Dumpster Rental vs. Hiring a Junk Removal Company

There are several reasons someone might need to get rid of large volumes of waste. Construction projects can accumulate mountains of trash. A garage, basement, or attic cleanup could also result in a lot of debris. Discarding furniture or other clutter can cause a pile-up of garbage. Most homeowners do not have the equipment to haul all these items to a local landfill. In any of these situations, junk removal will need to be arranged. There are two possible solutions to these situations. One option is to rent a dumpster. A rental is a less expensive option but involves more work. Alternatively, a junk removal company can do all the heavy lifting. This article will go over the pros and cons of each choice.

Dumpster Rental

Dumpster rental services are ideal for people who are working on small projects. Rentals are cheaper and allow individuals to get rid of the waste as they work. In short, dumpster rentals are suitable for anyone wanting to work at a self-set pace. Still, while there is a lot of freedom in a dumpster rental, it comes with some requirements. There has to be an accessible level area on the property to set the dumpster. The person renting the dumpster may have to acquire a permit for the dumpster (some jurisdictions require permits to limit where the dumpster is placed, and the amount of time it is allowed to be there). This process can require extra money and time. In addition to renting the dumpster, rentals require payment for dumping the trash (usually based on the amount of waste and any dumping fees at the landfill). These issues will have to be sorted out individually. Research any local rules about dumpsters to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Hiring a Junk Removal Company

When getting rid of a sizeable amount of waste, a junk removal company is a necessity. With a large amount of trash, doing all the work alone ceases to be cost-effective. Fees pile up, and work becomes inefficient. Getting a junk removal company will make a big project run smoothly and create less hassle overall. All of the hard work will be done by someone else. So there is no worry involved. Every inch of an area will be made clean by professionals. Pricing will depend on the volume of the trash, but it is worth getting this service, especially if a project has to be completed in a limited timeframe. This service can also be a good option if there isn’t enough space on-site to accommodate a dumpster. Even if there is a smaller amount of waste involved, this convenient service can be useful. The bonus of using a junk removal company is that they will sort all items into trash, recyclables, and donations and distribute them accordingly. This service helps keep items out of the local landfill.

For more information on hiring a junk removal company for your next clean-out project, contact McJunk at 919-850-4377.

How to Get Rid of Old Furniture

Upgrading to new furniture is fun, but the headache comes in disposing of the old furniture. This chore is not like any other junk removal process because furniture is big like chairs, sofas, tables, and desks. These aren’t the type of junk you can stuff into a trash bag. However, the solution has to be found before the new couch arrives. With this type of junk removal, there are several options:

Talk to your trash company. Most waste management companies today have the option of picking up large items like old furniture. This pick-up usually has to be scheduled. Some companies schedule “big trash pick up” days. Be sure to check with your waste management company about disposing of large items.

Donate. The couch might be old, but to someone else, it’s not junk. Some charitable organizations and shelters will appreciate a couch. Make sure the sofa is cleaned and in good condition before you donate.

Sell it. Old furniture doesn’t always mean junk removal. You might feel the need to replace your furniture with a new set, but the one being replaced is in excellent condition and can fetch good cash in the market. Try selling the old furniture, especially if it’s in excellent condition. It might be old in your eyes but modern and refreshing in the eyes of another person.

Give it away. Leave the old furniture on the curb with a sign written: “free.” The furniture will disappear, especially if it’s in good condition. Maybe you won’t even get to close the door after leaving the couch.

Hire a professional junk removal company. Sometimes the old furniture might be an eyesore to you and other people if left outside. There is no space inside as the new couch has arrived. Getting rid of old furniture isn’t easy, and most trash companies won’t pick up those big items unless you notify them first and schedule a pick-up. On top of that, some municipalities impose fines for improper dumping of furniture. To avoid all this, get in touch with a professional junk removal company. Furniture is big and heavy, and junk removal companies have the equipment to load and carry the furniture and take it away. Let the professionals handle this and keep things green and your old stuff out of a landfill.

To schedule junk removal, contact McJunk at 919-850-4377.

I Didn’t Know I Could Recycle That!

The practice of recycling waste is necessary when considering the amount of waste that we generate. The degradation of nature and the toll on mother Earth is essential to address nowadays. The age-old concept of 3Rs, Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce, has now been expanded to the 5Rs to include Repurpose and Refuse.

The ultimate aim is to manage waste. Out of all the practices, recycling remains the dominant one. However, the scope of recycling is no longer only restricted to just paper, cans, and glass. With the increasing advancement in technology, we can now recycle almost everything that we use.

Household Recyclables

With increasing awareness and the pressure from municipalities, most of us are now familiar with the practice of segregating household waste into recyclable and nonrecyclable material. However, many waste companies fail to educate their customers on proper recycling! There are many items that the waste company does not recycle, but can be recycled elsewhere around town. Check the list below and see some everyday household items which can be easily recycled:

CFL bulbs – You cannot toss them into your trash. Check with your local recycling center for proper disposal. Some retail stores also have recycling drop-off containers for these bulbs.

Batteries – All sorts of cells can be easily recycled at home improvement or electronic appliance stores.

Computer ink and toner – These cartridges can be recycled. Drop them at business supply stores or have them refilled and reuse them.

Recyclable plastics – Look at the number inside the triangle stamped on the bottom of the container. Containers with numbers 1-5 are easily recycled, and most waste haulers accept them.

Glass bottles, metal cans, softcover books, loose paper – These are the everyday items that most waste haulers will pick-up curbside. No curbside pick-up in your area? Check for a recycling center in your area that accepts these items.

So basically, recycling is no more restricted to biodegradable kitchen waste and paper but has moved far ahead. It is a much better approach to recycle and reuse than to fill up the landfills with toxic stuff and contribute to the menace of pollution.

Recycling Large Materials

Even the larger items like appliances and furniture can be recycled, reused, or disposed of in a better manner.
To get large items recycled, you may need to arrange a special pick up time with the local waste hauler. Many retailers will take an old appliance when delivering a new one for a minimal charge. You can also contact a local appliance repair shop to see if they want it for the parts or resale.

Still think recycling is too labor intensive? Nowadays, some businesses will handle the sorting and removal on your behalf. Mc Junk is one such business offering these services. They will help you sort through that attic, garage, or basement and properly recycle or dispose of all unneeded items. Call 919-850-4377 to arrange for a pick-up.

Getting Rid of Your Old Box Springs

How do I Get Rid of an Old Box Spring?

Box springs are used as a stable platform that supports your mattress to ensure that the weight evenly distributed, and you can stay as comfortable as possible. Without it, your mattress would gradually start sagging in different areas, which could turn it into an uncomfortable and lumpy mess. Humans sleep for around 1/3 of our lives so it’s very important that we sleep well when we do, the quality of your sleep often dictates to some degree how your day goes.

It’s generally recommended that if you get a new mattress, you also try to invest in a new box spring, just for the sake of keeping them the same age. While high-quality box springs can last anywhere between 10-20 years, unfortunately, low-quality ones may only last a few years, and there are a handful of red flags to help you spot signs of a worn-out box spring. A quick visual inspection will give you plenty of clues of a dated bed frame, things you will want to look out for are;

• Any broken slats.
• Squeaking noises, which may be indicative of weak joints,
• Sagging or bowing.

Box springs are more recyclable than you may imagine, they’re mostly made of wood which is always going to have some kind of recyclability or possible alternative usage. Even if you want to just use some of the wood for a home project and use the rest as fire starter, that’s far better than just throwing it all away! If you just throw it away, the cloth and other parts of it will never break down and will just harm the local wildlife.

Disposing of an Old Box Spring

Some people may think they can just literally throw out their box spring, but they’re not so easy to get rid of and you need to be mindful when you do it. Not only would you have to contend with some very unhappy neighbors, but you could face hundreds of dollars in fines and penalties if you’re caught littering so just don’t do that. Here are some methods you need to consider;

• If it still has some life in it, donate it to a local shelter or charity.
• The cost of recycling mattresses and box springs has decreased; if you live close to a recycling center this is a fantastic option.
• Box springs are bulky and heavy, if you just want it out of your house then we recommend calling in a home junk removal company to take care of it.

Whatever you do, just ensure that you’re not littering or doing something counterproductive with your box spring, be smart about what you do. If you need further advice or guidance, contact us. Sustainability is extremely important to us, and we don’t want to see any junk disposed of improperly or littered. 

Take Back Your Garage!

Take Back Your Garage for Once and for All

If you are a homeowner, then you know how easy it is for your garage to transform into a storage space instead of a place to keep your car. You may find your garage gradually becoming so full of things that have no space in your house that you may even lack space for your car. If you have reached this point, then it is probably time for a garage cleaning. Garage maintenance can seem intimidating but if you follow some guidelines, it can be easier to do.

Remove Everything

Before decluttering the garage, you first need to try to figure out what is where. Start with a specific area of your garage and just start going through it. Lay it all out and start working. This makes it easy to work while enabling you to see how much storage space you have in your garage. Take anything out that you’re not going to keep so you can see how much more space you’re getting.

Decide What to Keep

Once most of the junk is removed you need to start identifying what you DO want to keep. As you decide what you will keep in your garage and what you will toss or donate, ask yourself whether you were keeping an item for a specific reason or because you did not know what to do with it. If you do not know what to do with an item, it is advisable to either get rid of it or find uses for it. Items you should keep when cleaning your garage include tools you can borrow or rent, anything in working condition and items you have not used more than once in within the year. If you’re holding onto things for sentimental reasons, look into getting bins or some other better storage option for it.

What to Do With Clutter

Anything you do not keep is obviously just in the way, so you should not let it stay in your garage. Ensure you have plastic bags, plastic bins, or cardboard boxes on hand to help you pack donation items to move them out of the way. Anything you will not donate will go in plastic bags or boxes to toss in a dumpster. DON’T let them sit around to “take them one day”, take them now and get it all gone.

Deep Cleaning

After completely cleaning out your garage, it is advisable to clean it thoroughly before putting anything back. You’ll never be at a better starting point than you are right now. Ideally, you should clean your garage starting from the top and ending at the bottom. Dust off and wipe down the cabinets, shelves, or other surfaces. Wipe the walls and doors in the garage with mild household detergent and a damp cloth. Sweep the garage floor to get rid of dust and then mop or hose off the floor. Allow the room to dry before putting things in.

Organize the Garage

Once you’ve got what you want to keep and removed the rest – it’s time to get organized and stay organized once and for all. Put things where you’ll be able to remember them, make room for cars that you never had before, take back YOUR garage.

Yard Waste Removal Tips

Yard Waste Removal Tips

It seems like it was just this time last year, but now it’s time again where you need to deal with all of your yard waste. While it may SEEM like an easy process, yard work in general can easily become overwhelming and be exhausting. This process is not complicated, but you need to know where to start. With the right tips and motivation, you can maintain a wonderfully clean and orderly yard. Below are some tips that will help you to remove your yard waste and just deal with yard work in general.

Invest in the right bags

Waste bags can actually vary a lot, you need to know exactly what you need for your specific needs. The different types of waste, organic and non-organic cannot all go into one type of bag. The best alternative that will accommodate the leaves, twigs, weeds, and grass without any trouble are biodegradable bags. You should be able to seal these bags up and just put them out with your trash, most trash companies will certainly take them. If you aren’t sure you can always contact your trash removal service and see when they do yard trimming collection.

Know yard waste pickup days

Trash companies have a schedule for how they pick trash considering that they have to visit different areas of a town. It is difficult for companies to pick trash on a daily basis from the same stops, they plan it out in such a way that they sweep across their area and in the span of a week cover it all. The last thing you want it something to happen to your trash on the curb spreading it all over the place, so we recommend timing putting out your trash with when it’ll be picked up, ideally on the night before.
A lot of people don’t even know that trash companies pick up yard stuff, a lot of people just assume you have to take it to a dump yourself.

Rent a dumpster

For companies or individuals with large yards, renting a dumpster will come in handy for gathering all of the stuff in your yard you’re looking to get rid of. While renting a dumpster comes with an extra cost, it is well worth it. Dumpsters are more useful for larger areas. With a dumpster, you don’t have to bundle everything up or wait for the trash to come, you can load up the dumpster at your own rate. You also eliminate any risk of your stuff falling out and spreading trash all around. A junk removal company should be able to both rent you out the dumpster and come pick it up when you’re done. For big projects, this is certainly the easier way to go and we fully recommend it.

Do something alternative

For individuals with big chunks of wood, a chipper is a great solution. Transporting wood from one place to another is time consuming, cumbersome, as well as tiring. And in a lot of city limits, you’re prohibited from burning in your yard so that option is off the table. A chipper will turn your wood into mulch, and that serves as a great base for any plants or open areas of your yard. One fantastic thing you can do with your yard clippings is starting a compost pile. A compost pile is essentially all of the biodegradable stuff that you usually throw away, but instead, you keep it all together and eventually, it will turn into super-rich soil that you can use in your own garden! This kills two birds with one stone, you don’t have to worry about buying fertilizer and your plant debris is all taken care of! Plus, you’ll have a booming garden with that great soil.

Their is nothing wrong with enlisting help with your yard work and removal of any surpluses. A lot of people call in junk removal companies to take care of this stuff, more than you’d think. If you’re anywhere near the Raleigh Triangle area, McJunk is the company you need for all of your junk removal needs.

Tips to Stop Hoarding in its Tracks

All You Need to Know About the Quick Tips to Stop Hoarding in Its Tracks

Are you a hoarder? Did you know that hoarding is sometimes hereditary? It can actually get passed through generations like a disease. Hoarding is not about being lazy or stubborn or too attached to worldly possessions. This article should give you some real insight and good advice for your own issues.

 

1. Recognizing hoarding: Hoarding is a disorder as categorized in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5). It is closely related to OCD. Hoarding is a disorder that focusses on having difficulty parting with physical possessions. This is not linked to value, just the mere possession of the object. If you feel like you have a serious disorder, make sure you contact a therapist for help. Hoarding creates a heap of active clutter in the living home areas or the workplace of the person. The items are rarely used but the individual still feels the need to retain them. The main symptom of hoarding is significant distress for self and also for others. Therefore, you might not be a hoarder but you might have the tendencies. Make sure you evaluate yourself and know where you lie.
2. Slow down: Do not impulsively throw away everything. Take your time and analyze why you are have chosen to keep something. If you throw everything away, this may lead to feelings of anxiety and regret.
3. Limit the number of times you handle items: Refrain from handling things one at a time. Make sure that you make decisions immediately instead of setting aside to go through again later. This is a common practice for people who hoard emails.
4. Scale down: Most of us like to hang on to some of our childhood memorabilia. The best thing to do is group similar items and pick one to keep. Have your children choose two or three of their childhood artwork or collections and discard of the rest. You may miss these things right off the bat but in the long run, they won’t mean much to you either way.
5. Box them: If you can’t throw it away, at least store it in a box. This’ll make it easier to find things and get around your home as well as get rid of things when you realize that you haven’t opened a certain box since you put the items in there.
6. Toss the items that are not regularly used: We all have general things that we keep around in the hopes of using it some day. If it’s not something you’re sure you’ll use, you might as well just get rid of it. Once your area is clean, the best thing you can do for yourself is keep it that way.