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":"4f21c16f-1ecb-58be-9615-b1b5ddcee688","title":"Why You Should Hire Junk Removal Services to Clean Out a Hoarder House","url":"/blog/hire-junk-removal-services-to-clean-out-hoarder-house","image":{"path":"/static/3e06cfed019e37a495e1551065c51129/helping-a-hoarder.png","alt":"stressed woman sits at computer talking on the phone in a house filled with trash"},"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"},{"id":"8d15e244-391b-564d-8e25-ec23f4896b56","name":"Hoarding Cleanout","slug":"Hoarding-Cleanout"}],"content":"Cleaning out a hoarder's home is never a fun project, but if you've never done it before, you might not realize that it can oftentimes be unsafe if you don't have the right equipment and experience.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhatever your circumstance is, hiring a junk removal company to help clean out a hoarder home is an option worth considering.
\r\n
We've gathered all the information to take into consideration when choosing professional services to assist with a hoarding cleanup.
\r\n\r\n![\"Top](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hire-a-junk-removal-company-for-hoarding_5.png\")
\r\nThe most important thing to keep in mind when cleaning up a hoarder's home (whether it's your home or not) is that there can be a number of different safety hazards lurking in the shadows of a hoarding mess.
\r\n\r\nCommon hazards present in a hoarder's home:
\r\n\r\nBeginning a hoarding cleanup project without first taking the necessary safety precautions could result in temporary or long-term health concerns, like infections or respiratory issues.
\r\n\r\nProfessional hoarding cleanup companies outfit themselves in PPE (personal protective equipment) to prevent unnecessary physical harm and are insured for instances when accidents occur.
\r\n\r\nWhile not recommended, if you insist on performing a hoarding remediation on your own, getting your own PPE is absolutely necessary.
\r\n\r\nThe most common types of PPE used for hoarding messes include:
\r\n\r\nIf you plan on attempting to clean out a hoarder's home yourself, renting a dumpster is the best way to throw out large amounts of trash at once. With Hometown, you can find qualified, locally-owned dumpster rental companies that service your area. Hometown makes it easy to read verified reviews and request multiple quotes from various dumpster rental companies to compare pricing and customer service.
\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"dimly](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hoarding-house.png\")
\r\nHoarding is a type of anxiety disorder that causes severe stress to those suffering.
\r\n\r\nSufferers of hoarding have an extremely difficult time getting rid of collected items and have difficulty differentiating essential items from unnecessary junk.
\r\n\r\nGetting a hoarder to agree to get help can be a very hard feat, so when a cleanup takes place with the hoarder present, being time-efficient is crucial.
\r\n\r\nIf items are moved out slowly over time, a hoarder has more time to contemplate each item and change their mind if they're experiencing emotional distress.
\r\n\r\nThe best case scenario for a hoarding cleanup is to have the tools and manpower to complete the task within a day.
\r\n\r\nIf a hoarding cleanup takes place over several days, the emotional disruption caused after night one may make the homeowner change their mind and shut the entire operation down.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting as much done as possible in a short amount of time helps everyone involved and hoarding cleanup specialists are very attuned to this.
\r\n
In circumstances where the cleanup must take place over the course of several days, it's critical to have professionals that are patient and sensitive to the special needs that some hoarders require.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe fact that there are an estimated 3 million Americans suffering from a hoarding disorder surprises many people, but most people with hoarding problems go to great lengths to prevent their friends, family, neighbors, and the public from discovering their condition.
\r\n\r\nFeelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment are common for those living in a hoarding home, so being discrete and respectful is not only important to the hoarder, but it should be a strategy of a qualified hoarding cleanup service.
\r\n\r\nHaving professionals that are trained to delicately handle these types of large clean outs is critical in minimizing the amount of emotional distress that is caused.
\r\n\r\nHoarding cleanup pros are great at being discrete to minimize any attention drawn to the hoarder's residence during their cleanup and can remove large quantities of unwanted items in a way that looks like an average home clean out.
\r\n\r\nFinding local hoarding cleanup experts is simple by searching on Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWe publish licensed, insured, locally-owned and operated junk removal companies across the country.
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code, you'll be able to read verified reviews and request quotes from as many companies in your area as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least three different junk removal quotes to ensure that you'll receive quality customer service at a competitive price.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nHandling a hoarding cleanup comes with many challenges. Learn why hiring a junk removal company can help mitigate some of the biggest challenges faced when remediating a hoarder's home.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-22T16:58:17+00:00"},{"id":"845801c0-47dc-5a58-a2ba-0fb70e5c7cc3","title":"Should I Rent a Dumpster or Take Junk to the Landfill Myself?","url":"/blog/rent-a-dumpster-or-take-junk-to-the-landfill-myself","image":{"path":"/static/110a26021b3de5d6ee51b0fc31776c64/throw-trash.png","alt":"person holding bag of garbage about to throw it into a dumpster overfilling with trash"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"8166a9a6-cfd1-559d-bf4f-078487cfcbe2","name":"DIY","slug":"DIY"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"When you have a large cleanup project, you might wonder if you'd be better off renting a dumpster or hauling the items to the landfill yourself.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCutting costs as much as possible is important, but there are many other factors to consider regarding bulk DIY disposal and renting a large trash container.
\r\n
We'll go over several considerations to help you determine which method is the most cost-efficient and time-efficient for your particular project.
\r\n\r\n![\"Infographic](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/dumpster-or-landfill-infographic_4.png\")
\r\nSince time is money, how much time you want to spend on your disposal project needs to be seriously considered.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in the middle of a move or renovation, or if you have a busy career or home life, paying a little more upfront could save you hours of strenuous labor which can be invaluable to many.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumping at landfills isn't free, and neither is the fuel it takes to get there.
\r\n
When you also consider the amount of time it takes to travel roundtrip to the nearest landfill and how long you may have to wait in line once you're there, dumpster rental is the better option when time plays a vital role in your decision.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you don't have a vehicle that allows you to haul your junk or trash in one load, consider how many trips it will take or how much it will cost to rent a larger vehicle or trailer.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you, a family member, or friend have a pickup truck, box truck, or a hitch and trailer, you may be a good candidate to haul your junk to the landfill yourself.
\r\n
For cleanup projects with large amounts of material, a dumpster rental may be a better option.
\r\n\r\nA standard pickup truck bed has roughly 2.5 cubic yards of loading capacity while standard roll-off dumpsters come in a variety of sizes, with the most popular for residential projects being 10-20 cubic yards.
\r\n\r\nThis infographic will help you visualize the loading capacity of each dumpster size compared to pickup trucks.
\r\n![\"Infographic](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/cchoose-the-right-dumpster-size-infographic.png\")
\r\nThe average nationwide cost of a 10 yard dumpster is around $250-$450, while a 20 yard dumpster falls around $350-$550 for a standard rental period of 3-7 days.
\r\n\r\nHow much you'll pay for a dumpster rental in your area could be more or less depending on the cost of living and landfill fees in your area, the overhead fee of the company you hire, how much your material weighs, and more.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost to dispose of one pickup truck of material is around $40-$60, plus the cost of gas and your time.
\r\n\r\nWhen time isn't a consideration and you have a project that only requires 1-4 round trips to the landfill, DIY hauling could be the better choice.
\r\n\r\nProjects that produce more than that are a better candidate for a dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nWatch our video below to learn how to get the best price for a dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Cost of Hauling Waste Yourself vs Renting a Dumpster
\r\n\r\nAnother option to get rid of your unwanted items or debris is to hire a junk removal company to do the loading and hauling for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe all-inclusive nature of junk removal services can make them more expensive when it comes to large amounts of trash to remove, but they're a great option when you have less than 7 cubic yards of material to get rid of.
\r\n
Junk removal services have minimum fees that start around $75-$100 for the smallest removals and go up from there.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to get the best price for dumpster rental or junk removal services is to:
\r\n\r\nLuckily, Hometown makes getting multiple quotes from locally-owned and operated companies fast and simple.
\r\n\r\nWe publish licensed and insured junk removal and dumpster rental companies throughout the U.S. to help local consumers easily find and contact small disposal companies in their area.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes not only ensures you pay a competitive price for your project, but it helps you find a company with quality customer service and the availability you require.
\r\n\r\nGet started on your free quote request by clicking the link below.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nFind out if you'd be better off renting a dumpster or hauling the items to the landfill yourself. Cutting costs as much as possible is important, but there are many other factors to consider. We'll help you determine which method is the most cost-efficient and time-efficient for your particular project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-13T19:32:47+00:00"},{"id":"6b9364da-5248-5e33-ba49-805ef95265d1","title":"How to Decide Which Junk Removal Quote Is Best","url":"/blog/determine-the-best-junk-removal-quote","image":{"path":"/static/c805739b8dcc0c3c362f42ee46012457/junk-removal-truck-in-street.png","alt":"junk removal truck full of furniture in front of apartment"},"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":"Looking for junk removal services in your area but want to make sure you're hiring the right company for the job?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting 2-3 quotes is always recommended when hiring any contractor or company. This helps to ensure you get the best customer service for the best price.
\r\n
However, each junk removal quote is not the same, so it's important to know what to look out for in order to ensure you know which estimate and which junk hauling company is the best option for your junk removal project.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll go over the main things to consider when comparing junk removal quotes—besides cost—to ensure you make the best decision.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/determine-best-junk-removal-quote-infographic.png\")
\r\nThe first and main deciding factor that should come into play when hiring any contractor is whether or not they are licensed and insured to perform the work.
\r\n\r\nRegardless of your project's size or complexity, there is always a potential risk for accidents to happen, and you want to be sure that you and your property are protected.
\r\n\r\nFor example, if a crew member is injured during your junk removal project, an uninsured company will not have the coverage needed to pay for any damages, and you could end up being stuck paying for their medical bills, workers' compensation, and any potential legal fees.
\r\n\r\nThis is why it's so important to ensure any company you hire to work on your property is qualified, licensed, and insured.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to safety and legal risks, hiring an unregistered or unlicensed company can put you at risk of becoming a victim of theft or other property damage.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Why You Should Hire a Licensed and Insured Junk Removal Company
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother important factor to consider when hiring a junk removal company (or any company for that matter) is their reputation with customers.
\r\n\r\nIf a company has bad reviews (or no reviews) from past customers and/or is unwilling to provide references of their work and customer service, this may be a red flag warning you to hire someone else.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we collect reviews from verified customers to ensure all reviews on our site are real, and also to assist future customers in finding the right junk removal company in their area.
\r\n\r\nLocal friends and family, as well as your neighborhood Facebook group or Nextdoor app, can also be very helpful in learning a local company's reputation.
\r\n\r\nIf several others have had positive experiences working with a certain company, chances are you'll have a positive experience, too.
\r\n\r\nAnother great gauge of a company's level of customer service is their willingness to answer any questions a customer may have with kindness and patience.
\r\n\r\nIf a contractor or company seems impatient or irritated with you at any point, this isn't a sign of great customer service.
\r\n\r\nInstead, look for a company or contractor who is patient, responsive, and able to answer your questions in a timely manner without pressuring you in any way.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA company could be the best in the business—reliable, attentive, fairly priced, and customer-oriented—but if they aren't available to assist with your junk removal project when you need them, you'll need to find a company that is.
\r\n\r\nOftentimes, junk removal companies can provide services within 24 hours, but during the busier seasons, like spring, it may take them a bit longer to get out to your site.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in a hurry to get your junk removed, even a minor delay can be a headache.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes from local junk removal companies increases the chances of finding a great company with the availability you need.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we specialize in helping people find qualified junk removal companies in their area.
\r\n
\r\nFinding the right junk removal company in your area is easy:
Read on:
\r\n\r\nRead about the main things to consider when comparing junk removal quotes—besides cost—to ensure you make the best decision.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-13T22:15:24+00:00"},{"id":"8ded3b00-404c-5e44-8a67-69e83e9456d4","title":"How Junk Removal Companies Protect Your Home from Damage","url":"/blog/how-junk-removal-companies-protect-your-home-from-damage","image":{"path":"/static/5842fc7bad6d9e479b91ca0b21c204a9/protection.png","alt":"Junk removal crew moving furniture down flight of stairs with moving pads"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"Whenever you hire a crew of workers that come into your home, it's understandable to worry about the condition they'll leave your property in.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to junk removal services, they should always leave your home in better condition than it was found.
\r\n
We'll go over common measures junk removal companies take to protect all areas of your home.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/protect-home-from-damage-info_0.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen a junk removal crew has to take several trips in and out of your home, they may choose to wear shoe coverings or bring neoprene floor runners to protect your floors from any dirt or debris being tracked in from outside.
\r\n\r\nFloor runners tend to be the preferred method of protecting floors for junk removal and moving companies.
\r\n\r\nThe thin roll of synthetic fibers and rubber is used to create a path from your junk to the exit so that they can walk, move furniture, or roll dollies throughout your house without disrupting the cleanliness of your floor or marking it up.
\r\n\r\nWhen a lot of junk is removed from hard floors, the junk removal crew will sweep away any remaining dust, dirt, or debris and leave you with a completely decluttered area.
\r\n\r\nWhen appropriate, stairs are protected in a similar manner to regular floors.
\r\n\r\nHardwood stairs are often covered with a thin floor runner that is taped down to ensure it doesn't create a tripping hazard.
\r\n\r\nCarpeted stairs are covered with carpet mask, which is a clear, self-adhesive film that is used only on synthetic fiber.
\r\n\r\nCarpet mask is essentially a plastic wrap for carpet and does an excellent job of protecting your carpeted floors or stairs from stains.
\r\n\r\nStair bannisters and railings can be protected with bannister protectors, furniture pads, and even pool noodles.
\r\n\r\nBannister protectors are crafted specifically to fit the shape of a bannister, while furniture pads are larger and are just draped over the railings and taped down to prevent them from sliding off.
\r\n\r\nSome companies get creative and cut pool noodles to easily slide over bannisters to protect them from getting damaged while bulky or heavy items are being carried down the stairs.
\r\n\r\nDoorways can be protected in a similar fashion to bannisters and railings, with either furniture pads or specially designed protectors made for doorways.
\r\n\r\nDoor jamb protectors are typically held in pace with spring clamps that hold them in place, while furniture pads are usually taped in place.
\r\n\r\nCardboard can also be used with tape to prevent any nicks or dents from furniture or dollies passing through the doorway.
\r\n\r\nIf you're concerned about whether or not these measures will be taken, make sure to ask the junk removal companies you speak with how they can protect the areas in your home that you're worried about.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend reaching out to at least 2-3 different providers to compare pricing and customer service, and to ensure that they provide the availability and protection that your project requires.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple junk removal quotes is fast and easy with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nBy filling out a quote request form on Hometown, you'll be able to send your junk removal quote request to several locally-owned companies in your area, helping you make the best choice for your particular needs.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nHiring workers that come into your home can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're worried about potential damage. Learn more about how junk removal companies can protect different areas of your home, like your floors, stairs, doorways, and more.
\r\n","changed":"2022-09-29T12:43:05+00:00"},{"id":"ce99a8d2-1b31-5d73-8048-f80c75090e47","title":"Decluttering Your Home After Your Kids Move Out","url":"/blog/decluttering-after-kids-move-out","image":{"path":"/static/524a4c6219a89a6fab1ed3e23df789d3/decluttering-1.jpg","alt":"grown child moving boxes out of parents' home as they look on"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Empty nesters, or those looking to downsize, inevitably reach a point when decluttering becomes necessary.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt makes perfect sense to not hang onto things no longer needed once the kids go off to college or move out to begin their adult lives.
\r\n
Of course, as a parent, you always want to hang onto sentimental items, but often, these items can be consolidated into a few boxes or containers and put into storage.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll discuss the benefits of decluttering and downsizing, how to plan out your project, who to hire for help getting it done, and how to get it done yourself.
\r\n\r\n![\"Stressed](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-2.jpg\")
\r\nA cluttered home leads to a cluttered head.
\r\n\r\nStudies have shown that living in a cluttered environment can increase stress levels.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering not only makes the house look great, but it also does wonders for the mind.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to the decrease in stress and improved wellbeing, decluttering also makes the home safer.
\r\n\r\nTripping hazards are a real concern, particularly for the elderly or those who are less mobile.
\r\n\r\nThis becomes a major issue during emergency situations, such as a fire, when clutter can impede a quick exit.
\r\n\r\nDonating usable goods and furniture to local charitable organizations is a third benefit of decluttering a home.
\r\n\r\nIt helps support the community and offers tax benefits for you.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Declutter](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-3.jpg\")
\r\nAs with any project, making a decluttering game plan is a critical part of achieving success and minimizing stress and headaches. Make this your first action.
\r\n\r\nMake a list, or take mental note, of anything in the house that is no longer needed or will no longer be used now that the kids have moved out.
\r\n\r\nThis may include furniture, TV/gaming area, bed, dresser, clothing, and other clutter accumulated through the years.
\r\n\r\nA pile system can help provide some organization. For example, separate the clutter into five piles:
\r\n\r\nWith this information in hand, it’s time to rally the troops. Get the kids to help, or bribe friends and family with a free lunch to help clear out the clutter.
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, contact a junk removal company to get some free quotes.
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-4.jpg\")
\r\nAn effective hands-off approach to decluttering a home is to hire a junk removal company to handle all the heavy lifting.
\r\n\r\nA full-service junk hauling company will handle it all:
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal provider can handle removal of items that can be donated as well as recyclables.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal is a full-service, eco-friendly option that offers convenience and speed in tackling the job.
\r\n
The cost to hire a junk removal company to handle a project such as this can vary based on the complexity of the cleanup, your location, and the amount of junk.
\r\n\r\nExpect to pay a minimum of $300 to $500 for a partial home cleanout.
\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-5.jpg\")
\r\nWhen downsizing or partaking in a major home decluttering project, a residential dumpster is your best friend.
\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live, a 10 yard dumpster costs an average of $300 for a one-week rental.
\r\n\r\nThis is money well spent to have the convenience of tossing in the clutter and having the dumpster rental company haul it away for you.
\r\n\r\nA decluttering project such as this can usually be completed in a weekend or less.
\r\n\r\nSome dumpster rental companies offer discounted rates for short-term rentals (1 to 3 days) rather than 7+ day rentals. When calling for a quote, be sure to ask about dumpster rental discounts.
\r\n\r\nTo get more decluttering tips and information, check out the links below:
\r\n\r\nEmpty nesters inevitably reach a point when decluttering becomes necessary, especially when you're moving or downsizing your home. Find out the benefits of decluttering and downsizing, how to plan out your project, who to hire for help, or how to get it done yourself.
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\r\n\r\nOther common items that a majority of junk removal companies will take include:
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies charge a base rate regardless of how small the removal job is. For example, many companies charge around $75-$150 to come out and haul away anything. For large projects, like whole-home cleanouts or hoarding situations, then you could end up paying upwards of $2,000.
\r\n\r\nThe amount of junk that needs to be removed, where the junk is located, how heavy the junk is (and whether it needs to be disassembled), and who you hire are some of the biggest factors affecting junk removal cost.
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you pay a fair price, we recommend getting quotes from 2-3 junk removal companies.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Rent a Dumpster or Hire a Junk Removal Company?
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