How to Organize Your Garage Like a Pro

The garage is one of the most unappreciated spaces in the house. Most people use their garage as a dumping ground for unwanted, broken, or “maybe I’ll need this in the future” items. Keeping this space clutter-free, this is a losing battle, but there comes a time when you have to clean it. Most people find that the garage is overflowing with an insane amount of cobwebs and junk, and cleaning it is an overwhelming thought. Organizing the messy garage and scheduling junk removal is made easier if you follow these simple tips:

Declutter

Set aside a whole day. Start by getting everything out of the garage. Pile the items on your driveway and sort into a keep, sell, donate, or throw out piles. Don’t get caught up organizing the collection of things to keep. If there is a large number of items to throw out, call a reliable junk removal company to handle the trash.

Clean

Everything is out, and the garage is empty. Clean the garage top to bottom. Dust with a dry rag, then wipe surfaces with a damp cloth. If there is mold, use warm water with vinegar or bleach. Clean the walls top to bottom. Mop the floor. Spread clay cat litter to help absorb any oil. Scrub the stubborn grease and oil stains using a wire scrub brush.

Organizing

Come up with a plan. Plan how you want to hold items. Purchase boxes or containers, if needed, and have them on hand.

Categorize

Make smaller piles from your keep pile and categorize them either by function or size. Get your tools in one box, nuts and bolts in the other, and so forth. Place sporting equipment in another pile. It makes your work more manageable, and misplacing items becomes a thing of the past.

Use boxes or bins you have on hand to store the items. Don’t make the mistake of getting one big box and placing all the things in there. Sort all the smaller items out and put them in small boxes. Label the boxes so you don’t have to open them to find out what’s inside.  Place boxes that include items that are not needed regularly on the higher shelves.

Getting the garage cleaned out and organized makes it look much better, with no wasted space, and you have an easier time working in the garage.

If you have too much junk, a residential junk removal company can help you out with it. McJunk is a residential junk removal company capable of handling all your trash with ease. Contact us today and get a quote. Leave the trash to the professionals.

All You Need to Know About Scrap Metal Recycling

With an ever-increasing rate of pollution, the idea of sustainability is being preached all across the globe. It is essential to realize one’s responsibilities at an individual level and hence contribute towards minimizing waste and saving mother earth.

When talking about waste reduction, recycling is one method available to each of us. Most of the time, we fail to realize that almost every item we use can be recycled. Metal recycling is one such impactful way to reduce waste.

Sorting and disposing of waste metal scrap is a tedious task for households. However, rather than dumping metal in landfills, you can choose a better alternative. Take the metal to a recycler.
Recycling scrap metals is beneficial because:

• It is easier and cheaper to reuse metals than to extract virgin metal from the depleting ore deposits
• Considering the time this task requires, recycling metal is highly efficient. Most metals can be recycled in 2-3 months. Steel and aluminum are the most recycled metals.

For recycling, metals can be broadly classified into the following two categories:

• Ferrous metals
• Non- ferrous metals

Metal recyclers purchase both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Non- ferrous metals are generally more valuable than the ferrous ones.

Non-ferrous metals – Metals that do not contain iron are called non- ferrous metals. As a result of the absence of iron, the metals are lighter in weight and do not possess any magnetic properties. These metals find their application mainly for industrial purposes like pipes, aircraft, and wiring. Some examples of non- ferrous metals are aluminum, copper, nickel, brass, and lead.

Ferrous metals – All metals containing iron are known as ferrous metals. Because of the iron, these metals are known for their strength. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron are some common examples. These metals are used in the construction of cars, bridges, and buildings.

Metals can be recycled again and again with only a slight degradation of quality. No metal ever degrades to the point of not being able to be recycled. Recycling metals still uses energy, but 95 percent less than new production.

After looking at the benefits and the need for recycling metals, pledge to recycle the waste metals in your household. Even tiny scraps can be recycled.

Want to be sure your metals are recycled? Contact McJunk at 919-850-4377. We offer metal trash pickup services and have expertise in responsibly converting these scrap into reusable goods.

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.