pro tip: Ensure your recyclables are clean and loose, not stuffed into a bag. Why Work with Professionals? Navigating Boston’s trash rules can feel like a full-time job, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the dos and don’ts. Partnering with a professional junk removal service is a smart way to avoid fines, save time, and ensure proper disposal. Professionals know the ins and outs of Greater Boston’s waste laws and can handle everything from bulk items to tricky electronics recycling. Boston’s trash rules might seem strict, but they’re there for a reason: to keep the city clean, safe, and sustainable. By steering clear of the big No-Nos, you’ll stay in the city’s good graces (and out of its ticket book). When in doubt, always call the call the pros! The team at The Junk Removers is happy to answer any recycling/processing/collection questions you may have. Contact us today.
Whether upgrading to a new, larger office space, downsizing to a cozier space, or closing up shop, one thing is certain: office cleanouts can be a major undertaking. Offices have everything from desks and chairs to file cabinets and cubicles, and that’s just the beginning! The process often involves more than just hauling items to the curb. Let’s discuss what to expect during an office move-out/ and how professional office furniture removal services can do it stress-free. Common Items in Office Cleanouts Office cleanouts often involve a variety of bulky and cumbersome items, including: Desks: These come in all shapes and sizes, from minimalist standing desks to sprawling executive setups, and many, if not most, require dismantling before removal. Chairs : Office chairs may seem simple, but their adjustable parts and mixed materials can complicate disposal. File Cabinets : Whether packed with papers or empty, these heavy units can be tricky to move. Cubicles : Modular office systems must be carefully dismantled for safe removal and transport. Electronics : Old computer monitors, CRT televisions, and outdated office equipment, which contain hazardous materials, require special disposal considerations. Why Office Cleanouts Happen Office furniture removal is often prompted by one of several scenarios: Relocation : Moving to a new office often means leaving behind old furniture that doesn’t fit the new space. Upgrades : Replacing outdated desks, chairs, and electronics with modern, ergonomic, or energy-efficient options. Downsizing : Consolidating operations into a smaller space can mean parting with surplus furniture. Closure : Businesses closing their doors often need to clear out entire office setups. Special Considerations for Electronics Old electronics, like computer monitors and CRT (Big Tube) televisions, can’t just be tossed in the dumpster. These items often contain hazardous materials that require proper disposal to comply with environmental regulations. Working with professional/ commercial junk removal services will ensure these items are handled responsibly and not left in an immoral/inappropriate place. Benefits of Professional Office Furniture Removal Hiring a professional furniture removal service for your office cleanout has several advantages: experienced teams can complete the job quickly and with minimal disruption to your operations. Heavy lifting and disassembly require proper techniques, knowledge, and tools to avoid injuries and property damage. Junk removal professionals know how to sort items for recycling, donation, and proper disposal, keeping unnecessary waste out of landfills. Office furniture removal doesn’t have to be a headache - when you hire professionals, you can ensure a smooth transition for your office space. Whether you’re relocating, upgrading, or closing up shop, the right approach to office cleanouts will save you time, stress, and potentially hefty disposal fees. Ready to tackle those desks, chairs, file cabinets, and old water coolers!? Give us a call !
Disposing a mattress | To help you stay on the right side of the law (and your landlord), here’s an informative look at Boston’s trash rules and the big No-Nos you should avoid.
