Moving parents or other loved ones out of their home and into assisted living or another relative's home can be a physically and emotionally daunting task.
\r\n\r\nSorting through a lifetime worth of memories and belongings on someone else's behalf and having to decide which items will move with your parents, which items to sell or give away, and which items to throw out can be challenging for anyone, no matter how prepared you are.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis can be a challenging time but can also be a time to revisit beautiful memories and give your parents an opportunity to have a say in how their valuable items should be dispersed and to whom, all while creating new memories with your parents and others who love them as much as you do.
\r\n
There are different strategies to help make this transition go as smoothly as possible if you're in charge of this difficult task so that you can get back to the responsibilities of your own home and children, including professional services that help streamline the process, like junk removal and dumpster rental services.
\r\n\r\n![\"10](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/10-strategies-moving-parents-info_0.png\")
\r\nMapping out a plan of attack before you begin the process of packing up your parents' home can save you significant time in the long run.
\r\n\r\nYou'll want to have a general idea of what types of items to keep, which items to sell or donate, and what can be tossed in the trash.
\r\n\r\nCollect as much information about the assisted living center that your parent(s) will be transitioning into so that you don't overpack, like the dimensions of the space they'll be moving into as well as how much storage space (if any) is available.
\r\n\r\nCreate a timeline that outlines how much time you will dedicate to this project with a clear end date established so that you stay on track.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith an end date in mind, give yourself a minimum of two weeks to pack up your parents belongings.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have a particularly busy schedule, give yourself a full month to make the time to slowly chip away at packing up your loved one's home.
\r\n
Trying to pack up someone else's home full of a lifetime of memories can be time-consuming and emotionally and physically draining.
\r\n\r\nGive yourself plenty of time to complete the project by not forcing yourself to get it all done within a single weekend.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf other family member or friends offer their help, be sure to take it.
\r\n\r\nEven if they can't necessarily help you sort through items, having extra hands on deck to help lift, move, box, and bag items will help cut down your project time significantly.
\r\n\r\nIn circumstances where additional help isn't available, consider hiring professional help, like a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nDownsizing will be a key component to moving your loved ones into assisted living and there will likely be more items to get rid of than there will be to keep.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend packing the essentials that will move with your parents first so that you only pack what is most useful and important.
\r\n\r\nOnly bringing essential items, like clothing, toiletries, small keepsakes, and photographs, will make it easier to determine which items need to be sold or given away.
\r\n\r\nHaving these essential items packed away and out of sight will eliminate the chance that they'll be picked up and thrown out with the items you aren't keeping.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFocus on completing one room at a time so that the entire home isn't in disarray.
\r\n\r\nStarting with the smallest rooms and working your way up to the largest rooms is a common strategy to see fast results and help get your momentum going.
\r\n\r\nAnother strategy is to start with the rooms in the home that you know won't transfer into an assisted living home, like a garage or kitchen.
\r\n\r\nThe majority of the items found in these types of rooms will be sold, donated, or thrown away.
\r\n\r\n![\"Looking](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/reminsce-senior.png\")
\r\nDownsizing someone else's home can be a lot of physical work for you and emotionally daunting for both you and your parents.
\r\n\r\nFind time here and there to sort through old, meaningful belongings that will bring back positive memories for everyone involved.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you've stumbled across an old photo album or a box of childhood things, set aside some time to enjoy this part of the process with your loved one.
\r\n
Not only will this lift everyone's spirits by reliving old memories, but it creates a priceless new memory, too.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere will likely be many items that won't be able to move with your parents into their new home.
\r\n\r\nFor items that are still in good, working condition, giving them to family members or family friends, or selling or donating them, is the preferred method to downsizing.
\r\n\r\nIf you have time, setting up a garage sale or living estate sale can help you get rid of items your family doesn't want or can't take, while also gaining a small profit for these items.
\r\n\r\nLarger or more expensive items can be listed for sale online on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that selling unwanted items requires more time, energy, and organization, so if you don't have time to do that, consider giving away these items or taking them to a local donation facility.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor homes that have a significant amount of old items that need to be thrown out, renting a dumpster is one of the most efficient disposal methods.
\r\n
10 and 20 yard dumpsters will typically be large enough to accommodate and average home's worth of clutter and will cost around $250-$450 on average for a 5-7 day rental period.
\r\n\r\nThe price you will pay for a dumpster rental will depend heavily on where you live, the size of the dumpster, the amount and type of junk you're throwing out, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nIt's best practice to get multiple quotes when hiring a dumpster rental company.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find locally-owned companies that service your area and request multiple free quotes with a single quote request form.
\r\n\r\nWe ask a few simple questions about your disposal needs and once your quote request is submitted, you'll receive a text alerting you when a service provider accepts your request and agrees to provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nThere is never an obligation to hire. You simply compare the customer service and quotes you receive so that you can make the most informed decision on who to rent a dumpster from.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have a particularly busy schedule and your own home to keep up with, junk removal services are an even more efficient option.
\r\n
Rather than having to sort through everything and load a dumpster yourself, you could hire a junk removal crew to do all the tedious work and heavy lifting for you, allowing you to focus on more important things.
\r\n\r\nWhen there is more than 7 cubic yards worth of material to throw out, junk removal services can be more expensive than renting a dumpster, but many find the all-inclusive nature of junk removal services to be invaluable and worth the added expense.
\r\n\r\nJust like with dumpster rental, Hometown can help you find local junk removal companies and help you get in contact with them to schedule a free project estimate.
\r\n\r\nMore often than not, they will need to send a pro to your location to do a walk-through to give you the most accurate quote possible.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can either continue to reach out to different companies for quotes, or you can decide to hire them and schedule a time for them to complete their service.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the size and scope of your project, some companies will have the ability to get working on your removal project right away if you decide to hire them after their walk-through.
\r\n\r\nFinding reputable, locally-owned junk removal companies with Hometown is just as easy as finding a dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nAnswer a few quick questions about your parent's home and removal needs, and they'll get in contact with you as soon as possible to arrange your free estimate.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you decide to rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company on your parents' behalf, ask the companies you speak with if they offer any senior discounts.
\r\n\r\nIt's common for local services to offer a small discount to those who qualify as a senior citizen, so be sure to mention that you're hiring these services on behalf of your parents when shopping around for quotes.
\r\n\r\n10-15% doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're spending $100 or more, it can certainly add up!
\r\n\r\nTo find disposal companies in your area that offer senior discounts, use Hometown to search your zip code. You can look up dumpster rental companies, junk removal companies, or both!
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nMoving parents or other loved ones out of their home and into assisted living or another relative's house can be a physically and emotionally daunting task. Learn about the different strategies to help make this transition go as smoothly as possible, including hiring professional services that help streamline the process.
\r\n","changed":"2022-11-30T21:29:14+00:00"},{"id":"4fbc8572-72e2-55ea-825c-3a9bdb2ceae4","title":"Declutter and Organize Your Garage in 5 Simple Steps","url":"/blog/declutter-and-organize-garage-in-5-steps","image":{"path":"/static/fcb977e647df0fd6bafe77289589fb51/plan-garage-cleanout.png","alt":"declutter web drawn in marker including recycle, keep, trash, sell, donate"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"86e68e5b-9753-5fb4-a2bd-6c49cc8782d3","name":"Garage Cleanout","slug":"Garage-Cleanout"},{"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":"Cleaning out your garage can feel like an overwhelming project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCobwebs, unorganized tools and lawn equipment, half-empty paint cans, dusty holiday decorations, bags of yard waste, and old athletic equipment all seem to find their way into the garage, leading to an unsightly, cluttered mess.
\r\n
Even the dirtiest garage cleanouts can be completed with minimal stress and relative ease, but only if a good plan is established first.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll outline the 5 steps your garage cleanout plan should include and how to find the help to get it done.
\r\n\r\n![\"declutter](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/declutter-and-organize-garage-infographic.jpg\")
\r\nIn most instances, people don't want to get rid of every last item in the garage.
\r\n\r\nRather, they want to get rid of some and organize the rest.
\r\n\r\nSo, unless you want to get rid of everything in your garage, you'll want to start your garage cleanout by determining what will go and what will stay.
\r\n\r\nNow, \"what will go\" could end up being sold in a garage sale, donated to a local charity organization, recycled at your local facility, or trashed, so create three separate piles for these categories.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend keeping your pile of things to toss in a place that is easy to access for when it comes time to dispose of it.
\r\n\r\nIf you do want to get rid of everything in your garage, the separating aspect of the cleanup can be skipped, and you can go straight step two.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nFor cleanups involving more than a small pile of trash, junk, or debris, we usually recommend renting a roll-off dumpster.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster is typically big enough to handle a garage cleanout, but some rental providers also offer smaller dumpster sizes if your project is very minimal.
\r\n\r\nThe national average cost of a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$450 for a one-week rental.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a garage packed full of items to toss, you may need to rent a 20 yard dumpster or a 30 yard dumpster.
\r\n\r\nOn average, a 20 yard dumpster costs $350-$550 and a 30 yard dumpster costs $450-$650.
\r\n\r\nA faster alternative to renting a dumpster is hiring a junk removal company to handle the garage cleanout for you, or at least the removal and proper disposal of the items you no longer want.
\r\n\r\nThis is a great option for those who want the job done as quickly as possible and don’t mind spending a little more to make that happen.
\r\n\r\nExpect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars (for a small garage cleanup) or more to have a junk removal company clean out the entire garage for you.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it simple for homeowners to request quotes from dumpster rental or junk removal companies, allowing you to easily determine which service is best for your particular project.
\r\n\r\nStart by clicking \"Find Pros\" at the top of this page, and select the service type you're interested in getting quotes for first: dumpster rental or junk removal.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can browse all the local companies serving your area.
\r\n\r\nThen, read more about their services, see what their customers have to say about them, and request free quotes from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting three or more dumpster rental quotes and getting multiple junk removal estimates whenever you can to help ensure you pay a fair price for whatever service you choose and get quality work from a professional and reliable company.
\r\n\r\nWhen you reach out to companies for a project quote, be as detailed as you can when describing what you need removed and how much.
\r\n\r\nIt's easy to get a dumpster rental quote over the phone, especially when you're clear about the type and amount of debris you have to dispose of.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies, on the other hand, will typically send one to two employees to your home or business to provide an in-person quote for the job, unless you only have an item or two.
\r\n\r\nThese quotes are free and you are not obligated to hire them if you don't like the price they quote you.
\r\n\r\nIf you agree to the price of their garage cleanout services, they get started right away.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nOnce your unwanted junk is removed, it's time to finish organizing the items you're keeping in your garage.
\r\n\r\nPurchase additional shelves to maximize storage space, label waterproof storage bins to keep water and dust out, and limit the amount of items you bring into the garage moving forward to maintain your clean, organized space.
\r\n\r\nEverything in your garage should have a designated storage space.
\r\n\r\nIf you must bring new items into your garage, it's a good rule of thumb to remove one item in order to minimize clutter from piling up again.
\r\n\r\nFind out how to improve your garage:
\r\n\r\nEven the dirtiest garage cleanouts can be completed with minimal stress and relative ease, but only if a good plan is established first. Learn the 5 steps your garage cleanout plan should include and how to find the help to get it done.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-16T19:18:08+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"}],"populars":[{"state":"Maine","place":"Lewiston, ME","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Maine/dumpsters-lewiston.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Maine","place":"Portland, ME","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Maine/junk-removal/portland-me.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Maine","place":"Bangor, ME","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"massachusetts/junk-removal-bangor-me","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Maine","place":"Bangor, ME","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"maine/commercial-waste-management-bangor-me","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Maine","place":"Portland, ME","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Maine/Portland-ME-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Maine","place":"Lewiston, ME","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"maine/commercial-waste-management-lewiston-me","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"Most 20 yard roll-offs are big enough and strong enough to hold as much as 10+ tons of debris, but dumpster rental companies almost never allow this.
\r\n\r\nThere are 3 main reasons for this:
\r\n\r\nThe truck that picks up the dumpster cannot lift or haul that much weight.
\r\n\tYour city/county’s weight limit restrictions for truck hauling may prohibit it.
\r\n\tDumpster rental companies are charged a per-ton rate at the landfill, and dumpster rental costs would be much higher if there were no customer weight limits.
\r\n\tThe average 20 yard dumpster weight limit is 3-4 tons, or 6,000-8,000 lbs. To determine how much you will be able to put in your 20 yard dumpster, you’ll need to determine your specific dumpster's weight allowance. Each dumpster rental provider will offer a different weight allowance for the rental price they quote you, so make sure you reach out to multiple providers to get the best price. Once you know how much weight is included in your dumpster quote, you can estimate the approximate weight of the junk or debris you need to put into the dumpster. Local dumpster rental companies are pros at estimating how much debris weighs, and they will be able to help you choose the perfect dumpster for your needs.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tNeed junk or debris hauled away in Fairfield, ME? Gregory’s Disposal has you covered. We’re a family-run crew that shows up on time,...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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