Decluttering Before a Remodel: Prep Checklist for Homeowners & Contractors

You’ve picked your tile. You’ve hired your contractor. You’ve got demo day circled on the calendar. But before the first hammer swings, there’s one thing left to do—and it’s a big one: clearing the space.

Whether you’re a homeowner doing a DIY project or a contractor preparing for a client’s remodel, the pre-renovation phase is not just about choosing materials. It’s about removing the clutter, protecting the property, and setting up the site so everything runs smoothly.

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you do just that—plus tips on when to donate, when to toss, and when to call in TrashHelp.

---

Step 1: Remove Everything That Doesn’t Belong

You’d be surprised how much slows down a project—loose decor, forgotten storage, or even random furniture in nearby rooms.

✅ Empty shelves, drawers, and closets in the project area

✅ Move small furniture to another room (or storage)

✅ Relocate valuables and fragile items

✅ Remove wall hangings, window treatments, and anything hanging overhead

✅ Clear walkways leading to and from the remodel site

---

Step 2: Sort—Don’t Just Shove It All in the Garage

Renovations are a perfect excuse to declutter what you no longer need. Don’t just move junk from one room to another—use this as a reset.

Here’s a simple system to follow:

📦 Keep It	♻️ Donate or Sell	🗑 Trash It
Tools or fixtures being reused	Gently used furniture or appliances	Broken, stained, or non-working items
Materials needed for construction	Decor in good shape you’ve outgrown	Old flooring, tiles, demo debris
Personal items with value or utility	Cabinets someone else could upcycle	Leftover scraps, outdated supplies

👉 Tip: Take pictures of items you want to sell now—before they get buried.

---

Step 3: Protect What You’re Keeping

Not everything will be removed—but you’ll want to shield what stays.

✅ Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting over furniture or floors

✅ Cover vents to minimize dust circulation

✅ Tape off doors to keep the worksite contained

✅ Label boxes or bins if storing things onsite

Don’t skip this step—it can save you time and serious cleanup later.

---

Step 4: Decide If You Need a Dumpster

If your project involves demo, flooring removal, or a full-room gut—you’re going to generate more waste than you think.

Ask yourself:

• Am I removing carpet, tile, drywall, or cabinetry?

• Is there bulky furniture that needs to go?

• Will I have old appliances, sinks, or toilets to dispose of?

• Is there more than one contractor team involved (plumbing, electrical, etc.)?

If you answered yes to any of these, a dumpster or hauling service will make your life easier—and your site cleaner.

---

Bonus: Pre-Renovation Declutter Checklist

Here’s your quick-start list to clear the area before a remodel:

✅ Remove all decor, books, and personal items

✅ Empty all drawers, shelves, and closet space

✅ Relocate or store furniture not staying

✅ Sort items into donate/sell/trash piles

✅ Protect nearby flooring with drop cloths or board

✅ Cover vents, tape off doorways

✅ Take before photos for insurance (and fun!)

✅ Call TrashHelp to schedule a dumpster drop-off or removal pickup

---

Ready to Make Space for Your Dream Reno?

You handle the design—we’ll handle the debris. Whether you’re tossing flooring, furniture, cabinets, or just clearing out a whole room, TrashHelp offers fast, reliable junk removal and dumpster rentals across Palm Beach County, Central Florida, the Gulf Coast, and beyond.

We work directly with homeowners and contractors to keep renovation sites clean, on-schedule, and stress-free.

📞 Call or text us today to schedule your dumpster or pickup.