What’s Lurking in Your Basement?

Hmm, I don’t know, could it beeee JUNK? 

The thought of having to clean out their basement sends some folks screaming for the top floors of their home. Often, basements can get the short end of the housecleaning stick, and clutter and boxes of stuff can easily pile up there when people are busy living their lives. Tackling the basement clutter doesn’t have to be impossible, though. Here are some great ways to get started. Photo of a cluttered basement

Make a Plan

First and foremost, you need to create a plan! By setting down to create a plan of action, you’re setting the course for how long the basement clean-out project will take. Figuring out a timeline early can help you stick to your schedule, and you will be less likely to put it off.

Create Piles

As you’re going through the items in your basement, create piles for “keep”, “junk” and “donate.” Start at one side of the room and work your way around, determining which items will go in each pile. If the overall goal is to pare down your stuff, try your best to have twice as many items in the “junk” and “donate” piles as your “keep” piles.

Old items like clothing, old toys, old working electronics and books can all be worthwhile items for the donation pile, and provide a second home to items that were simply laying around your basement.

Recycle  as Much as Possible

Once you have everything in separate piles, go through and see what can be recycled. Many folks don’t know that paper, cardboard, metals, glass and plastics are all accepted for single-stream recycling. Old newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, glass food containers and more can all be recycled, and that means fewer garbage bags in the landfills.

If the thought of cleaning out your basement still makes you shudder, don’t hesitate to contact Mr Junk for our basement clean-out and junk removal services. We are fully licensed, insured and environmentally responsible, and can often be available for same-day service. Don’t let the junk rule your life, give Mr Junk a call!

Photo courtesy of Flickr.