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](\"/static/d559d7beff5733a4a6a3fbbacce96b6a/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](\"/static/6fcad21caec6f419639d05d2432dacf3/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":"2023-05-01T16:17:20+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"f965b8f7-f8a6-5ba4-8b2d-ed1e693bd095","title":"Why Large Dumpsters Sometimes Cost Less Than Small Dumpsters","url":"/blog/why-large-dumpsters-sometimes-cost-less-than-small-dumpsters","image":{"path":"/static/bd26b874df2cb768c4a2727a1eeda78f/why_large_dumpsters_sometimes_cost_less_than_small_dumpsters.png","alt":"rent a larger dumpster to save money"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"e814d78d-e3c3-5606-bb65-731daf3cd048","name":"Dumpster Sizes","slug":"Dumpster-Sizes"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"635dd995-8794-5ed6-8d6a-b96d843f0775","name":"Dumpster Comparison","slug":"Dumpster-Comparison"},{"id":"2af188ea-8b62-541f-a0ed-d252c410aa84","name":"30 Yard Dumpster","slug":"30-Yard-Dumpster"},{"id":"35a5742d-fac9-5013-85d5-fdde424c3719","name":"40 Yard Dumpster","slug":"40-Yard-Dumpster"}],"content":"How is it possible that—in some cases—spending $300 to rent a 20 yard dumpster is a more cost-efficient option than renting a 10 yard dumpster for $250?
\r\n\r\nThe math doesn’t seem to add up but this scenario can, and does, happen.
\r\n\r\nThe key is looking beyond the booking cost of the dumpster and taking a closer look at weight limitations.
\r\n\r\n\r\nIt’s easy to see the base price of a dumpster and make your decision based on that information alone, but it’s a mistake that could cost you time and money in the end.
\r\n\r\nStart by estimating the amount of junk, waste, or debris as accurately as possible.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe key to renting the right dumpster for the job is estimating the type and amount of debris as accurately as possible.
\r\n
In this article, we'll go over:
\r\n\r\nIf you have trouble estimating the amount of debris you have to dispose of, a local dumpster rental company is a great resource to turn to.
\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of resources out there to help you estimate your disposal volume yourself, like this in-depth dumpster rental sizing guide.
\r\n\r\nTIP: One cubic yard is equal to a 3x3x3 ft volume of space—roughly the size of a standard-size kitchen stove. (See image below.)
\r\n
![\"How](\"/static/98a5b895d34d3507f1454b0b04c4c724/how-much-fits-in-a-10-yard-dumpster.jpg\")
\r\nIf you estimate the load to be anywhere from 3 - 6 cubic yards, a 10 yard dumpster makes sense.
\r\n\r\nSee the chart below for some examples of dumpster size recommendations for various projects.
\r\n\r\nWhat should you do if your debris estimate is 8, 9, 10 or 11 cubic yards?
\r\n\r\nThe mistake some people make is trying to get by with renting a 10 yard bin to cram 10 yards of debris inside.
\r\n\r\nWhile this may not be an issue in all cases, there are certain situations where this scenario can lead to problems.
\r\n\r\n![\"filling](\"/static/213ba095560ec0489433a89903dab653/full-dumpster.png\")
\r\nWhen you try to save a few bucks by going with a smaller dumpster than what the debris estimates tell you, it can cause headaches in a handful of ways.
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster that's too small for the job could force you to pay more than the original price you were quoted or end up extending the amount of time it takes to complete your project.
\r\n![\"pitfalls](\"/static/1f68e61628a454c364746a143b583ea5/pitfalls.png\")
\r\nYou’ll pay overage fees if the weight of the load exceeds the stated weight allowance.
\r\n\r\nOverage fees can cost $100+ per ton in some markets, with the average national cost around $75 per ton.
\r\n\r\nThese fees can add up fast, especially if the debris is dense and heavy.
\r\n\r\nAnother scenario that is sure to cost more and extend the time needed to complete the job is the need to rent additional dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nNot only can this easily increase your final cost by hundreds of dollars, but the time needed to arrange another dumpster delivery is sure to slow down the progress of your project.
\r\n\r\nIf the truck driver picking up your rental has to unload some of the debris to conform to local transport safety laws, you may incur additional fees for the added labor you've caused.
\r\n\r\nNot only does this slow down the rental company's schedule for the day, but you're then forced to come up with a disposal solution for the leftover waste.
\r\n\r\nWaiting on additional deliveries, coming up with a solution for leftover debris that couldn't fit in your container, and allotting time for multiple dumpster pickups can all lead to delays in your project.
\r\n\r\nIf you're not in a time crunch, these delays may not inconvenience you in any way, but if it inconveniences the company you're renting from, this may reflect the final bill you receive for these services.
\r\n\r\nAnytime you’re on the fence as to which size dumpster to rent, go with a size larger than you think you’ll need to finish the job.
\r\n\r\nIn many cases, you’ll find that the amount of debris generated during a project (renovation, demolition, construction, etc.) is greater than originally estimated.
\r\n\r\nThe “extra” container volume provides a buffer zone to be sure the dumpster is not overfilled.
\r\n\r\nUse the list below as a reference in determining the ideal dumpster size based on different scenarios...
\r\n\r\nHopefully, these general guidelines will help you narrow down the dumpster size that will work best for your particular needs.
\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, the most accurate and best way to determine the ideal dumpster size for the job is to contact a local dumpster rental company in your area.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading about dumpster rental:
\r\n\r\nRead this article to understand why renting the smallest and cheapest dumpster could end up costing you more in the long run.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T15:16:58+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"},"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](\"/static/9604a0552cf29bbf759c5404da7538ee/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":"ca9a94d6-06da-57a2-825a-060aa369eada","title":"How to Keep Critters Out of Dumpsters","url":"/blog/how-to-keep-critters-out-of-dumpsters","image":{"path":"/static/3371af8e13a9cba854dfe7f78a186260/raccoon-dumpster.png","alt":"raccoon inside dumpster"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Renting a residential dumpster or using a commercial dumpster service is an easy and cost-efficient way to manage and dispose of large amounts of junk and trash at once.
\r\n\r\nWhen some of this trash includes food, however, it's important to plan ahead to prevent critters from sneaking into your dumpster and creating an unsightly mess on your property.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/static/c545d852b4cebc153c642071ed652f15/critter-dumpster-info-01_0.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe easiest and best way to make it harder for critters to get into your dumpster rental is to make sure any top flaps or doors stay closed when you aren't actively using it.
\r\n\r\nBecause most residential dumpster rentals do not come with a top for enclosing the dumpster, the next best option is to place it where it is least accessible for critters.
\r\n\r\nFor example, if you can place it inside of a garage, shed, pole barn, or similar structure, that is a great way to keep critters and the elements out of your dumpster.
\r\n\r\nIf you're worried about your garage or barn's floor getting damaged by the dumpster, you can place wood boards underneath the roll-off container's steel wheels (check with your rental company to see if they provide these), or you can rent a trailer dumpster instead.
\r\n\r\nTrailer dumpsters can typically accommodate the same type of disposal projects that standard roll-off dumpsters can, but they feature rubber wheels that protect your driveway and garage floor from any potential damage.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't have the option to place a dumpster in a structure, placing the dumpster in a bright, well-lit area often makes critters less comfortable making themselves at home in your dumpster, too.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't have a structure or bright lights to place your dumpster under, don't worry.
\r\n\r\nThere are other ways to keep unwanted pests and critters from digging through your dumpster.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How Dumpster Rental Companies Protect Your Driveway
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTemporary residential dumpster rentals have open tops for easy loading, but these exposed openings can sometimes attract unwanted pests.
\r\n\r\nA simple and affordable solution is to place a tarp over the top of the container and use bungee cords to hold the tarp in place whenever the dumpster is not in use.
\r\n\r\nNot only does this keep most critters from being able to access your dumpster, but it also keeps out precipitation and helps deter others from illegally dumping in your container.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to make sure rain, snow, and hail do not collect in your rental so that you don't go over your weight limit.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about weight limits, average dumpster rental prices, and more by reaching out to local companies near you.
\r\n\r\nSearch your zip code on Hometown, fill out a single quote request form, and send it to multiple companies near you.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple dumpster rental quotes will not only help you get the best price, but it will help you get the best customer service and the availability your project requires.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are an easy and cost-efficient way to manage and dispose of large amounts of junk and trash at once. When some of this trash includes food, however, it's important to plan ahead to prevent critters from sneaking into your dumpster and creating an unsightly mess on your property.
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