Reports show that approximately $11.4 billion worth of recyclables enter U.S. landfills every year.
\r\n\r\nWhile there are no national mandates requiring individuals to recycle, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) announced in November 2020 its ambitious plan to increase American recycling efforts to 50% by 2030.
\r\n\r\nThe news release quotes EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management assistant administrator Peter Wright as saying, \"Without national leadership on this issue, recycling has lingered in the low 30% range for the last twenty years. The economic and environmental benefits from recycling are clear, and we’ve made a lot of progress, but much more needs to be done to obtain the benefits of increasing the national recycling rate to 50 percent by 2030.\"
\r\n\r\nWith countries like Germany, South Korea, Sweden, Austria, and Switzerland recycling municipal waste above the 50% mark, it's natural to wonder how places like the United States and Canada have failed to keep up.
\r\n\r\n![\"Recyclable](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/recyclable-materials-info.jpg\")
\r\nAll of the high-volume recycling countries have something in common that is driving these positive numbers: legislation.
\r\n\r\nThe success of recycling efforts in other countries can be credited to government policies that encourage it.
\r\n\r\nAs the numbers have shown, good funding and financial incentives encourage local and municipal authorities to find solutions to achieve their recycling performance targets. In 2018 alone, an estimated 139 million TONS of recyclable material was sent to U.S. landfills.
\r\n\r\nOnly one type of recyclable material is recycled in America more than it is thrown out, and that's paper and paperboard. Even then, there are still millions of tons of paper entering our landfill system.
\r\n\r\nAmericans do the worst job at recycling plastic, which is arguably the most important material to recycle. Almost every type of plastic is made from planet-warming fuels like gas, oil, and even sometimes coal. Breaking down plastic can take hundreds, even thousands, of years, which is why recycling is so important.
\r\n\r\nTo top it off, plastic doesn't just affect the environment, it seeps its way into every aspect of the food chain, from tiny plankton to the fish we eat, causing exposure to toxins for plants, animals, and humans.
\r\n\r\nIf the health aspect isn't reason enough to consider changing your waste disposal methods, let's take a look at the financial benefits.
\r\n\r\nAn article published in the L.A. Times takes a look at the problem from an energy standpoint. It states the U.S. could save about $12 billion per year in energy costs by increasing the national recycling rate.
\r\n\r\nThis is due to the fact that it requires less energy to recycle materials into new products than it does to make new products from virgin materials.
\r\n\r\nWith all of this information at our fingertips, it's hard to understand why efforts to increase our national recycling hasn't been more successful.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAn estimated 74% of Americans have access to curbside recycling, with more rural areas having less access.
\r\n
More and more large companies have made the switch to recycled packaging to help curb their carbon footprint. While positive change can take time, the world doesn't have time to wait.
\r\n\r\nSome of these statistics are alarming, but it’s important to point out what’s being done at municipal landfills across the country to alleviate part of the problem. Modern landfills utilize new technology to sort and remove recyclables from the municipal waste stream.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the EPA states there are a total of 86 landfills in the U.S. utilizing waste-to-energy technology to turn trash into energy by burning waste.
\r\n\r\nThe resulting smoke is filtered to ensure it doesn’t harm the environment, and the resulting ash is hauled off to the landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe trash incineration process not only produces 2,720 megawatts of power nationwide each year, but it significantly reduces the amount of waste entering landfills.
\r\n\r\nThat said, recycling efforts in the U.S. can certainly be improved. This is not an issue that the government or big business is solely responsible for; it starts with individuals.
\r\n\r\nThe average American produces more than 4.5 lbs of trash per day, 80% of which is recyclable.
\r\n\r\nAs individuals, we can help improve the state of recycling in the U.S. one empty can at a time.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"person](\"/sites/default/files/migrate_images/plastic-bottle.jpg\")
\r\nAs individuals, there are plenty of ways to help your community's recycling efforts.
\r\n\r\nSeparating your trash is the most common and easiest way to minimize your carbon footprint.
\r\n\r\nIf you're lucky enough to live in an area that offers curbside recycling, the process is similar to taking out your trash.
\r\n\r\nYour recyclable trash, separate and free from all food waste, can be gathered in your recycling bin and taken out to the curb on your area's scheduled collection days.
\r\n\r\nSome states, like Michigan, Hawaii, Iowa, and California, have programs in place where consumers are charged a small deposit fee per plastic bottle or aluminum can purchased, and they'll get that deposit fee back only if they return these cans and bottles for recycling.
\r\n\r\nIf you live in an area that doesn't offer curbside recycling or a soda can/bottle buy back program, your recycling efforts might be more involved but certainly not impossible.
\r\n\r\nYou can search online for recycling centers that accept outside recyclables. Earth 9-1-1 is a website that makes finding recycling resources in your area just a click away.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, composting your food and yard waste is a great way to minimize your impact on the environment.
\r\n\r\nOrganic waste is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or animal. Any food or yard waste falls into this category and will decompose naturally in oxygen-rich conditions.
\r\n\r\nThis process is called composting and the result of composting produces humus which is full of nutrients that can then be used to fertilize other growing plants.
\r\n\r\nComposting not only minimizes one's environmental impact but is a great way to maintain your small (or large!) home garden.
\r\n\r\n![\"junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/recyc-junk_2.jpg\")
\r\nWith more and more junk removal companies making a commitment to recycle as much waste as possible, it's never been easier to find an earth-friendly junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nMany junk removal service providers commit to recycling 60-70% of all waste they remove on their customers' behalf.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find service providers in your area that will be able to explain their disposal process in detail at your request.
\r\n\r\nSome junk removal companies will even provide you with a receipt for your items that they donate which allows you write off the amount donated on your taxes.
\r\n\r\nFor people who go the DIY route and rent a dumpster to throw out their junk on their own, clean loading a dumpster is also a great way to make recycling easier.
\r\n\r\nClean loading a dumpster simply means that you load a dumpster with the same type of recyclable material.
\r\n\r\nFor demolition or home improvement projects, you might be able to clean load your dumpster with only asphalt or only wood. This allows for an easy dump at a recycling center rather than mixing in other waste, like food or textiles, in with your clean loaded dumpster.
\r\n\r\nRecycling in today's world is much easier than it was in the past and with experienced disposal services available to guide you with local resources, there's no reason to be intimidated at the process.
\r\n\r\nQuickly find licensed, insured, and locally-owned junk removal and dumpster rental companies in your area by searching your zip code on Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWith our single quote request form, you'll be able to request free quotes from multiple providers with ease, all in a matter of minutes.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nWhile there are no national mandates requiring individuals to recycle, the EPA announced in November 2020 its ambitious plan to increase American recycling efforts to 50% by 2030.
\r\n","changed":"2024-01-09T17:47:41+00:00"},{"id":"0ce208c6-d5a2-527e-9109-9967391d3aac","title":"How to Compare Quotes and Hire the Right Junk Removal Company","url":"/blog/how-to-compare-quotes-and-hire-the-right-junk-removal-company","image":{"path":"/static/7ddb68840b172f76a9d389841d82013c/man-on-phone-looking-at-computer.jpg","alt":"man on phone looking at computer"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"5928a41a-3ef0-577b-a694-0bb6cb93c693","name":"Hiring for Junk Removal","slug":"Hiring-for-Junk-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"\r\n\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we're committed to making the process of hiring a junk removal provider easy.
\r\n
Not only do we streamline the quote request process by making it easy to request up to three quotes from local service providers with the click of a button, but we also simplify the quote comparison process so you can hire the best junk removal company for your disposal needs without stress or wasted time.
\r\n\r\nReady to compare the quotes you've received?
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll explain how to contrast and compare the quotes you have, junk removal provider red flags to look out for, and other important considerations.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/how-to-compare-junk-removal-quotes-infographic_0.jpg\")
\r\nArguably the biggest factor that affects who you hire to perform junk removal services is price.
\r\n\r\nHowever, not all service providers price their junk removal services the same way. Most charge based on how much space the junk takes up in their truck, but some may charge based on the type of junk being disposed of, whether it's bulky junk, like appliances and furniture, or garbage bags and general trash.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, be sure you understand exactly how each junk removal quote is priced so you're able to have a full picture of the total value of each service.
\r\n\r\nA qualified and legitimate junk removal company will always be transparent and upfront about what is included in their junk removal cost.
\r\n\r\nWhen looking at each quote, does it answer these price related questions:
\r\n\r\nNote: Junk removal quotes typically must be provided in person, but you are in no way obligated to hire a junk removal company that's given you a junk removal estimate. Take your time to be sure you hire a company you are confident can provide quality work and customer service for a fair price.
\r\nRead on: Understanding Junk Removal Quotes
\r\n\r\nWhen hiring a junk removal service, it's incredibly important to be sure you're hiring a company that is licensed and qualified to provide junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nIn most states, they'll need at least a commercial drivers license and general business license.
\r\n\r\nIf your state does require a license, always be sure you hire a junk removal company with the proper licensing.
\r\n\r\nNever be afraid to ask a junk removal company for their license number, and be sure the company you hire is also insured.
\r\n\r\nAn experienced and qualified junk removal company will also understand the steps they need to take to protect your property during the junk removal.
\r\n\r\nWhen looking at each quote, ask yourself the following questions regarding licensing and qualifications:
\r\n\r\nBefore signing any contract or moving forward with any junk removal services, be sure you understand everything it’s saying. If you're unsure about something in your estimate, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification before giving them the go-ahead to load your junk into their truck.
\r\n
\r\nIf a junk removal company is unwilling to explain their estimate, potential overage charges, or answer your questions, that is a red flag and a sign that you should find someone else to do business with.
\r\n
\r\nOnce you have a thorough understanding of each junk removal quote you have, you'll then be able to make an informed decision of whether or not to hire them to do the work. If you decide to hire, they'll typically get started right away.
Keep reading:
\r\n\r\nReady to compare the junk removal quotes you've received? Learn how to contrast and compare the quotes you have, red flags to look out for, and more.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-06T15:32:10+00:00"},{"id":"6da5096a-8f3f-5454-acd8-8bfd942ef16c","title":"How to Get Rid of Yard Waste for Free","url":"/blog/get-rid-of-yard-waste-for-free","image":{"path":"/static/acf5f5d76782172931582178be8bc7b2/1212yard.png","alt":"man dumping grass clippings from lawn mower into a trash bin"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"ce90299a-0886-5f97-a380-1dc175c6f535","name":"Yard Waste","slug":"Yard-Waste"},{"id":"f39b8b1e-ba97-5f6e-a83c-b6d63423d4ad","name":"Yard Waste Removal","slug":"Yard-Waste-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"In many states across the U.S., dumping yard waste in landfills is illegal.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere are, however, many other ways to recycle and dispose of yard waste in a way that is not only beneficial to the environment, but free for homeowners, too.
\r\n
We'll go over the options for getting rid of yard waste for free, as well as convenient alternative services that will remove yard waste for a reasonable rate.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-of-yard-waste-free-info.jpg\")
\r\nComposting is a great way to live a greener lifestyle and doesn't take too much work when you consider the long list of benefits it offers, like:
\r\n\r\nThe main \"ingredients\" of a compost pile include water, oxygen, green material, and brown material.
\r\n\r\nGreen materials include grass clippings, weeds, plant trimmings, flowers, food scraps, and more.
\r\n\r\nBrown materials include wood shavings, twigs, dead plants or leaves, coffee filters, cardboard, etc.
\r\n\r\nA compost mixture should have significantly more brown waste than green waste, with the ideal rate being 2-3 parts brown material to 1 part green material.
\r\n\r\nSo when adding green yard waste to your compost pile, be sure to have plenty of brown material to add in with it.
\r\n\r\nRead more about composting:
\r\n\r\n\"Open burning\" is the burning of unwanted yard material, like wood, brush, grass, leaves, dead plants, and other green and brown material.
\r\n\r\nOpen burning your yard waste is not a recommended method for most people and is illegal in many areas due to air pollution and the risk of forest fires, but under the right circumstances, it can be an easy and free solution.
\r\n\r\nMost areas that allow open burning for yard waste require that a permit be issued by local governing bodies, fire departments, or the DNR.
\r\n\r\nThe safest way to burn your yard waste is to do so during a windless day, and the colder the temperature is, the less risk typically involved.
\r\n\r\nCities and towns with large populations usually do not allow yard waste to be burned on your property, but if you live in a rural area with a lot of acreage, an approved burning bin with continuous monitoring of the burn pile can be a reasonable method to get rid of yard waste.
\r\n\r\nIt is imperative to do thorough research in your area regarding waste burning laws prior to attempting to do so. Failing to follow the law could result in fines, jail time, forest devastation, property damage, and serious bodily harm.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith more and more landfills across the country banning yard waste in landfills, many municipal weekly garbage collections are halting their yard waste pickup programs.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it's important to check with your specific garbage pickup provider to see if yard waste collection is a service they offer.
\r\n\r\nIf they do offer yard waste collection, there are several rules to follow, like:
\r\n\r\nSome collection services require special \"tags\" to be placed on your yard waste bags that must be purchased ahead of time, while other services may allow you to pay for the collection service after it's been completed.
\r\n\r\nGetting the details from your specific waste collection service is important to avoid extra fines or fees, as well as ensuring that your bags of yard waste aren't left sitting at the end of your driveway.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nWhile not a free option, renting a dumpster for yard waste offers speed, convenience, and great value for large landscaping projects.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe best part about renting a dumpster for yard waste is that you can \"clean load\" your dumpster for a potentially lower price.
\r\n
Clean loading a dumpster is when you only load one specific type of debris into the dumpster, which in this case is yard waste.
\r\n\r\nNot mixing in any other type of trash allows the yard waste to be taken to a facility that will recycle it into compost which can then be used for soil.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend renting a dumpster from a locally-owned company, as waste management dumpsters can cost quite a bit more in comparison to smaller operations.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes finding local dumpster companies fast and easy, and we only publish licensed and insured dumpster companies for your safety and peace of mind.
\r\n\r\nYou can request multiple dumpster quotes from local providers so you can compare pricing, customer service, and container availability - all free of charge!
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/123yard.png\")
\r\nDepending on the size and scope of your project, junk removal services could be more costly than renting a yard waste dumpster.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThat said, junk removal services are undoubtedly the fastest, easiest, and labor-free way to get rid of piles of yard waste, both large and small.
\r\n
The vast majority of junk removal companies offer basic yard waste pick-up, and the process is simple:
\r\n\r\nJust like with dumpster rental, Hometown can help you find local junk removal companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nBy entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your yard waste removal project, you'll be shown a list of qualified junk removal companies near you.
\r\n\r\nRequest free junk removal quotes, read verified reviews from real customers, and read more about each company - all in one convenience place!
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nRead about different options available to get rid of yard waste for free, as well as other convenient services that will do so at a reasonable rate.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T01:11:24+00:00"},{"id":"56a8269e-6bd7-57c3-a61a-b0e644836136","title":"Declutter Your Home to Boost Its Value","url":"/blog/declutter-your-home-to-boost-its-value","image":{"path":"/static/f94e480081d8f79e62bbfa77afae0f4c/increase-home-value.jpg","alt":"declutter home to boost value"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"Did you know that decluttering your home has the power to maximize its value and make it stand out against the competition?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDecluttering and staging your home can increase its selling value by 15-20% on average and get it sold faster, too.
\r\n
In this guide, we'll discuss:
\r\n\r\nCleaning alone can deliver a 3-5% return on investment and is something you can do yourself, so make sure everything is looking its best during home showings.
\r\n\r\nRegular home maintenance, cleanliness, and minimizing clutter in your everyday life goes a long way when it comes time to sell but also in your day-to-day life, too.
\r\n\r\nIf you don’t keep up on regular repairs, you can expect to spend more money and time when it comes to prepping your home for sale.
\r\n\r\n![\"declutter](\"/sites/default/files/migrate_images/staged-home_0.jpg\")
\r\nWe also recommend doing everything you can to make your property look its best, not through expensive changes but through smart staging.
\r\n\r\nYour real estate agent will likely be able to provide some good insight into the best way to go about this and may even be able to bring in a professional if needed.
\r\n\r\nDeclutter, depersonalize, and tidy things up using your own possessions as much as possible.
\r\n\r\nRemember: Staging a home is different from designing or decorating a space.
\r\n\r\nStage your home for maximum sales appeal and to entice as many buyers as possible, not to meet your specific tastes.
\r\n\r\nTo make the decluttering or cleaning process easier, rely on junk removal services. Professionals can come haul away unwanted junk in no time, making it easy to get to the deep cleaning and staging process.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn how decluttering and staging your home can increase its selling value by 15-20% on average and get it sold faster, too.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-22T17:01:53+00:00"},{"id":"f5065422-22c3-548d-938b-985ea3f6c05f","title":"Creating the Perfect Home Office in 4 Steps","url":"/blog/creating-the-perfect-home-office","image":{"path":"/static/198d2bce143f73403d3929faa4811eef/home-office-1.jpg","alt":"woman having video conference in home office"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"be215651-77bc-59d2-a493-29497c089ec4","name":"Electronics Removal","slug":"Electronics-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"With the number of people who primarily work from home tripling between 2019 and 2021, more and more people are creating home offices that suit their needs. Whether you're working with a large or small space, there are several things to keep in mind to create a cohesive work environment from the comfort of your home. We'll go over how to set up a home office in 4 simple steps so that you can make the most of your space and stay focused while you're working from home.
\r\n\r\n![\"Creating](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/home-office-info_0.jpg\")
\r\nDeciding where to set up your home office can be half the battle, especially for those who are working with a limited amount of space. A good place to start is to consider which areas of your home are perhaps utilized the least and/or provide the most privacy.
\r\n\r\nSecluded areas, like guest rooms, storage rooms, basements, and attics, make ideal home offices because they're separated from the most used areas of your home, like your living room, bedroom, and kitchen. If you're limited on space and don't have the ability to dedicate an entire room to a home office, the corners of your living room, dining room, bedroom(s), or even sunroom can provide a comfortable office setup that you can consciously separate from the rest of the room with a little effort.
\r\n\r\nWherever you decide to set up your home office, it's important to consider any noise or traffic that could interrupt your productivity. A home office with a window next to your noisy neighbors' barking dogs is a recipe for distraction, while a home office in your living room can quickly turn into a nightmare if you live with other adults or children. You'll want to make sure that you're able to separate your workspace from your living area in order to maintain your productivity day in and day out.
\r\n\r\nWhen possible, we recommend choosing a space with the most natural light. Studies show that those who work in offices with windows and natural lighting have more energy and experience less eye strain when working on their computers, making them also less likely to experience tension headaches.
\r\n\r\nIf you decide that your attic or basement is the ideal place for your home office, you may need to do some light remodeling work to get it into the right condition for your office. Oftentimes, this includes tearing down interior walls or putting up drywall. If you need to perform any interior demolition, turn to local interior demolition or remodeling professionals in your area to help you get it done safely and efficiently.
\r\n\r\nOnce you choose the perfect area of your home to turn into a home office, you'll want to clear the area of non-work related items. Removing storage items, old electronics, and general household clutter is a small action that can make a huge impact on the effectiveness of your home office.
\r\n\r\nIf you're setting up your office in an area that was previously used as storage, you'll want to find another area to store your items, or at the very least, a different way to store them in order to make room for your new office setup.
\r\n\r\nOnce you start sorting through your items to make room for your new home office, it's possible that you'll discover you have much more \"junk\" to get rid of than you realized. When you start to notice you have a growing pile of items that are no longer being used or bringing you joy, consider hiring a junk removal company to help relieve you of your unwanted belongings.
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company allows you to forget about the taxing, manual labor involved in hauling your unwanted items to a donation center or landfill and allows you to direct your focus to more important matters, like setting up your home office.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are known for being able to haul away your unwanted items in a matter of minutes, donating salvageable items to local charities, recycling items that are accepted in local recycling programs, and disposing of the rest. Even if you only need to remove a single piece of furniture or a small box of electronics, a junk removal service can quickly and conveniently do that, too.
\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest advantages of hiring a junk removal company to help you clear out space in your home is not only how quickly they can get it done, but how much easier the project (and your life) becomes when they take care of the heavy lifting, loading, and logistics. If you'd rather do the hard work yourself, consider renting a temporary dumpster. You can get rid of unwanted clutter efficiently and affordably by renting a dumpster from a local provider.
\r\n\r\nFinding junk removal and dumpster rental companies that service your area is easy with Hometown. By entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your junk removal project, you'll be shown licensed and insured junk removal companies or dumpster rentals near you. You can request free quotes from local companies to compare pricing, availability, and customer service.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Neutral](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/home-office-2.jpg\")
\r\nHow you choose to design your home office can make a big impact on your work productivity and personal satisfaction. If you work a full-time job, your home office could quickly turn into one of the most used areas of your home, so it's important to design it in a way that is welcoming and to your taste, all while promoting productivity.
\r\n\r\nThe color of your walls, type of flooring, type of lighting, furniture, storage, and decor are all things you should consider when designing your home office.
\r\n\r\nThere are certain colors that promote creativity, productivity, and a sense of calm, and using these color palettes for your home office can help set you up for success.
\r\n\r\nAccording to psychology, cool blue and navy blue tones promote creativity and visionary thinking, while beige greens and yellow greens are some of the most stress-reducing shades you can paint a home office for a calm environment.
\r\n\r\nIf you can't (or don't want to) paint your home office, starting with a neutral wall color allows you to bring in decor and office furniture with any color pallet you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWood, laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet are all acceptable flooring for an office, but you may need or want to bring in additional rugs or mats specifically for your home office setup.
\r\n\r\nThick carpet is not conducive to rolling office chairs, so you may want to opt for a plastic rolling chair mat to make it easier to move around in your office chair.
\r\n\r\nTile flooring with deep ridges may be annoying to slide over with your rolling office chair, so a plastic mat or non-shag rug can make your home office feel more comfortable and less distracting.
\r\n\r\nIf you want to rip up your old flooring and replace it for your home office, hire an interior demolition contractor. HometownDemolition.com can help you find local contractors in your area that are licensed, insured, and reputable. Get free quotes to compare pricing, customer service, and availability.
\r\n\r\nWhile natural lighting is best for working environments, there will likely be times of the day and even periods of the year where additional lighting will be necessary.
\r\n\r\nBright florescent and LED lights do the best job of keeping you alert and awake, which can be helpful when you're nearing towards the end of a long work day. You'll want to avoid warm, yellow lightbulbs (2,000-3,000 Kelvin), as these tend to promote relaxation and a \"coziness\" that is associated with the comfort of home living. Higher Kelvin light bulbs (4,000-6,500 K) create a brighter, bluer hue that is perfect for illuminating your office and keeping you active, alert, and concentrated.
\r\n\r\nYou'll want to make sure that you have storage in your home office that is specifically for your work belongings only. Mixing your paperwork and other work items in with your personal belongings can create plenty of issues, like lost or misplaced documents.
\r\n\r\nBuying an office desk with built-in storage is a great place to start, but additional tools for organization can be especially helpful. For example, if you have to store and access many paper documents, consider purchasing a mini filing cabinet.
\r\n\r\nThere are also plenty of different types of desktop organizers that help to keep office supplies organized and easily accessible. Similarly, there are drawer organizers you can purchase for your cabinet and desk drawers that will help keep all your different office supplies and products neat and tidy.
\r\n\r\nAdd shelving above your computer desk to take advantage of the available wall space in your home office area. These added shelving units can not only help store items you'll need, but they can also be used to display personal items or decor.
\r\n\r\nDecorating your home office helps to lift your mood, increase productivity, and boosts overall energy. Working in an environment that is cheerful and makes you happy while also being functional and promoting productivity is the perfect recipe for a successful home office.
\r\n\r\nFramed photos of loved ones or milestone accomplishments can be self-motivating during stressful times when you need an extra push to stay on course.
\r\n\r\nFinally, the type of furniture and equipment you outfit your office with should be a point of focus when creating a home office.
\r\n\r\nWorking at a desk, sitting in a chair, or using a keyboard that is not ergonomic can create posture issues that can lead to long-term health issues, like arthritis or chronic neck and back pain. Creating an ergonomic work environment promotes a neutral position for your body to sit and work in for long periods of time.
\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of products on the market that are ergonomic and specifically built to promote healthy posture, so look for this description when shopping for office furniture and computer accessories, like a keyboard and mouse.
\r\n\r\nAnother option is to opt for an adjustable standing desk. Sitting at a desk for long periods of time every day can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Adjustable standing desks can be lowered to allow for sitting, and then adjusted to your perfect height to allow a comfortable standing position while you work on your computer.
\r\n\r\nLearn some of the most impactful actions you can take when creating a home office to make the most of your space and help you keep focus while you're working from home.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-13T15:55:31+00:00"},{"id":"3032d0ee-0de5-5cfd-a783-c6e3a5b039ec","title":"How to Get Rid of Junk and Save Money","url":"/blog/junk-removal-tips-and-alternatives","image":{"path":"/static/780e03ad9cd7b670a183464dfc509815/junk-removal-tips.png","alt":"family cleaning out cluttered garage"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"8166a9a6-cfd1-559d-bf4f-078487cfcbe2","name":"DIY","slug":"DIY"}],"content":"Hiring a junk removal service is helpful for estate cleanouts, tenant cleanouts, spring cleaning, appliance removal, furniture removal, yard debris removal, and so many other projects.
\r\n\r\nThe best part about junk removal services is how much extra work it takes off your plate. You don't have to worry about loading, hauling, or disposing of your items because the junk removal crew does it all for you.
\r\n\r\nIf you're trying to decide if hiring a junk removal service is right for you, we'll go over insider's hacks to getting the best junk removal price, as well as alternative ways to get rid of your unwanted junk.
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-removal-tips.jpg\")
\r\nHiring junk removal services is a fairly simple and straightforward process, but there are things you can do to ensure you're getting a great price and hiring a great service.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal costs vary greatly from one project (or company) to the next. The cost of living in your area, the type and amount of junk you're having hauled away, ease of access, and who you hire are all factors that will affect how much you can expect to pay for junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nMost companies have a minimum fee that is reserved for the smallest removals, like a box or two worth of belongings, a single piece of furniture, etc., and they range from $75-$100 on average.
\r\n\r\nThe largest project types are usually hoarding cleanups, and average around $1,000+ per day for the duration of the project.
\r\n\r\nRead our insider tips below to help ensure you get the best, most affordable junk removal services in your area.
\r\n\r\nIn many parts of the country, it is cheaper to take items to a recycling center than it is to dump items at a landfill, usually due to local \"green\" initiatives.
\r\n\r\nThese cheaper disposal fees are oftentimes passed onto you when hiring a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nThis is, of course, only an option if the items you're having hauled away are in fact recyclable, like cardboard boxes, yard waste, roofing shingles, glass, scrap metal, concrete, etc.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Do Junk Removal Services Recycle?
\r\n\r\n![\"person](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/donate.png\")
\r\nIn circumstances where you are having gently used household items or clothing that can be donated to a local donation center, like Goodwill or The Salvation Army, your removal fees may cost you even less.
\r\n\r\nBe sure to ask the different junk removal companies you speak with how they dispose of the items they haul away.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies go through and separate the items they haul away so they can take as little to a landfill as possible, but if that isn't their way of doing things, it's better to be aware of that up front.
\r\n\r\nSome junk removal companies will even provide you with tax deduction paperwork provided by the donation center on your behalf, saving you even more money come tax season.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Donate Your Unwanted Items Easily with Junk Removal
\r\n\r\nIf you prefer to not have workers in your home to remove your items, setting out your unwanted items to the road can not only make your junk removal service contactless, but it could save you money, too.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal pricing depends on a number of factors, one of them being labor time.
\r\n\r\nBeing able to quickly pull up to your driveway and load all of your unwanted items at once rather than take several trips in and out of your home can usually be beneficial when negotiating the price of your particular junk removal job.
\r\n\r\nThere is always a need for junk removal services year-round, but the warmer months—when more people are tackling household cleaning, renovation, and yard work projects—tend to be the busiest times for hiring junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nIf your project isn't time-sensitive, waiting until the colder winter months may be a strategy for getting a cheaper price, depending on your location.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading: Take Advantage of Slow Seasons to Tackle Projects
\r\n\r\n![\"pile](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/leave-at-road.png\")
\r\nThe most effective way to get the best price for your project is to get multiple junk removal quotes from providers in your area.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least three different quotes to ensure that you're not only getting the best price but the best customer service as well.
\r\n\r\nIt's important when calling around for quotes to be as detailed as possible so that the companies you speak with can provide you with the most accurate estimate possible.
\r\n\r\nHometown's website makes it quick and easy to find reputable junk removal companies near you.
\r\n\r\nYou can request free quotes from multiple junk removal providers until you find the perfect fit for you and your project.
\r\n\r\nChecking out a company's reviews online can help you when debating which service to go with.
\r\n\r\nSometimes going with the cheapest service you can find comes with a different cost, like dealing with unprofessionalism or the company being unreliable.
\r\n\r\nMake sure to do as much research on each company you consider before making a final decision. If you see people mentioning that their final bill had hidden fees and ended up being more expensive than the initial quote they were given, consider this a major red flag.
\r\n\r\nThe more reviews you can find, the more reliable those reviews tend to be.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: 5 Red Flags for Waste Removal and Junk Haulers
\r\n\r\nIf you have an ongoing, large project, like an estate or foreclosure cleanout, wait until you've gone through everything and know exactly what you need removed before hiring removal services.
\r\n\r\nIf you hire a junk removal company to come clean out a garage only to realize you need the shed or basement cleaned out weeks later, you might be spending more by spacing out your removal projects and requiring multiple trips.
\r\n\r\nSpend time during the planning process to make sure that you're utilizing your time and resources as efficiently as possible before moving forward.
\r\n\r\nGetting everything you'd like hauled away removed all at once can end up saving you both time and money.
\r\n\r\nIf hiring a junk removal service is out of your budget, there are other ways to get rid of your unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are great for large clean-up or construction projects and can be a more cost-effective way to get rid of bulk amounts of trash.
\r\n\r\nIf you have the physical capacity to do the heavy lifting yourself, having a temporary roll-off container placed in your driveway during the duration of your project will allow you to get rid of more material for your money.
\r\n\r\nMost residential cleanup projects can be accommodated with a 10 yard or 20 yard dumpster, which costs around $250-$450 or $350-$550 on average respectively.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to locate dumpster rental companies in your area that provide free quotes.
\r\n\r\nYou can read real, verified reviews and request estimates from dumpster rental services in your area to ensure you get the best price and customer service, as well as the dumpster availability your project requires.
\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live, your local municipal trash service may offer bulk trash pickups.
\r\n\r\nAreas that offer bulk trash pickup typically require you to schedule these services ahead of time while other areas only offer it on select dates throughout the year.
\r\n\r\nContact your local waste service to find out if this service is available in your area.
\r\n\r\nDepending on how much waste you have and how far you live from a landfill, hauling junk to the local dump yourself might be cheaper than hiring a junk removal company or renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to consider gas prices, local landfill fees, and the value of your time when deciding whether or not hauling your own garbage is an efficient solution or not.
\r\n\r\nIf you live 30 minutes from the nearest dump and your accumulated junk will require you to make multiple trips, the price you end up paying to do all the work yourself might not be worth it.
\r\n\r\nContact your local landfill for more information on their tipping fees.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn different strategies to get the best price for junk removal services and alternative ways to get rid of unwanted junk if junk removal isn't in your budget.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-18T18:25:40+00:00"}],"populars":[],"tips":[{"name":"Removing Unwanted Junk","body":"Learn more: Junk Removal 101: A Guide to Junk Removal Services
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Dumpster Rental vs. Junk Removal Service
\r\n\r\nThe cost of hiring a junk removal service or renting a dumpster varies based on several factors, including:
\r\n\r\nFor large cleanups, junk removal services cost more than renting a dumpster because of the added labor costs involved. For smaller cleanups, like removing some furniture or a refrigerator, it would cost less to have someone remove it. If you rent a dumpster, you will likely be paying for more dumpster than you need.
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