Now, although many of you may find the idea of cleaning your entire house top to bottom and getting rid of a bunch of your things about as unappealing as unappealing gets, a thorough house decluttering and deep cleaning can actually be remarkably rewarding and a huge weight off your shoulders.
\n\n\nImagine, for a moment, that you’re getting home after a long, hard day’s work. You turn the key, swing back the door, and there it is…your home; only it’s cleaner, more open, and smells better, too. Your stress immediately melts away as you realize that you can now relax in your clean, clutter-free castle while binge watching Netflix to your heart’s content instead of tiptoeing around and anxiously co-existing with your usual mess.
\n\n\n\n\nAny house cleaning expert will tell you that before anything else, you’ll need to make a plan of attack first—sit down and map out how you’re going to get the job done.
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Go through your house and make a list of all the different rooms and spaces that need to be cleaned. While in each room, take a 'before' photo. It will help you enjoy your accomplishment more when you're done.
\n\nRank each space/room from 1-3 based on how severe the clutter is (3 being the most cluttered). For example, your bedroom might be ranked a 2, but your bedroom closet may be a hard 3. Being able to see where your tough spots are will help you decide what to do first and how to break up the work.
\n\n\n\nOnce you've given your house the once-over (don't forget to check your yard for rubbish, too) and you've seen the extent of what lies ahead of you, you'll want to decide how you're going to be addressing all this mess.
\n\n\n\n\nAll the junk you're trashing or donating is going to have to go somewhere, and sometimes that's more than just tying off a couple trash bags and calling it a day.
\n
If you've been accumulating stuff for awhile, it's highly possible you'll wind up tossing enough trash to fill a dumpster. If so, you need to determine that in advance so you can schedule the dumpster.
\n\nIf you don't have all that much to dispose of, and nothing that's overly large, then you should be fine just rolling it out to the curb with the rest of your weekly trash.
\n\nIf you have too much to for your local garbage man to realistically handle, or you have some bulky items, like furniture, to get rid of, then your regular trash service won't cut it. Renting a dumpster for a few days or a few weeks is a great option. Roll off dumpsters can sit in your driveway and be loaded at your pace. Schedule it for delivery the day before you start to purge.
\n\nArguably the most convenient of all disposal methods, hiring a junk removal company involves having a crew of disposal experts come to your home, remove the items for you, and tidy up when they're done. You pay a bit more for the crew's labor, but if you're unable or unwilling to schlep all of your stuff to the dumpster, a junk removal service can be a lifesaver.
\n\nAs you move from room-to-room, you’re going to come across stuff you definitely want to keep, stuff you definitely don’t, and stuff you’re not so sure about. A common route taken by expert organizers is the three-box method, which involves making three piles—keep, trash, and donate. Start your music, get in the groove, and begin weeding through your sea of stuff.
\n\nThe cardinal sin of doing a heavy duty decluttering and cleaning job is: Never bite off more than you can chew. If you get it in your head that you’re going to clean your entire house, inside and out, in a single day, then you’re going to wind up very frustrated and very discouraged. You didn’t end up with all that junk overnight, so it’s going to take more than that to get rid of it.
\n\nIt happens all too often—you hold onto something, whether it be a blanket you had growing up or a clock that was once your grandmother’s because it has sentimental value. Never mind the fact that you haven’t used that blanket since exiting teen-dom, and your grandma’s clock hasn’t worked since you plucked it from the dust in her attic 10 years ago; you feel a strong emotional attachment to these things, and that’s normal.
\n\nHowever, when these things start piling up and become more work (physically or emotionally) for you in your day-to-day life than anything else, it might be time to let them go.
\n\nWhen going through your furniture, personal items, and other junk, keep these things in mind:
\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to your home, less is more. Remember this.
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Clutter makes a space look smaller and can be a consistent drain on our energy, whether we sense it or not. Stick to your sorting system (like the three-box method mentioned earlier) and get rid of everything you don’t absolutely need…or really, really want.
\n\nAsk yourself some of the following questions when waffling between whether or not you should or shouldn't get rid of something:
\n\nAfter it's all said and done, you'll likely have a bunch of stuff to donate, and that's awesome! When possible, you should always donate rather than trash. It's super easy, after all, and is the cherry on top of your 'clean house' sundae.
\n\nCheck out some of these fun, new ways to donate your used goods, from furniture to books, and more:
\n\nGeneral
\n\nClothes & Shoes
\n\nBooks & DVDs
\n\nElectronics
\n\nFurniture
\n\nToys & Games
\n\nOnce you've completed your initial purge, it's time for a deep clean. This is no time to call it quits from exhaustion! No doubt, your home has collected enough dust, dirt, and grime over the past year to give your muscles a serious workout, so get your tunes and cleaning supplies ready if you're up for it.
\n\nIf you're not, hire it out! A one-time deep clean won't break the bank and you'll love the way your house looks when it's done.
\n\nRemember: The clean-up process doesn't necessarily stop at your home's doorway. You'll also breathe a big sigh of relief when your yard is picked up, your windows and gutters are clean, and any weeds on your property are uprooted.
\n\nYou did it! Now put your feet up, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the feeling of having a clean, clutter-free home! You just did a great thing for you and your family's overall health, and you'll be reaping the benefits of a fresh start all year long.
\n\nIf you're one of the one billion people on Facebook, it's high time for a humble brag that displays your before and after photos.
\n\n\n\n\nThe most important part of decluttering and cleaning is obvious: Reward yourself when you're done.
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Discover simple but profound tips for heavy duty decluttering of your house. We help you get organized, get motivated, and get the clutter-free home you deserve. Prepare to make your Facebook friends a bit jealous.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"e4330393-eacd-54f6-ba04-8ffcbda8728b","title":"Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental","url":"/blog/comparing-the-cost-of-junk-removal-to-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/63661a10d8a316fe97c44935ca6333db/dumpster-rental-and-junk-removal-cost-comparison.png","alt":"dumpster rental and junk removal cost comparison"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"When it comes to any sort of bulk waste or debris removal, your two best options are hiring a junk removal company or renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nBut how do you know which is the most cost-effective option for you?
\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nCosts can vary greatly when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk hauler and are based on multiple factors.
\r\n
We'll go over:
\r\n\r\nA dumpster costs $250-$450 on average to rent, but as we've mentioned, prices can vary.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are typically the most cost-effective option for medium to large projects or when you need to manage debris during an ongoing project.
\r\n\r\nA kitchen or bathroom renovation, house addition, demolition project, or large deck removal job are projects where a dumpster may be the more economical solution.
\r\n\r\nHaving a dumpster on-site for bigger projects allows you to fill it up at your convenience while keeping a clean, safe site.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of dumpster rental costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tMarietta, GA | \r\n\t\t\t$275 | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tYonkers, NY | \r\n\t\t\t$300 | \r\n\t\t
| 15 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tWorcester, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$350 | \r\n\t\t
| 30 yard debris box | \r\n\t\t\tLos Angeles, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$400 | \r\n\t\t
| 40 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tSpringfield, IL | \r\n\t\t\t$550 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more about pricing:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge a minimum amount for any junk removal, with the average around $75 to $100.
\r\n\r\nIf you have one or two items you’re getting rid of—like a TV, sofa, or mattress—you’ll probably be charged the minimum amount.
\r\n\r\nFor small cleanups, junk removal is typically the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company may remove a small garage-worth of items for $200 when it may cost you $250 to rent a 10 yard bin to do the loading yourself.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, junk removal is the cheaper (and less back-breaking) option.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of junk removal costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Junk Removal Description | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| Refrigerator removal | \r\n\t\t\tManhattan Beach, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$165 | \r\n\t\t
| Removal of 2 TVs | \r\n\t\t\tOmaha, NE | \r\n\t\t\t$45 | \r\n\t\t
| Living room set removal (sectional couch, two china cabinets) | \r\n\t\t\tToms River, NJ | \r\n\t\t\t$169 | \r\n\t\t
| Storage unit cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tSandy, UT | \r\n\t\t\t$375 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding home cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tFranklin, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Remember: Every project is different, so calling at least two dumpster rental and two junk removal companies to compare pricing is the best way to determine the most economical debris removal solution.
\r\nDumpster rental and junk removal costs vary based on a number of factors, including the type and amount of debris, where you're located, the accessibility of your property, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nYour exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your rental or project is to reach out to multiple service providers in your area for a quote.
\r\n\r\nThis not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best company for the job, not just the cheapest.
\r\n\r\nDo you live out in the country or far off the beaten path?
\r\n\r\nIf so, you can expect your dumpster rental or junk removal service to cost more due to the cost of travel incurred by the company.
\r\n\r\nCost of living and local disposal fees also play a large role in cost.
\r\n\r\nFor example, you’ll pay significantly more in New York City to rent a dumpster than you would in Memphis, TN based on the difference in cost of living.
\r\n\r\nYou'll also likely pay more for an apartment cleanout that requires hauling items up and down flights of stairs compared to the same size cleanout in the same zip code that is conveniently located on the first floor.
\r\n\r\nSome service providers—dumpster and junk removal—charge differently for household wastes vs. construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
\r\n\r\nC&D debris is often heavier, so it may end up costing more to haul away than general household trash.
\r\n\r\nThe heavier the load, the more you’ll pay.
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal, costs rise as the volume of junk increases.
\r\n\r\nA full truckload of junk, for example, costs more than a load taking up just half of the truck’s total capacity.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you exceed the weight limit of your dumpster rental you'll likely be hit with overage fees.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe two best ways to remove bulk waste are to either rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company, but which option is the most cost-effective? Learn about the average costs associated with each service to determine which is the best option for your project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:33:18+00:00"},{"id":"cbdb3b53-9a28-5eae-8001-460da17f460c","title":"What Does the World's Most Sustainable City Look Like?","url":"/blog/the-worlds-most-sustainable-city","image":{"path":"/static/a0673f3f31324e7e8af0cf34ee0b47d3/masdar-city-master-plan-640x466.jpg","alt":"Masdar City sustainable design"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"}],"content":"An artist's rendering of Masdar City
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n\r\nThe Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Masdar City addresses every sustainability issue you could ever think of:
\r\n\r\nSince the focus of Trash Talk is waste/trash/garbage, that’s the part of the city’s master plan we were most intrigued by. Phase 1 of Masdar City’s waste management plan will divert 50 percent of all waste away from landfills, or the equivalent of about 11,000 metric tons. The plan is to sort waste into three main streams: dry recyclables (i.e., cans and cardboard), wet recyclables (i.e., food scraps) and residuals (i.e., empty food containers). Dry recyclables will be shipped to the recycling center while wet recyclables will be composted and used for landscaping purposes. Other residual waste, including toxic waste, will be handled outside the city.
\r\n\r\nIs Masdar City the city of the future? It very well could be. However, it’s tough to say for sure until the city is fully developed and operational. This won’t happen until 2025 assuming everything stays on schedule. On paper, the city looks incredible and is amazingly eco-friendly. That said, there’s no way of knowing how accurate this will translate in real life. My best guess is that Masdar City succeeds in developing the most sustainable city in the world. However, it comes with a steep price – estimates put the price tag at around $18 to $19 billion.
\r\n\r\n
\r\nImages via: Masdar City Official Website
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:34:24+00:00"},{"id":"6e771073-df3f-570b-b1c9-b393c5c0b6d8","title":"How to Rent a Dumpster","url":"/blog/how-to-rent-a-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/3e130f08ca0469937b979b893479ca54/roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":""},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"79f88323-9203-564c-a126-747925fc2bca","name":"Roll Off Dumpster","slug":"Roll-Off-Dumpster"}],"content":"If this is your first time renting a dumpster, Hometown can help with a short overview on how to rent a dumpster. Learning a few of the basics can greatly simplify your dumpster rental experience.
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster varies widely based on your location. The national average cost of renting a 10 yard dumpster is $300, while the national average cost of renting a 40 cubic yard container is nearly $500 for one-weekek rental. What you pay depends primarily on landfill fees in your area, the size of the container you need, and the dumpster company you select. To get the best price on a dumpster, get quotes from multiple rental companies.
\r\n\r\nMost companies quote one flat rate fee for delivery, pickup, and disposal (though some add delivery charges separately). The rental rate is usually for a standard period of time (for example... up to 7 days) and includes a certain amount of weight (for example... up to 3 tons). If you exceed this weight allowance, you will be subject to overage fees typically ranging from $50 to $100 per ton that you go over.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing dumpster rental prices between two companies:
\r\n\r\nExtra charges may apply if you need the roll off dumpster for longer than a provider's standard rental period. This is typically a per day fee (ie $5 or $10 per day), but some dumpster services will negotiate with you up front if you need it for slightly longer than their standard period.
\r\n\r\nPay particular attention to the amount of weight included in your price if you are disposing of heavy construction debris like bricks, cement, roofing shingles, or demolition debris. If you're renting a trash dumpster for cleaning out your home of miscellaneous household debris, you will typically not have to worry about 'over weight' fees because the debris is lighter.
\r\n\r\nLearn how to rent a dumpster and be free of your debris. Get information about costs to rent a dumpster, choosing container sizes, and expert tips. Save on your dumpster rental wtih Hometown!
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