Clear The Junk And Clear Your Mind

Ever wonder how “spring cleaning” originally became the ‘thing we do’? For as long as I can remember every year with winter was coming to an end all the grown ups would talk about spring cleaning. Almost as if it were a group effort or mandatory task we were all required to do.  Well, no matter where or when it originated, one thing is as true today as it was when I was a kid. People somehow feel happier, more prepared, and more fulfilled after a healthy dose of spring cleaning. Here’s why.

basement junkAs you look around your house, the chances of you spotting one or two things you really never use and probably don’t even need are fairly high. We silly humans are collectors. We see something we like and if we have the means, we get it. So that four foot mermaid statue that was calling your name at the local arts festival is now taking up a quarter of the living room, and all you really have to say about it is, ‘The man who made it was really nice and gave me a great deal”. When chilly winter weather forces us to spend the majority of our spare time enjoying the warmth of our homes, it’s easy to start looking at all this JUNK we have lying around the house as more of a nuisance than a once “great deal”. So when spring rolls around and we become more active, one of the first things we feel we NEED TO DO is get rid of all our unnecessary junk that does nothing bur remind us of those boring winter nights spent watching I Love Lucy reruns. Eliminating that clutter and and unwanted junk is the perfect way to refresh your home and your mind. But don’t let the label fool you. Junk removal to help clear your mind isn’t limited to the spring! In fact, we recommend doing a little casa clear-out at the start of every season. You’d be surprised how much just you can collect in only a matter of months it’s the perfect way to compliment switching out your seasonal decor while refreshing your mind.

Let Mr. Junk be that final step in achieving junk-free chi. Once you’ve cleared out everything that’s cluttering your home and your mind, give us a call and we’ll haul it away. Mr. Junk is the only junk removal service in Atlanta that has no minimum charge so won’t pay a lot of you have a small amount of stuff. We’ll even offer same-day service to ensure your junk is out of your hair as fast as possible. What are you waiting for? Call Mr. Junk today!

Serving Woodstock, Atlanta, Canton, Roswell, Kennesaw, Marietta, and Acworth, Georgia.

Photo from flickr

Unwanted Critters and Outdoor Clutter

opossum in debrisFallen branches, piles of leaves that never seem to go away (hello fall), left over scraps from recent home improvement project, you name it. If you take a look in your yard, there’s probably something back there that we would classify as “debris“. Whether it’s been there for just a day or has been hanging around for the last year, the time has come to say adios by getting it up and out of your yard. Mr. Junk is the man with the plan for clearing out that unsightly debris so you can enjoy your yard again! We offer yard clean up services including everything from simple leaf removal to large jobs like construction clean up and disaster restoration. If you’ve got junk, we will remove it!

Now some of you might be thinking, “well that fallen tree isn’t that big of a deal, why bother paying to have them removed at all? Outside of being an unsightly mess, piles of debris can become hazardous to you and your family if located hear your home. If left stagnant, debris piles can quickly become a playground for unwanted pests like slugs, ants, cockroaches, mice and more. Not to mention some of the more ferocious critters like opossums and raccoons who are more than willing to defend their new humble abode from the likes of you and the family pet at the slightest disturbance. Clearing out that seemingly harmless debris will ensure that only you and your family claim residence in your yard.

In addition to creepy crawlies, debris and brush piles are the perfect fuel for fires. The likelihood of them bursting into flames on their own is slim to none but if, on the off chance, a fire is sparked having debris that close to your house could be the one thing that causes a yard fire to become a house fire. Especially for those of you with families, why take the risk by leaving those piles of junk lying around when letting Mr. Junk haul it all away is a quick fix?

So the next time you peek into the back yard and realize it looks more like an abandoned field of branches, plywood, and leaves than an actual yard, give Mr. Junk a call. We are the only junk removal service in the greater Atlanta area with no minimum charge so we’re happy to remove even the smallest piles of debris without costing you an arm and a leg.

image from flickr

Mr. Junk Offers Attic Clean-Outs

When is the last time you really cleaned out your attic? Or better yet, when was the last time you were in your attic?

old attic

photo from flickr

Most people use their attics for the same reason, to store away all the JUNK that we don’t want to throw away but don’t want “in the house”. You know, grandma’s mink coat, old Halloween costumes, decorations, etc. Those who are fortunate enough to have an attic can avoid adding to their monthly spending by utilizing the extra space and not needing to rent out storage units. But there is one thing those public storage units get that the average attic doesn’t. A deep clean!

It may seem excessive to think that your attic needs as good a cleaning as the rest of the house, but trust us, it’s well worth it! Attic mold can not only ruin your belongings but also make you and your family ill. Because the average attitude toward attics tend to be, “store it and forget it” the likelihood that cleaning them on a monthly TO DO list is slim. That’s why it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid facing a larger, messier, moldy problem later on! But cleaning out the attic? It’s such a big task!

Have no fear, Mr. Junk is here! We will quickly and easily remove your attic clutter, giving you a streamlined space for optimal storage. The more organized, open, and ventilated your attic, the less likely it is to collect mold spores, and the healthier you and your family will be. From general waste and old clothes to unused appliances and furniture, if it’s taking up space in your attic, we’ll haul it out! Choosing Mr. Junk junk removal will ensure you are getting the best service for the best price. And since we genuinely care about our customers, you know we will work hard to make sure you are satisfied.

Let Mr. Junk clean out your attic and give you peace of mind all at once.

 

From Clunker to Cash: Recycling Your Junk Car

junk car removalIt’s happened again.
You’re late for work because your piece of junk car puttered out on you once again. Now you’re stuck on the side of the highway, probably swearing at your less-than-reliable ride, and you’re making a vow to FINALLY kick it to the curb (pun intended) and upgrade to something that won’t leave you high and dry. Done. Decision made. But now what do you do with your old clunker?

RECYCLE IT!

I know it sounds a little strange to have cars and recycling in the same sentence. Shouldn’t we be talking about plastic bottles and cardboard boxes instead? The truth is, around 98% of your old car can be recycled. Hard to believe, right? Take a step back and look at all the possibilities within that old car. The metal can be melted down and reused, as can the glass and plastic. Rubber from the tires can be reused. Liquids in the engine can be neutralized and reused. See what I mean, just about everything! To give you an idea of what type of an impact that has, consider this: every year the scrap industry processes around 145 MILLION tons of recyclable material into raw materials. These raw materials are then used for industrial manufacturing. So in a sense, by recycling your old car could be helping someone else buy a new one! Nearly 100% of cars manufactured around the world are, in some part, made of recycled material, and if that isn’t impressive enough, the scrap industry contributes over $65 BILLION to the US economy.

I’d say that’s enough of a reason to say YES to recycling. But if you’re still not convinced, know that the average person receives between $150 and $500. Now you’re definitely interested.

So, if you’re car has kicked the gas-guzzling bucket, you can count on Mr. Junk for your junk removal needs. We proudly provide all types of junk pickup in Woodstock, Canton, Roswell, Kennesaw, Marietta, and Acworth Georgia. No one in the metro Atlanta area will take care of you and your JUNK like us. We are fast, we are hassle-free, and above all else we are 100% about YOU, the customer.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Homemade Cleaners for Sparkling Homes

After clearing out all your unwanted junk, there’s nothing better than giving the place it once resided a deep clean. In fact, there’s nothing better than stepping back to admire a spotless post-junk house! Actually, I take that back. There is something better.

Stepping back to admire a junk-free, spotlessly clean house that doesn’t smell of bleach and other harsh chemicals.

While every grocery store has shelves stocked with cleaners that pack a powerful punch, they also can leave you with some nasty after effects. Headaches from the fumes and bleach spots on clothes are bad enough, and I don’t even want to think about what would happen if a pet or small child got into them. Thankfully there are easy-to-make alternatives that will not only clean like the big boys but are also natural, inexpensive, and environmentally safe.

For an all-purpose cleaner, mix 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle. For most messes a simple spray and scrub will do the trick but for tough jobs, warm the mixture first. Spray on the designated area and let sit before scrubbing.

natural cleaner ingredientsAfter Mr. Junk removes one of your big appliances like an old refrigerator or oven, the floors are going to need a little TLC. Combine 1/4 cup dish soap, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 2 gallons of warm water in a large bucket or straight into the sink. (you can also substitute lemon juice for the vinegar). A mop and a little elbow grease and your floor will shine like new!

For sinks and bathtubs, create a paste with baking soda, a squirt of dish soap, and a squeeze of lemon. Scrub with a cloth or sponge or allow to sit for 10-15 minutes for some of your more angry messes.

I’d venture to guess that you have all of these ingredients in your pantry at this very moment! So after you have us haul away your unwanted furniture, appliances, and other waste, make your surfaces shine with these natural homemade recipes.

 

image from flickr.

Taking Baby Steps During A Big Move

Moving can be a stressful and life-altering time for a family, especially one with small children. While you might be eager to get things packed, hauled, and settled in to your new home, your little one might need some additional TLC for a smooth and tear-free transition. Since children two to five years old are creatures of habit a significant uprooting, especially one that will take them to a new school or even a new state, is like breaking the world’s biggest habit. At least in their eyes. Using these simple strategies may help with the transition as your munchkins say good-bye to the old house.

As you’re preparing to move, amidst the boxes and packing tape, take some time to ‘tour’ the inside and outside of your home. As you’re strolling down memory lane, encourage the kids to point out their favorite things about the house. Maybe spaghetti sauce stain on the kitchen rug will remind them of the impromptu food fight you had last summer. Or what about that corner of carpet behind the couch that the bunny chewed upon Thanksgiving morning. Bring a camera with you to take pictures of, well EVERYTHING!  It will come in handy later if and when the kids miss the old house. You can even make a good-bye scrapbook with pictures of the kids in different places around the house. Then use the scrapbook to find similarities between the old and new house as you settle in after the move. Oh look, this new house has holly bushes along the front porch too!

Kids have a tendency to feel anxiety over ‘unfinished’ projects so to avoid it, set aside a special time for your kids to say goodbye. Whether it’s hosting a neighborhood pot luck or scheduling a special playdate with their best friends, allowing your kids to take a defined moment to say goodbye will help them accept the big change. Once these good-byes have been made, create a fun story for the future of friends. Maybe encourage your kids by assuring them that their neighborhood friends will make sure the new owner takes good care of their favorite tire swing, just like they will take care of the new house that another family once loved.

Lastly, never forget at least one momento from the old house. Whether it’s a spare key, a patch of their bedroom wallpaper (both of which you can frame in a general location of the new house), or my personal favorite, a favorite plant or flower from the yard (to plant at the new house!), keeping a little piece of the old house will allow your little ones to transition gently into a new space.

 

 

Mean Green Organizing Machine

Making the decision to live a ‘greener’ life you have to constantly consider your carbon footprint with every project. From where you’ll buy your produce to what kind of car you’re going to buy and even how to style your home, it’s a big commitment claiming to ‘live green’. That being said, I’d like to offer a few tips on how to clean and organize your home while keeping up with your inner GREEN.

Let’s talk about one of the hardest working appliances in your home, your refrigerator. Take a look on the top of your frig. Along with a dust bunny hideaway it has probably become home to things like cereal boxes, cases of soda, or tubs or tupperware. Time to post an eviction notice! Pile ups can actually prevent heat from venting properly and will actually cause broom closeupyour refrigerator to use more energy. It’s also important to keep the back coils and bottom grill clear of dust and food particles to help reduce unnecessary energy usage.

Moving onto the bathroom. There is nothing more frustrating than getting to the end of the bar of soap and submitting to the decision to just buy a new bar instead of struggle to get any kind of lather out of unbelievably small pieces. You know you could manage a half a dozen more showers but it’s nearly impossible to handle such tiny pieces of soap. Next time, stuff those tiny pieces into your loofa. A little water and a a good scrub and you’ll get enough suds to make those small pieces last.

Finally, avoid buying expensive dusters and instead, cover broom bristles with an old pair of nylons. They are the perfect  material to trap dust and dirt, without just pushing things around like brooms often do. And the long handle on the broom makes it a breeze to get those cobwebs in the top corner of a room.

What are some other pieces of green advice you’d give to make your everyday living good for the environment?

 

 

 

Green Up Your Old Car

When it comes to ways to save the environment, many people often think about chucking their current car and purchasing a new hybrid car. That might seem like a good idea at first, but what happens to your current car? Did you know that there are ways to help make your older car more eco-friendly? Here are some great ways to make your car green from your friendly junk removal specialistsLine of old cars

  • Avoid trying to be Steve McQueen. Driving the speed limit saves a lot of gasoline. Not pounding on the accelerator immediately after a stoplight or stop sign will also help keep your mileage steady.
  • Use cruise control to give better gas mileage on the freeway. Setting your cruise control obviously helps maintain your speed, thus keeping you from getting a costly speeding ticket. (However, if you’re driving in a hilly area, turn your cruise control off to avoid high energy surges.)
  • Upgrade your car for better performance by switching to synthetic oils, high-flow air filters and new spark plugs. Some synthetic oils contain energy conserving compounds, and will say so on the label.
  • If you have to upgrade, consider buying a used car. While many newer models do get excellent gas mileage,  purchasing new products typically harms the environment due to the entire production process.
  • While it might be difficult during the sweltering Atlanta summers, try to turn off your A/C and roll down the windows. Air conditioning can drag down your car’s fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent!
  • Keeping your tires inflated increases gas mileage. Purchase a tire pressure gauge and keep it in your car to check the levels periodically.

If you’re due for a car upgrade and need help hauling off your old car or scrap metal and car parts, don’t hesitate to contact Mr Junk. We can provide quick, no-hassle removal of your old car, often within the same day!

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean Your Carpet

With busy families, the carpeting in a home can often take a beating. Small children, pets and daily wear and tear can lead to drips, spills and stains, and many parents don’t like the idea of a bunch of harsh cleaning chemicals embedded in their carpets for months or even years to come. Being an eco-friendly junk removal company, we’ve put together a list of ways to keep carpet stains under control without the questionable cleaning products. Photo of dirty carpets

  • All hail the vacuum – The first step in making sure your carpets are clean is to vacuum. Health hazards like dust, mold, pet dander and other allergens build up inside the carpet fibers and can pose long-term health risks. Try sprinkling some baking soda onto your carpets and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before you vacuum. (A great tip before company comes!)
  • Spot clean with a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Let it sit for several minutes before cleaning with a brush. Use a sponge with warm soapy water to tackle any remaining stain.
  • Sprinkle a little corn starch on fresh grease stains (think from bicycle tires or dirty work shoes) and let sit for up to 30 minutes. Then, vacuum it up.
  • Club soda works well on stains like coffee and red wine. Apply to the stain and wait a minute or two, then blot (don’t rub!) with a clean white cloth.
  • Rent a steam cleaner. Instead of filling the machine with the commercial cleaning solution, opt for vinegar. Using the solution of equal parts vinegar and water can lift stains, deodorize and disinfect your carpets.

Hopefully, one or all of these options can help solve your pesky carpet stain worries. If not and you’re considering ripping up your old carpet and replacing it, let Mr Junk help! We can haul away your old carpeting or area rugs and even recycle them when possible. To schedule an appointment for carpet removal, don’t hesitate to contact Mr Junk!

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

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.