Sick of your cluttered, dirty, hoarder-level basement? You're not alone.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCountless homeowners struggle with a messy basement until they get tired of the disorganization and chaos and decide to do something about it.
\r\n
The good news is that cleaning out your basement doesn't have to take as long as you think, especially when you utilize your time and resources wisely.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll discuss how to clean out a basement fast, breaking it down into steps, and how much it would cost you to get a little help and save a lot of time.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/how-to-clean-out-old-dirty-basement-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nA basement can be a functional and even beautiful space for you and your family to enjoy, but it can quickly become piled with items and junk.
\r\n\r\nIdeally, you stay on top of your basement's contents and organization throughout the months and years, but more important things come up and it can be a hard thing to keep up with consistently, especially if you struggle with getting rid of things.
\r\n\r\nHowever, when the junk and old items get out of hand and continuously build up, they can also accumulate dust mites, insect droppings, and other gross and potentially dangerous surprises.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAfter a certain point, when the basement is extremely cluttered and dirty, it's time to consider getting help with a complete basement cleanout.
\r\n
Here's how basement cleanouts work...
\r\n\r\nBefore hiring help with your basement cleanout, tag the boxes you want to keep with a post-it or set aside the items you don't want to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nIf you're unable to go through all the items you have, it's best to enlist the help of family or friends to help you sort through it all.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re having a hard time choosing whether or not you want to keep something, ask yourself the following questions:
\r\n\r\nBe honest with yourself and only keep the items that serve a purpose in your life and bring you joy.
\r\n\r\nOnce you make it clear what you want to get rid of, or if you want to get rid of everything in the basement, the next step is to reach out to local junk haulers in your area.
\r\n\r\nThese companies are experts in basement cleanouts and do not simply haul things to the dump; they separate the items that can be donated or recycled, so you can be comfortable that your items will have a new life in a new home rather than filling up landfills.
\r\n\r\nTypically with big projects like basement cleanouts, junk removal companies will need to give you a cost estimate in person after fully assessing your project needs.
\r\n\r\nIt's ideal to get at least three estimates when hiring a professional to help you with any project, but it can be a little hard to do that when the companies have to come out to your basement to give you a quote.
\r\n\r\nAnd with COVID, you may want to minimize the number of service providers you have in your home.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend recording video or taking adequate photos to capture your project needs. That way, the junk haulers can quote your project without needing to come out to your basement.
\r\n\r\nOnce you agree to a project estimate and hire a company, they'll get to work removing your items.
\r\n\r\nA team of two or more will come haul your items onto their truck.
\r\n\r\nThey then transfer your items to their headquarters where the items can be sorted, donated whenever possible, recycled, or tossed as a last resort.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a lot of items that can be donated, most companies are happy to provide you with a donation receipt.
\r\n\r\nAfter all of your items are hauled out of your basement, the company typically sweeps the area, takes your payment, and goes on their merry way.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nProfessional cleanout and hauling services are extremely helpful for cleaning out messy basements.
\r\n\r\nThese companies have the equipment and experience needed to safely, efficiently, and tactfully complete basement cleanouts of all shapes and sizes.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't have the time or physical ability to clean out your basement yourself with the help of a dumpster, junk removal services are a great option.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThe average cost of basement cleanouts is $300-$400, but your exact cleanout costs can vary.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of your basement cleanout project will depend on:
\r\n\r\nNote: In some cases, renting a dumpster is the cheaper option, especially with big cleanup projects. If you have friends or family that are willing and able to help you, renting a dumpster for a week can cost less than hiring junk removal pros to do it for you.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out your basement doesn't have to take as long as you think. Utilize your time and resources wisely and see how professional cleanout services can help.
\r\n","changed":"2022-01-26T01:08:27+00:00"},{"id":"a1c3ee7c-50f9-5ce1-8be8-d8f27b8f312a","title":"How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Piano?","url":"/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-remove-a-piano","image":{"path":"/static/c13924c7f812baf53de1df9269e75c15/piano-removal-1.jpg","alt":"old upright piano at the side of the road"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"1e45c637-f541-57aa-bc46-d9d831cafe4c","name":"Furniture Removal","slug":"Furniture-Removal"}],"content":"When it comes time to get rid of your old piano, it's not as simple as throwing it into your truck and hauling it to a landfill. Moving a piano requires multiple people with the appropriate tools and manpower to get the job done without causing any harm to your property or themselves.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are the go-to choice for piano removal, but you may be wondering how much this will cost. That's why we've put together this guide to explain average costs and the different factors that affect piano removal costs so that you can know what to expect before you start price shopping.
\r\n\r\n![\"Cost](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/remove-a-piano-info_0.jpg\")
\r\nThere are two main types of pianos, and depending on which type you're having removed, the process could look slightly different.
\r\n\r\nGrand pianos are the largest type and what one typically pictures when they think of a classical piano. Grand pianos can be disassembled in order to fit through doorways and make the moving process easier. You start by removing the music rack and lyre, then you separate the four legs from the rest of the piano body. Each piece, including the piano bench, is wrapped separately for safe travel in a padded moving blanket or something similar.
\r\n\r\nThe separated pieces can be removed and loaded onto a truck by hand, while the main body will likely be placed on a dolly or hand truck and secured with ratchet straps so that it doesn't shift while it's being transferred. The junk removal crew, usually made up of 2 people, will then use a ramp to load your piano onto their truck.
\r\n\r\nUpright pianos are smaller and what are typically found in homes or music classrooms. They feature a flat back and can fit comfortably against a wall. Instead of being disassembled like a grand piano, upright pianos are moved as whole. The fragile or movable items on an upright piano should be wrapped with bubble wrap and secured with moving tape on the foot pedals, top lid, and fall board. The entire upright piano is then padded with a moving blanket or something similar, and then moved in the same manner as a grand piano: with a hand truck/dolly and ramp.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Once the piano is loaded onto the junk removal crew's truck, they'll then haul it to a place that will accept it as a donation. If the piano is in bad shape and needs to be hauled to a landfill rather than a donation center, less care will be taken and there will be no need to wrap it in protective padding when loading it. It will still require disassembly, multiple people, and hand trucks or dollies for safe transfer.
\r\n\r\nPiano removal costs will vary based a variety of different factors, including:
\r\n\r\nThe larger and heavier an item is, the more it will cost to have a professional junk removal company to remove it, and pianos are no different. There are typically additional fees for extra items, like piano benches, and the removal fee will also be dependent on the weight of any additional items. Lack of ease of access and the presence of stairs will affect the cost of removal due to additional effort and time. Narrow doorways, multiple flights of stairs, and a location far away from a company's normal service area are all examples of circumstances that will increase the cost of piano removal.
\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, how a piano is removed and loaded will vary based on where it's being hauled to. Pianos that are being donated and need to be handled with care will require more effort and could cost more than hiring a company to load it into a truck and haul it to a landfill.
\r\n\r\nWhere you live and who you hire will have a big impact on how much a piano removal project will cost. If you live in the suburbs, most services probably cost less than they would in a big city. The cost of junk removal services in Dayton, OH can be expected to be much cheaper than they would in Chicago, IL, so keep that in mind when reading about average costs. Prices will also vary from one company to the next, which is why it's important to get in touch with multiple junk removal companies in your area to compare pricing.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe national average cost to remove a piano is around $250-$550. The low end cost for piano removal typically starts at $150 and is likely reserved for the easiest of piano removal jobs in areas with a low cost of living. An example would be an upright piano removal placed at the end of a driveway that can be hauled to a landfill where landfill fees are below the national average. The high end cost for piano removal services can be as high as $2,000 and would be for more challenging circumstances. An example of a piano removal costing this much would be for a very large and heavy grand piano, located up several flights of stairs in an apartment in NYC that needs to be transferred 60 miles upstate to be donated in perfect condition. No matter your circumstances, these price discrepancies prove just how important it is to get multiple quotes from different piano removal services in your area.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to get multiple quotes from different junk removal companies in your area that provide piano removal services is to fill out Hometown's single quote request form.
\r\n\r\nHometown publishes locally-owned and operated junk removal services across the country who are reputable, licensed, and insured. By searching your zip code and answering a few short questions about your piano removal project, you'll be shown qualified companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can read more about each company, read verified reviews from real customers, and request free quotes to compare pricing, customer service, and availability. Ask the right questions before hiring a junk removal company to be sure you've found the right company for the job.
\r\n\r\nGetting rid of a piano is easiest with junk removal services. Learn the average costs for piano removal and how to find piano removal services near you.
\r\n","changed":"2023-04-13T20:58:07+00:00"},{"id":"7edeb178-8c82-5efc-9842-799e992eb244","title":"The Best Ways to Get Rid of Furniture, Appliances, and More","url":"/blog/furniture-and-appliance-removal","image":{"path":"/static/b994ecb9c87050ac95c0c897cff6d317/furniture-removal-from-curb.png","alt":"broken couch sitting by the curb for pick-up"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"1e45c637-f541-57aa-bc46-d9d831cafe4c","name":"Furniture Removal","slug":"Furniture-Removal"},{"id":"a9043ad0-7b48-5b76-ac8b-67f7b806691f","name":"Appliance Removal","slug":"Appliance-Removal"},{"id":"fcfad541-0b97-5db4-81fd-a5b271475661","name":"Junk Cleanup and Hauling","slug":"Junk-Cleanup-and-Hauling"}],"content":"Junk removal services offer a fast, convenient solution for removing furniture, appliances, and all kinds of household junk, debris, or heavy items.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have an old couch, large piano, old appliances, or other bulky items you want to get rid of, trust Hometown to help you find local haulers in your area.
\r\n
![\"best](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/best-ways-to-remove-heavy-items-infographics_1.png\")
\r\nNo matter how many heavy items you have, junk removal is a great option if you would rather pay someone to handle the heavy lifting and disposal or donation process for you.
\r\n\r\nJunk haulers offer a convenient, stress-free disposal option for furniture, appliances, and all kinds of junk.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies often prioritize recycling and donating recovered items whenever possible, and if you're donating large furniture or multiple items still in good shape, these companies will often provide you with a donation receipt.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nTemporary roll-off dumpster rentals are a great option for some furniture and appliance disposal projects.
\r\n\r\nBulky items, like furniture and appliances, are typically awkward shapes and sizes, making it hard to fit multiple large items in a small dumpster.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster or 20 yard dumpster is a good option if you have multiple small pieces of furniture or appliances to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a freon-containing appliance, like a refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, dehumidifier, or water cooler, you will need to hire a professional, like an appliance repair specialist or HVAC pro, to remove the refrigerant before putting it in a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental prices vary based on your location, who you rent from, what you're getting rid of, and how much it weighs, but you can expect to pay around $200-$350 to rent a 10 or 20 yard dumpster.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a trailer, or you'd rather do the work yourself and pay for a U-Haul, you could haul your items to the nearest donation center or landfill yourself.
\r\n\r\nHowever, this depends on your physical ability to safely lift and haul the furniture or appliances onto the truck/trailer as well as the cost of U-Hauls and gas in your area.
\r\n\r\nIn many situations, the all-in costs involved with a U-Haul—not to mention the time and effort it takes—can be higher than having a junk hauler handle your furniture or appliance removal for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe recommend reaching out to multiple junk removal providers before hiring one to be sure you get a fair price for good services when you need them.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have a good understanding of your options, you're better able to pick the right company for you and your project.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services offer a fast, convenient solution for removing furniture, appliances, and all kinds of household junk, debris, or heavy items. Find junk removal services near you and get answers to common questions.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-22T16:00:55+00:00"},{"id":"fedbbb1a-25e6-5648-bd45-d4b1673dfc27","title":"Recycling 101: Learn How to Recycle More and Throw Out Less","url":"/blog/recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/88d81750393061cdc158c855f759fbe6/recycling-in-america_0.jpg","alt":"bag of trash and recyclables"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"d7a82c6b-3d3b-5d72-ba59-4bdd492bf55f","name":"Cardboard Recycling","slug":"Cardboard-Recycling"},{"id":"ed797128-86b6-5592-953b-f6cbae7dd3e2","name":"Paper Recycling","slug":"Paper-Recycling"},{"id":"51c3fa1e-5e47-57dd-903e-10a9699d3a72","name":"Plastic Recycling","slug":"Plastic-Recycling"},{"id":"49c52146-4c5a-5ad3-a556-f14363834202","name":"Scrap Metal Recycling","slug":"Scrap-Metal-Recycling"}],"content":"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":"d1d1c055-9fee-5d40-a54b-3e616e17450d","title":"Recycle Your Electronics With Junk Removal Services","url":"/blog/recycle-electronics-with-junk-removal","image":{"path":"/static/2b3d6338b565d92ef8dd5a0a6f5412fe/e-waste.png","alt":"Pile of old computer, laptop, printer, and keyboard"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"be215651-77bc-59d2-a493-29497c089ec4","name":"Electronics Removal","slug":"Electronics-Removal"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"Making sure to properly dispose of electronic waste is important to avoid contaminating local landfills with heavy metal and other potential hazards.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nItems like computers, tablets, TVs, smartphones, DVD players, VCRs, etc. can be hosts for toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
\r\n
There are many places that offer electronic recycling programs available to the public for drop-off, but if you don't have the time to do the heavy lifting and hauling yourself, junk removal services are a great option.
\r\n\r\n![\"Recycling](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/recycle-e-waste-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nDumpster rental is typically not an option when disposing of electronics due to city and state restrictions surrounding e-waste recycling.
\r\n\r\nWhether you have a whole office worth of old computers and printers or just small pile of household electronics, junk removal services are a quick and easy way to get rid of heavy or multiple electronics at once.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA junk removal service can come to the property to assess the extent of the work, provide a free estimate, and get to work right away if you agree to their price.
\r\n
Although most junk removal estimates are quoted in-person, it does not make you obligated to hire without seeking a second, third, or even a fourth opinion.
\r\n\r\nIn fact, it's recommended to get at least 2-3 different quotes to ensure you're not only paying a competitive price, but that you're getting quality customer service and the availability you require.
\r\n\r\nSmall removal projects can often be quoted over the phone or email if photos and/or video is provided to the junk hauler, so ask if this is an option for a quicker turnaround time.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nMore often than not, the best junk removal pricing and customer service is typically provided by locally-owned and operated companies.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find locally-owned junk removal and dumpster rental companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your waste hauling needs, you'll be shown a list of licensed and insured junk haulers near you.
\r\n\r\nNot only are all companies on our website verified, but we also verify every review that is published so you don't have to worry about being influenced by insincere reviews, positive or negative.
\r\n\r\nIt's easy to request free junk removal quotes and you're able to request as many as you'd like to ensure you get the best service for the best price.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nMaking sure to properly dispose of electronic waste is important to avoid contaminating local landfills with heavy metal and other potential hazards. Learn how to responsibly get rid of e-waste with local junk removal services.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-22T17:29:13+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"}],"populars":[],"tips":[{"name":"Removing Unwanted Junk","body":"With Hometown, getting a no-obligation quote is always free, but hiring a junk removal service to remove your unwanted items always comes at a cost.
\r\n\r\nIt's relatively common for companies to charge a minimum of $75 to $100 for any removal, no matter how minimal it may be. If you have an entire house worth of debris, then you can expect to pay upwards of $500 to $1,000, though this number can be much higher in a hoarding situation or other large volume cleanup project.
\r\n\r\nSome companies quote a price based on the expected volume of the debris in the truck, e.g., a full truckload, 1/2 truckload, or 1/4 truckload, while others quote by the hour.
\r\n\r\nThere are a number of factors that can influence the cost of junk removal, like:
\r\n\r\nThe cost to haul junk varies by location. Customers in Los Angeles or New York City can expect to pay more for junk removal than those in Fort Wayne, Indiana would pay for the same size project.
\r\n\r\nThe amount of junk that needs to be removed is a big factor, too. For example, large cleanups will require a bigger truck or container with a large loading capacity, as well as more labor hours to complete the job. The same is true for complex cleanups, like having to carry items down multiple flights of stairs or removing an old heavy piano that needs to be disassembled in order to remove it safely, or other situations that require more time and/or manpower.
\r\n\r\nCertain types of waste, junk, and debris cost more to dispose of than others. For example, hazardous materials cost more due to environmental laws, safety concerns, and disposal requirements.
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