Homeownership may be the American dream, but at times it can seem more like a nightmare.
\r\n\r\nFlooding situations caused by damaged water pipes is a great example.
\r\n\r\nMost homeowners are unfamiliar with this type of situation and how to deal with it, so we're here to simplify the process.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDealing with plumbing and flooding issues are a hassle but detecting the issue early and being proactive with a solution can minimize headaches for homeowners.
\r\n
![\"Signs](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/infographic-update.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nPlumbing issues aren’t always immediately apparent, but recognizing them ASAP is key to minimizing damage.
\r\n\r\nThe obvious signs of puddling water or large areas of mold are easy to spot, but there are other inconspicuous warning signs to consider.
\r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for the following symptoms of a failing water pipe...
\r\n\r\nIf you notice that the water pressure varies when the faucet is open or the shower is on, it may be an indicator of a leak somewhere.
\r\n\r\nWater that is consistently tinted any shade of color can signify any number of issues, including damaged or old water lines.
\r\n\r\nOld steel lines can rust, and copper water pipes can corrode over time.
\r\n\r\nHaving old water pipes increases the risk of a catastrophic failure, especially in very cold conditions where water inside the pipes could freeze and cause it to rupture.
\r\n\r\nDiscoloration on walls or ceilings can indicate a water leak.
\r\n\r\nIf the area is spongy, it is a strong indicator that water damage has occurred.
\r\n\r\nFurther investigation is recommended as soon as possible.
\r\n\r\nA scent of rotten eggs can be a sign of water line failure, particularly sewage lines.
\r\n\r\nEven a faint foul smell coming from the water tap or shower should be taken seriously.
\r\n\r\nWhen a pipe develops cracks, air is able to enter the water lines. This can lead to unusual sounds coming from the plumbing system.
\r\n\r\nIf you notice any new and unusual sounds coming from inside the walls and ceiling, visually inspect the exposed water pipes you can see.
\r\n\r\nAlso check the ceilings, walls and floors for water spots, mold growth, or a spongy feel.
\r\n\r\nCalcium and mineral buildup can lead to blockages. This increases pressure inside the water lines, which can cause leaks to develop at weak points, such as joints or corroded areas of the pipe.
\r\n\r\nConsider installing a water softener to combat hard water.
\r\n\r\nIf signs of water damage are found, turn off the water supply and contact your insurance company and a licensed plumber for instructions on how to proceed.
\r\n\r\nIf the issue is found early on, major damage can be avoided, but a major event will need some remediation.
\r\n\r\nWhether caused by a slow leak or a burst pipe causing immediate flooding, address the issue as quickly as possible to minimize further issues.
\r\n![\"person](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/leaky-water-pipe-2.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour insurance provider should be one of your first calls when noticing any major water damage.
\r\n
Your homeowners insurance company can help guide you through resolving residential flooding situations.
\r\n\r\nThe claims process can vary by company, but it generally goes something likes this...
\r\n\r\nStep 1: Contact the insurance company, explain the situation, and start a claim.
\r\n\r\nStep 2: The insurance company will send someone out to inspect the damage and assess the total cost of the damage.
\r\n\r\nThe Adjuster comes out to the property, inspects the damage, gets additional information from you or other witnesses, and gives the insurance company a total estimate for the damage.
\r\n\r\nIncluded in the estimate is the cost to replace all things damaged by the burst water pipe, including flooring, walls, ceiling, fixtures, cabinetry, plumbing, cleanup costs, and more.
\r\n\r\nStep 3: The insurance company will handle scheduling the repair and remediation process or direct you in how to do it.
\r\n\r\nYour insurance company will provide funds to cover the estimated damage in the form of a check or direct deposit.
\r\n\r\nThese funds can be used for the repairs, whether doing the rebuild yourself or hiring a construction company to do it for you.
\r\n\r\nStep 4: Damaged substrate and other materials/items are removed, including any moldy items.
\r\n\r\nStep 5: Once the damaged items are removed, the affected area is dried out using specialized wet vacs and commercial grade fans.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the extent of the water damage, it can take several days to a week of fan-drying to reach an acceptable moisture level.
\r\n\r\nFans are run 24 hours a day to speed up the drying process, and this produces quite a bit of noise.
\r\n\r\nBecause your home will sound like a droning airplane for several days, plan ahead to meet your needs. For example, if you work from home or don't want to live in the house until the drying process is completed.
\r\n\r\nStep 6: Once everything is dry, the repair and rebuilding process can begin.
\r\n\r\nThis process may vary depending on your insurance company.
\r\n\r\nIn addition, no two residential water damage incidents are the same, so the cleanup process will depend on the extent of the damage and other factors.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, the cost of water damage cleanup and repair is highly variable as well.
\r\n\r\nLong-term water damage involving large amounts of mold may require environmental remediation, and this can increase cleanup costs quite a bit.
\r\n![\"Fans](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/leaky-water-pipe-3.jpg\")
\r\nSometimes your specific type of water damage isn’t covered under your homeowners insurance policy, or the damage is minimal and you don’t want to go through the insurance claim process.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn minor flood situations, you may be able to contact a junk removal company to handle the cleanup.
\r\n
The biggest advantages of using a junk removal company rather than doing the cleanup yourself are the convenience and value.
\r\n\r\nProfessional cleanup crews handle all the heavy lifting, hauling, and proper disposing of the damaged materials.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal prices generally start at $75 to $150 depending on where you live and goes up from there depending on the size and complexity of your cleanup project.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend that you contact multiple local junk removal companies for quotes to be sure you're getting a fair price for quality services.
\r\n\r\nIn the case of mold damage, check with the junk removal company to make sure they are equipped and experienced (and in some cities, licensed) to remove and dispose of moldy materials.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find qualified junk removal companies in your area, read customer reviews, and request quotes from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nDealing with plumbing problems is never fun but armed with the right knowledge, you can get the issue resolved in no time. Learn how to file an insurance claim for water damage, the cleanup process, and how to go about cleaning it up without filing an insurance claim.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T18:23:08+00:00"},{"id":"02688f78-1828-5bb0-bb70-a7f85c225ef8","title":"How to Dispose of Electronics Responsibly","url":"/blog/electronics-disposal","image":{"path":"/static/2336b2b0a9515e84c90a5fb88060d5e3/pile-of-computers.png","alt":"pile of computers"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"be215651-77bc-59d2-a493-29497c089ec4","name":"Electronics Removal","slug":"Electronics-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"c23bcb0b-96a0-5824-8982-82dd3a7e2c0a","name":"Commercial Cleanout","slug":"Commercial-Cleanout"}],"content":"Whether you're a homeowner looking to dispose of a bin full of old electronics and outdated computers that have piled up over the years, or you're a business owner looking to replace obsolete equipment with newer versions, this guide is designed to outline the best solutions to do so.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProper disposal of e-waste, including electronic devices, like computers, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, phones, tablets, etc., is necessary to ensure potentially toxic materials, like lead, mercury, or cadmium, don't end up in landfills.
\r\n
This is why most e-waste is not allowed to go in your curbside trash collection or a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nInstead, it should be properly recycled to avoid heavy metal contamination and other potential hazards.
\r\n\r\nIn fact, an increasing number of states have banned the disposal of e-waste in landfills or waste-to-energy facilities.
\r\n\r\nInstead, e-waste should go to the proper recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nMany of the materials used in making these products, like plastics, glass, metal, and aluminum, can be recovered and reused to make new models and other equipment.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll discuss the 3 main ways to properly dispose of electronics:
\r\n\r\nNote: Before you get rid of your electronics, make sure you erase all personal information on the device. It often isn’t as simple as deleting files. For example, here's how to get your personal data off a laptop. Once you've done that, keep reading to find out your options.
\r\n\r\n![\"electronics](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/electronics-recycling-infographic.png\")
\r\nNearly all electronics manufacturers and retailers offer recycling programs that cater to most of the products they make or sell.
\r\n\r\nFor example, Best Buy offers recycling options for a wide range of electronics, no matter where you bought them.
\r\n\r\nApple's trade-in program offers credit for qualifying products and will also accept and recycle any product that doesn't qualify.
\r\n\r\nAmazon's trade-in program offers gift cards for trading in of any of their Kindle e-readers, tablets, media players, Echo, Ring devices, etc., as well as CDs, cell phones, video games, and more.
\r\n\r\nOffice Depot offers ink and toner recycling, and Staples does too.
\r\n\r\nThere are also a wide range of nonprofit organizations and local community events that accept e-waste recyclables.
\r\n\r\nCall2Recycle makes it easy to find recycling drop-off locations near you. Earth911 also has an extensive recycling database.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf your used computer, phone, or other electronic still works, consider donating it to a charity or nonprofit that accepts these items.
\r\n\r\nReach out to local charity organizations to see if they have a desire for your item(s).
\r\n\r\nCharity re-sale organizations, like Goodwill and Salvation Army, typically accept working electronics as donations, too.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf hauling multiple electronics to a nearby recycler seems like a pain or you simply don't have the time—or if you have a large amount of items that you want to get rid of at once, like with a company office cleanout—hiring a junk removal company to handle the electronics hauling and recycling on your behalf is a great option.
\r\n
Whether you have a couple computers or a pile of electronics and other junk, a junk removal company can come out to your property, assess the extent of the work, provide a quote, and get to work right away if you agree to the price.
\r\n\r\nHometown can help you find junk and e-waste removal companies in your area, learn more about them, read customer reviews, and request quotes from multiple companies.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental is typically not an option when disposing of electronics due to city and state restrictions surrounding e-waste recycling.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nProper disposal of e-waste, including electronic devices, like computers, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, phones, tablets, etc., is necessary to ensure potentially toxic materials don't end up in landfills and these items can be recycled. Find out the 3 easiest ways to get rid of old electronics.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-22T17:27:40+00:00"},{"id":"ed4c31cb-6012-5c53-ac56-fd16fed586a3","title":"Streamline Fire Damage Cleanup with Junk Removal","url":"/blog/fire-damage-cleanup","image":{"path":"/static/2e993eac5aa85f775c1a2d13b0a54916/fire-damage.png","alt":"flames coming out of toaster in kitchen"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"9b611674-a2b8-541f-99a9-bfaf0063fc7d","name":"Storm Cleanup","slug":"Storm-Cleanup"}],"content":"Smoke damage, ash, burnt items, and potential water damage or foam from extinguishing a fire...these are all things you might face after minor fire damage.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo clean up your home after a fire, whether from a small kitchen or electrical fire or a wildfire, professional cleanup services can help get it done fast.
\r\n
Professional fire damage cleanup and junk removal services can save you time, stress, and risk.
\r\n\r\n![\"fire](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/fire-damage-cleanup-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nWildfires and house fires, even if not extreme, can cause a decent amount of damage.
\r\n\r\nOnce you're sure the fire is extinguished and your home is safe, we recommend starting to find cleanup assistance ASAP.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProfessional fire damage cleanup crews have the experience and equipment necessary to safely clean up ash and soot, haul away heavy items and debris, and clear the property of any additional damaged items.
\r\n
Fire damage cleanup crews bag and box up whatever you need removed, and then they haul it away to be disposed of responsibly.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFire damage cleanup costs can vary a great deal depending on how severe the damage is, the labor involved with the cleanup, where you live, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor minor fire damage cleanup, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$1,000.
\r\n
More extreme fire damage cleanup will be double or triple these costs, if not more, and we often recommend remediation companies for major fire damage cases.
\r\n\r\nFor many fire damage cases, your homeowner's insurance may help pay for the cleanup and repairs, so reach out to them immediately.
\r\n\r\nNote: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, it may be difficult to get home insurance that covers wildfire damage due to the risk involved with insuring homes in these areas. However, if you are able to get coverage, it would mitigate or eliminate the cost of paying the pros to clean up and dispose of debris from a covered wildfire loss, leaving you with less stress in the long run.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen your property is affected by a fire, you want to get it handled as quickly as possible, and Hometown gets that.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHometown can help you find qualified junk removal and fire damage cleanup pros in your area, read reviews, and request quotes easily and free of charge.
\r\n
Give as much detail about your project as you can to each company you speak to in order to get the most accurate junk removal quote. Oftentimes, cleanup and hauling companies will need to come out to your property to assess the work and provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nWhenever possible, we recommend getting more than one estimate for your junk removal project to ensure you get the best service for the best price.
\r\n\r\nIf you'd rather clean up the mess yourself, dumpster rental is an ideal option, and Hometown can help with that, too! Just like with junk removal, Hometown can help you find dumpster rental companies in your area. We even make it easy to request multiple dumpster quotes and read reviews.
\r\n\r\nNote: If your property has extreme damage, you will likely need to reach out to a restoration company.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nSmoke damage, ash, burnt items, and potential water damage or foam from extinguishing a fire...these are all things you might face after minor fire damage. Get your home cleaned up fast after a fire with the help of professional cleanup services.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T18:23:50+00:00"},{"id":"94f10ba8-a53f-578e-90ec-a81d919a6c46","title":"Why You Should Get Multiple Quotes Before Hiring a Junk Removal Provider","url":"/blog/why-you-should-get-multiple-junk-removal-quotes","image":{"path":"/static/5f5233d6c9239360c9a37425b82ed06f/importance-of-junk-removal-estimates.png","alt":"importance of getting multiple junk removal estimates"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","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":"![\"importance](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/why-you-should-get-multiple-junk-removal-quotes-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nWhen it comes to hiring a junk removal company for a home or business cleanup project, we always recommend getting at least three estimates before hiring.
\r\n\r\nThe goal is to find a waste removal provider who can complete your project properly for a fair price.
\r\n\r\nWe understand it can be challenging to get one quote from companies at times, let alone three, but spending just a little more time to find the right junk removal company is worth it when it means avoiding expensive, time-consuming, or stressful hiccups down the road.
\r\n\r\nRegardless of your junk removal project size, understanding what goes into quality junk removal services can help ensure you hire the best junk removal provider for your project.
\r\n\r\nDon’t make a quick decision based on just one or two quotes; it could end up costing you time and money.
\r\n\r\nEven if the first waste hauler you talk to seems competent and professional, you won’t know if they’re charging a competitive price until you speak to a few others.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost people who have a bad experience hiring a company—whether it be they were overcharged or the company didn’t do a good job—it’s almost always because they did not get multiple estimates before starting their project.
\r\n
It pays to get a second and third opinion, and doing so can save you hundreds of dollars in some cases.
\r\n\r\nMultiple estimates will give you a good idea of the average price range for junk removal services in your area. (Be wary of quotes that are super high or super low.)
\r\n\r\nThen, using price as one of your considering factors, you can choose the right junk hauler for you based on other factors:
\r\n\r\nManage your financial risk by taking the time to get multiple estimates from junk removal service providers before hiring one. It can end up saving you a lot of money and stress.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf you're considering hiring a junk removal provider to assist in a cleanout or bulk item removal, be sure you get multiple quotes. Know what's a fair price in your area and be sure you receive great customer service.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-13T22:15:42+00:00"},{"id":"ecbf0af7-1e96-571d-a905-3e697805470f","title":"Disposal Options for Flooring Removal Projects","url":"/blog/disposal-options-for-flooring-removal-projects","image":{"path":"/static/96a3276c0ab7c5ea7c7f6e6e8f7ff1dc/Flooring_removal_1_0.jpg","alt":""},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"d1824a81-ae42-587c-9dd3-2efa674e423f","name":"Construction Dumpsters","slug":"Construction-Dumpsters"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"New flooring is a major upgrade that can add function, good looks, and value to your home.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour floors are one of the first things people see when they enter and move throughout your home, and they can immediately influence a buyer's opinion of the home.
\r\n
With a return on investment (ROI) averaging 50-80% for new flooring installation, it’s a great investment, especially when your current flooring is old, outdated, or damaged.
\r\n\r\nRead on to learn about how to get rid of the old flooring, which type of new flooring to choose, and more.
\r\n\r\nJump to:
\r\n\r\n![\"tile](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/Flooring-removal.jpg\")
\r\nTo get an idea of the floor removal process, we've outlined the most popular types of floor removal for you below.
\r\n\r\nThis is not a comprehensive guide by any means, but it shows that floor removal isn't always as easy as it seems.
\r\n\r\nAs you can see, floor removal isn't a job for just anybody.
\r\n\r\nThat's why we always recommend hiring a professional to handle your floor removal.
\r\n\r\nThey'll be able to get the work done quickly, safely, and properly.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOnce the floor is torn up, it's time to manage the resulting debris.
\r\n\r\nIf you hire a professional to handle your floor removal, it's likely the will handle the debris disposal for you.
\r\n\r\nIif you chose to tear up your floors yourself, you're left responsible with figuring out what to do with the debris.
\r\n\r\nIt’s unlawful to dispose of construction debris in your curbside trash can, so avoid putting carpeting or other flooring scraps in with your regular trash.
\r\n\r\nIt may be possible to schedule a special pick-up with your waste hauler, but you need to call ahead to set this up. (Additional fees likely apply.)
\r\n\r\nHowever, we recommend renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal company to handle the mess for you.
\r\n\r\nRenting a temporary dumpster is a super simple and convenient way to get rid of your flooring debris and potentially other junk you've got lying around your house.
\r\n\r\nTypically, a 10 yard or 20 yard dumpster is enough for a floor disposal project, and they cost anywhere from $250-$350 on average for a seven-day rental.
\r\n\r\nCosts vary by dumpster size, where you're located, the type and amount of debris you're disposing, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend reaching out to three dumpster rental providers (or more) to ensure you get the right dumpster size for the job without overpaying.
\r\n\r\nThis also will help to ensure you fnd a dumpster service that can have your dumpster delivered and picked up when you need it.
\r\n\r\nWhen reaching out to contractors for quotes, be sure you have a good understanding of how much debris you have.
\r\n\r\nThis will allow them to more accurately estimate which dumpster size is right for you.
\r\n\r\nReach out to dumpster providers a week or more in advance whenever possible to increase the chances of getting the dumpster you need when you need it.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf speed and convenience are a priority for you, hiring a junk removal company to load up, haul away, and dispose of your flooring debris is the way to go.
\r\n\r\nBecause they do all the work for you, junk removal is almost always more expensive than dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nHowever, many people find that the time and effort saved is well worth the cost.
\r\n\r\nJust like with dumpster rental (and any other service), we recommend reaching out to multiple companies for quotes to ensure you choose the right one for you and your project.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"trending](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/Flooring-removal-2.jpg\")
\r\nThe top choice in flooring materials, based on ROI and overall desirability, is wood flooring.
\r\n\r\nYou can expect to get back all or nearly all of the money put into wood flooring.
\r\n\r\nFor example, investing $5,000 in new wood floors throughout the house will likely raise the value of the home by $5,000 or more.
\r\n\r\nIt’s a cost-effective alternative to wood flooring that can boost a home’s value, just not quite as much as real wood flooring.
\r\n\r\nThis is a great option for mid-tier homes where it's common to utilize laminate wood flooring, carpeting, or vinyl.
\r\n\r\nIdeal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other “wet” areas, tile offers varying ROI depending on the type of tile and the type of neighborhood.
\r\n\r\nHigh-end tile flooring makes sense in a high-end home, but will not offer a great ROI when installed in a low-to-mid level home.
\r\n\r\nA great option for high-traffic or wet areas when on a budget.
\r\n\r\nThis type of flooring doesn’t necessarily offer a great ROI, but fresh flooring can always improve the aesthetic and functionality of a house, which never hurts.
\r\n\r\nAn affordable option that works well in some areas of the home, such as living rooms, dens, or bedrooms, is carpeting.
\r\n\r\nHowever, carpeting is typically less favorable compared to wood and laminate wood flooring.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you're considering replacing your floors, start here. Find out how to remove and dispose of your old flooring, popular replacement options, and more.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-02T22:23:43+00:00"},{"id":"f5065422-22c3-548d-938b-985ea3f6c05f","title":"Creating the Perfect Home Office in 4 Steps","url":"/blog/creating-the-perfect-home-office","image":{"path":"/static/198d2bce143f73403d3929faa4811eef/home-office-1.jpg","alt":"woman having video conference in home office"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"be215651-77bc-59d2-a493-29497c089ec4","name":"Electronics Removal","slug":"Electronics-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"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](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/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](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/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":"2023-09-13T15:55:31+00:00"}],"populars":[],"tips":[{"name":"Removing Unwanted Junk","body":"When hiring a junk removal company, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150 for a small project, like single-item removals, or as much as $2,000 or more for a large cleanup, like a whole-home cleanout.
\r\n\r\n| Job Size | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost | \r\n\t\t\tExample Project | \r\n\t\t
|---|---|---|
| Small | \r\n\t\t\t$75 - $200 | \r\n\t\t\t1 - 2 pieces of furniture or appliance | \r\n\t\t
| Medium | \r\n\t\t\t$400 - $800 | \r\n\t\t\tRemove all furniture and appliances from the house. Foreclosure, hoarding or eviction cleanups. | \r\n\t\t
| Large | \r\n\t\t\t$1,000 - $5,000 (or more) | \r\n\t\t\tDebris removal from garage demolition. \r\n\t\t\tCommercial building cleanouts. | \r\n\t\t
There are multiple factors that can influence the cost of junk removal, including:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal costs vary from one location to the next. For example, customers in Los Angeles or New York City will pay more for junk removal than those in a smaller suburb would pay for the same size project.
\r\n\r\nThe amount of junk that needs to be removed plays a big role, too. For example, big cleanups will require a larger truck or trailer and more labor hours to complete the job. The same is true for complex cleanups, like having to carry heavy items down multiple flights of stairs or removing an old piano that needs to be disassembled in order to remove it safely.
\r\n\r\nCertain types of waste, junk, and debris cost more to dispose of than others, like hazardous materials, which have more stringent environmental laws, safety concerns, and disposal requirements.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Rent a Dumpster or Hire a Junk Removal Company?
\r\n","place":null,"code":"junk-removal"}],"related":[{"title":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"new mexico/commercial-waste-management-beclabito-nm"},{"title":"Dumpster rental","url":"new mexico/dumpster-rental-beclabito-nm"}],"modal_project_types":[{"name":"Cleanout an Interior Space","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":542,"label":"Cleanout - Basement","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":543,"label":"Cleanout - Commercial","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":544,"label":"Cleanout - Estate","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":545,"label":"Cleanout - Garage","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":546,"label":"Cleanout - Hoarding","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Cleanup an Exterior Area","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":547,"label":"Cleanup - Storm Recovery","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":557,"label":"Trash Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":558,"label":"Yard Waste Removal","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Construction & Demolition","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":548,"label":"Construction Debris Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":552,"label":"Light Demolition","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Large Item Removal","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":540,"label":"Appliance Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":541,"label":"Carpet Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":550,"label":"Furniture Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":553,"label":"Mattress Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":554,"label":"Refrigerator Removal","service":"junk-removal"}]}],"codes":[{"name":"Residential Trash Service","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Residential_Trash_Service","code":null}},{"name":"Excavating","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Excavating","code":null}},{"name":"Septic Tank Service","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Septic_Tank_Service","code":null}},{"name":"Portable Toilets","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Portable_Toilets","code":null}},{"name":"Storage Containers","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Storage_Containers","code":null}},{"name":"Portable Offices","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Portable_Offices","code":null}},{"name":"Temporary Fencing","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Temporary_Fencing","code":null}},{"name":"Equipment Rental","code":null,"paths":{"name":"Equipment_Rental","code":null}},{"name":"Dumpster Rental","code":"dumpster","paths":{"name":"Dumpster_Rental","code":"dumpster-rental"}},{"name":"Junk Removal","code":"junk-removal","paths":{"name":"Junk_Removal","code":"junk-removal"}},{"name":"Commercial Waste Management","code":"comercial-trash-service","paths":{"name":"Commercial_Waste_Management","code":"commercial-waste-management"}}],"seo_desc":[{"name":"Junk Removal","code":"junk-removal","kg_homepage_seo_desc":"Junk Removal","kg_kpp_seo_desc":"Get rid of your junk now at the best price! Get a better deal when you compare quick quotes from the top junk removers in PLACE_NAME.","kg_seo_label":"Top 3 Junk Removal Services","kg_state_seo_desc":"Find the best junk removal companies in STATE_NAME. Compare verified reviews and get prices to clean out and haul away your unwanted debris.","kg_panel_page_seo_desc":null}],"pros":"","profiles":[],"code":"junk-removal","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"kpppages"},"cards":{},"enabledBooking":[33029,19333,33361,19092,30685,17311,31941,19985,31972,30226,30207,18811,19595,24494,31797,33199,20339,33031,33286,20627,21590,30180,32928,30557,27415,30445,22407,21189,24650,24949,25262,32768,22640,39738,33449,31701,18721,38075,33922,32660,20873,27252,19800,30465,33445,34054,22852,30964,32374,19014,22847,19404,31679,15952,24407,32532,19482,17839,17007,18182,28511,19484,17390,18502,21736,34014,16150,18449,31981,30336,34372,17741,37479,25031,23111,33408,20761,18309,16149,33486,23935,31542,38351,32924,20450,34600,31866,19451,32395,34537,38020,35059,31068,34274,30646,20364,32909,24211,21935,22735,18028,32909,24211,21935,22735,18028,33292,33700,31754,25263,16397,35632,33271,35669,39020,23787,19209,34926,38356,16386,35750,35593,35543,23801,32154,32705,31506,22500,35095,18807,33298,35886,38151,38710,32821,31099,32031,33313,28651,18168,31976,35745,36008,33511,25371,32587,35723,35277,18141,35900,15702,30297,38258,32106,31861,30155,30684,28366,30106,35894,25367,33347,17627,35634,35924,30536,31242,23994,33108,30466,35860,33323,30707,24447,24496,36274,38499,30980,33447,35846,33140,30254,33169,31613,30584,21337,30157,38074,31288,34968,31285,18778,37864,30935,18026,35957,18336,25036,30135,30011,21858,35809,39096,28933,32355,16102,27166,35967,22348,20592,30566,22889,20243,27421,28312,28268,30561,35945,21885,35697,33386,30145,22093,24018,32747,18111,22831,35997,27418,18285,28226,31581,20724,33999,35986,18720,38283,31696,35993,30559,24571,30179,20639,19078,21652,32546,27416,30229,22391,36012,26357,38300,19436,16038,25006,18302,36009,27420,35998,21549,32004,30108,35943,36018,17923,31604,36000,38053,36025,32687,32168,35970,19629,34713,16433,36029,31408,24427,19317,17105,20117,15159,36039,36042,38333,33222,36048,30396,34726,38291,17547,36015,35872,37802,21454,31593,36064,39094,37485,35773,30421,30184,32314,36063,36068,38363,33277,17249,36080,17939,35784,30966,31387,23563,18098,36079,33430,24322,20069,17229,38396,32758,31179,32318,20196,36124,31831,36148,27557,31378,16283,24123,33243,36176,34331,36341,32017,36396,25213,33206,30014,16855,35209,25130,15958,35921,17754,30085,31565,31739,30096,21573,38429,36448,30439,24279,32141,30146,16489,31070,32201,30095,30426,30027,23241,16997,30073,36437,22449,27727,32992,36317,38246,31433,22977,39183,36351,34020,36509,30990,38098,16880,33446,17125,30493,16366,36580,37928,32619,30359,36229,30597,22550,20895,30394,33499,19420,17435,16701,36646,31903,20383,22503,36691,27411,36493,35976,36721,15484,30535,20847,36799,36623,31868,31793,30290,35974,33414,36898,36652,37073,36870,30381,36915,36891,32058,36890,20619,21865,36911,37772,36720,16848,37369,36889,33393,37101,36976,30453,15795,36918,30457,32889,23130,37157,37156,21728,37133,30760,37085,22666,37109,37183,31856,37045,36995,37587,37115,33171,37297,37129,15096,32147,36645,37343,37356,30993,31544,32799,38042,33159,37423,37458,18530,37236,39214,37705,34917,37715,36983,36985,32366,37305,37577,37858,37720,37689,37362,37580,37806,30385,34001,37976,37991,38002,37612,37882,37969,37779,38223,38172,38009,38017,37898,38447,17241,37906,37904,23339,38016,17929,32358,38740,38078,37568,37914,37239,38592,37707,37520,38666,37480,38316,37800,16490,37886,37394,38222,37696,37652,38208,38695,38705,38698,38433,38315,38390,38411,38247,38825,38734,38481,38716,38835,16449,38652,36904,38209,38670,19342,33888,18277,33336,38624,38915,38767,37402,37750,31653,38676,38887,38920,38919,38975,38384,38713,38794,39068,38282,38804,37586,37501,28802,17676,38443,39087,23301,32929,37872,38668,39132,39116,30042,38780,23588,38981,39138,37576,39109,39079,38426,38594,39331,37634,39432,39274,36987,37525,38730,39408,39060,39372,39474,39558,19046,39231,39511,39411,38556,30851,39314,39741,38039,32732,20593,38913,31661,38090,39725,39713,39795,31836,39826,15648,32301,39483,39462,32656,39678,39798,24903,39752,20569,15830,39658],"schemaOrg":[{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Hometown Dumpster Rental","item":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"NM","item":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/New-Mexico/index.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Beclabito","item":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/new mexico/junk-removal-beclabito-nm"}]}],"sponsoredProfiles":[],"sponsoredCards":{},"sponsoredPros":"","typicalPricesData":null}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}