Household Junk: Time to DeClutter?

Many Americans make it a spring rite to de-clutter their homes and get rid of accumulated junk. Usually such efforts require trips to the municipal dump or heated arguments between family members the night before garbage day.

There are thousands of residential junk haulers in the U.S., and they compete within the $46 billion to $47 billion solid-waste-hauling industry where larger haulers pulling container-loads worth of junk pull in the lion's share of revenue.

You'll have to check prices in your local market to see who offers the best deals, and don't forget there are a lot of haulers who will come and pick up your clutter and junk for free.

You can also list your "clutter" on Craigslist, but that might be a hit or miss option. If using Craigslist to get rid of junk, make sure your ad asks respondents for phone numbers so you can arrange pick-up plans quickly.

If you have the time and the vehicle capable of hauling your own junk, then go for it.  Key is, help your home shed some of its winter clutter, one way or the other.  ESPECIALLY if you're planning to put your home on the market.