Should I sell or donate items before hiring a junk removal company?

Usually, yes. Junk removal crews generally charge by volume or by load, so anything you remove first can lower the bill. More important, items with real value should not go to the dump by mistake. Old furniture, tools, jewelry, coins, art, and even certain papers or photographs can be worth more than people expect.

A sensible order is to pull out keepsakes and important documents first, then have someone knowledgeable look for items of value, such as an estate sale company, an auctioneer, or a local dealer. Sell or consign what is worth it, donate usable items to local charities, and let the junk removal company handle the rest.

If you donate, ask the charity what it accepts and whether it picks up. Keep records of donations, since there may be tax considerations, and a tax professional can tell you what applies to your situation.