August is the last big push before fall routines kick in. Around Des Moines, Urbandale, and across Central Iowa, families are squeezing in their last trips, students are getting ready for school, and homeowners are rushing to finish the summer projects they started back in June. It’s a month of transition—and for us at Richie Bros Junk Removal, it’s one of the busiest times of the year.
If you’re like many of our customers, you’re probably looking around your home or business right now and thinking, “I need to get rid of this stuff.” Whether it’s old furniture, remodeling debris, yard waste, or a garage that’s become a catch-all zone, August is the perfect time to clean house. And we’re here to make that happen.
Why August Is a Peak Junk Removal Month
We’ve noticed some clear trends over the years. August brings a sense of urgency. It’s the final window before cooler weather, school schedules, and year-end goals take over. People are motivated to clean up, get organized, and start fresh.
1. Back-to-School Decluttering
With kids heading back to school, we get a wave of calls from families looking to clear out playrooms, bedrooms, and study spaces. Old desks, broken furniture, outgrown toys, and piles of forgotten items from summer activities start to go. August is a natural time to make space for what’s next—and we’re glad to help make that happen.
2. End-of-Summer Renovations
Many homeowners tackle kitchen or bathroom updates over the summer, and by August they’re wrapping things up. That’s when we come in to haul away what’s left—tiles, cabinets, drywall, fixtures, and more. The final stretch of a renovation can be stressful, but with our team handling the cleanup, it becomes a lot more manageable.
3. Rental Property Turnovers
August is also a peak season for rental turnovers, especially in areas near colleges and universities. Landlords and property managers rely on us to clear out leftover junk from tenants, whether it’s bags of trash, broken beds, or full apartments worth of furniture. We help them reset quickly and stay on schedule for new leases.
4. Pre-Fall Yard Cleanups
While spring usually gets the spotlight for landscaping, late summer is a great time to get yards under control again. We see plenty of yard waste jobs in August—fallen branches, trimmed hedges, bags of leaves, and even old fences or shed tear-downs. We take care of the heavy lifting so our customers don’t have to spend their weekends hauling debris.
The Richie Bros Difference
We know you have options when it comes to junk removal, but here’s what sets us apart: we’re a veteran-owned, family-operated business that takes pride in every single job we do. Whether we’re clearing out a single couch or an entire property, we treat each project with care, professionalism, and respect.
We show up on time. We communicate clearly. We work quickly and safely. And we always leave your space better than we found it.
What We Take (And What We Don’t)
One of the most common questions we get is: “Can you take this?” So let’s make it simple. Here’s a breakdown of what we haul away—and what we avoid.
Items We Commonly Remove:
- Furniture (couches, dressers, mattresses, recliners)
- Appliances (stoves, washers, dryers, microwaves)
- Electronics (TVs, computers, printers—some restrictions apply)
- Yard waste (branches, trimmings, bagged leaves)
- Construction debris (wood, drywall, tile, insulation)
- General household junk (boxes, toys, old décor)
- Hot tubs, sheds, and light demolition debris
What We Can’t Take:
- Paints, oils, or hazardous chemicals
- Gasoline or other flammable liquids
- Car batteries or tires in large quantities
- Medical waste
- Anything requiring special hazmat handling
If you’re unsure, just ask. We’ll let you know upfront if there’s anything we can’t remove and help point you in the right direction.
Making Junk Removal Easy from Start to Finish
We designed our process to be simple and stress-free. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Contact Us
Give us a call or fill out our contact form. Tell us what you’re dealing with—whether it’s a basement full of boxes or a deck that needs demo. We’ll ask a few questions and give you a ballpark estimate.
Step 2: Schedule a Time
We offer flexible scheduling and do our best to accommodate your timing. Whether you need us first thing in the morning, later in the evening, or over the weekend, we’ll find a time that works for you.
Step 3: We Show Up and Get to Work
Our crew arrives on time, in uniform, ready to get the job done. We do all the lifting, hauling, and cleanup. You don’t need to lift a finger—we take care of everything.
Step 4: Responsible Disposal
We don’t just dump everything in a landfill. We recycle and donate whenever possible, and we always dispose of junk in compliance with local regulations. That means you can feel good about doing the right thing for your home and your community.
Who We Serve in Central Iowa
We proudly serve homeowners, business owners, property managers, landlords, real estate agents, and contractors across Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Clive, West Des Moines, and the surrounding areas. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or out in the country, we’re happy to bring our trucks to you.
Common Jobs We Handle in August
Every season has its trends, but August brings out some consistent needs. Here are just a few of the job types we regularly see this time of year:
- Garage Cleanouts: Getting organized before winter, clearing space for vehicles, tools, or hobbies
- Basement Decluttering: Removing years of buildup before the busy fall season
- College Student Move-Outs: Helping families clean out old bedrooms or dorm items
- Deck and Shed Removal: Taking down structures before weather starts to shift
- Storage Unit Cleanouts: Ending summer leases or emptying out neglected units
- Estate Cleanouts: Supporting families who are closing chapters with compassion and efficiency
Each job is different, and we treat every one with professionalism and attention to detail.
Why Customers Call Us Back
We’re grateful that many of our customers become repeat clients—and they often refer us to family, friends, and neighbors. We think that speaks volumes.
They call us back because we don’t cut corners. We show up. We answer the phone. We follow through. And we leave no mess behind.
How to Know It’s Time to Book
If you’ve been staring at the same pile of junk for weeks, or if you’ve got a project halfway done because you’re not sure how to get rid of the debris, that’s a sign it’s time to call us.
Waiting doesn’t make it easier. It only adds stress and frustration. With one phone call, you can reclaim your space and cross that task off your list.
A Cleaner Start to the Fall Season
August may mark the end of summer, but for many of our clients, it’s also a beginning—a fresh, clean start before routines change. Whether it’s prepping your home for sale, reclaiming space in your garage, or finishing a job site cleanout, we’re here to help you head into the fall with peace of mind and a clean slate.
Let’s Get It Done
If you’ve been putting off junk removal, August is the time to take action. The weather is still good, the schedule is still flexible, and the peace of mind you’ll feel afterward is worth every minute.
At Richie Bros Junk Removal, we’re ready to haul, lift, load, and dispose so you don’t have to. Give us a call and let’s get your space back!