five-star-review

Read What Our Clients Love About 123JUNK

Our goal is nothing less than a five-star review, and guess what…we’ve been getting lots of them! Homeowners and business owners throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland have been highly satisfied with the service they receive from 123JUNK. But don’t take our word for it… read what our clients love about 123JUNK!

Service was wonderful from start to finish

“Service was wonderful from start to finish. I really love their 1-2-3 Process. Any junk you want removed will either go to one of their many local donation partners or recycled as much as possible (reducing landfill waste). Remaining items that could not be donated and recycled get hauled away as safely and carefully as possible.”  — Kimberly J., Chantilly, VA

123JUNK is the best

“123JUNK is the best junk removal company/services. Everything was easily handled from initial contact to the actual pickup. The two gentlemen were on time (even early), professional, courteous and friendly. In addition to great service, the pricing can’t be eat. And it is always great to give a local business our business. I will definitely recommend 123JUNK.”  — Doug S., Gaithersburg, MD

I would definitely use them again

“We used 123JUNK for an office space clean-out of many cubes/office suites of furniture and miscellaneous items. They were on time, efficient, polite and so helpful. They even moved some other items for me once they were on site. Would definitely use them again for the other side of our office during our Phase 2 renovation.”  — Heather K.

I have referred them to my clients

“I have used 123JUNK for years and have referred them to my clients to help get houses ready for marketing, and/or to move furniture for staging. They are fantastic to work with. Just ask them if you have a specific charity you want to donate to, or if they can just take things away, and they will let you know what options work best. I’m happy to use them time and time again.”  — Dianne H.

We were so pleased with how responsive, professional and smooth everything was

“We used 123JUNK and we were so pleased with how responsive, professional and smooth everything was. I spoke to two individuals prior to our actual furniture pick-up date and they were both very helpful in explaining the pricing structure, what to expect the day of, and scheduling us in. I would definitely use 123JUNK again in the future due to the ease and their professionalism.”  — Jackie B., Lorton, VA

I’m a fan for life

“I’m a 123JUNK fan for life!” – Gretchen F., Falls Church, VA

I like their goal to reduce landfill waste

“I like that the items being picked up from home will be donated first to many local donation partners. If it can’t be donated, they take care to ensure that as many items are recycled as possible. I like their goal to reduce landfill waste. Thank you so much for all of your help. I’ve already recommended you to all of my family and friends!”  — Bernadeth T.

No surprise fees

“This is a very impressive business. They’re easy to work with, polite, careful with the house and furniture, prompt and up front about everything they do and don’t do. No surprise fees. I have used them twice and I would definitely use them again and refer them to friends.”  — Stephanie W.

I would use them again in a heartbeat

“It was a delight working with [123JUNK] and I would use them again in a heartbeat. Great company.”  — Kim D.

I needed a couple of strong backs

“123JUNK is amazing. I needed a couple of strong backs to move the contents of a 26-foot-long U-Haul truck into my house. They got the whole job done in 90 minutes and were as energetic in minute 89 as they were in minute 1. This was a great experience and I recommend 123JUNK for anyone needing junk removal or help loading (or unloading) a moving truck.”  — John M.

Our Clients Love 123JUNK–The Leading Choice for Junk Removal in NoVA, DC and MD

Although we really love to read your reviews and testimonials about our people, our services, our customer service and our commitment to the environment, we must remember to remain humble. We are only as good as our next job. We constantly train and strive towards excellence in everything we do, and we hope it shows. Our clients think so.

To schedule your junk removal in Maryland, Washington DC or Northern Virginia, please contact 123JUNK. And don’t forget to leave your own 5-star review! We’d like to read what you love about 123JUNK.

safety first

Safety First with Junk Removal

Around here, it’s always “safety first.” From the first moments on any appointment, safety is the number one priority for our clients, their property, and our team members.

Client Safety

Safety first always applies to the safety of our clients and their property. Our team members are trained in safety measures regarding lifting and transporting items to help our client avoid physical injury from doing it themselves. That’s why they call us here at 123JUNK! And although you may want to help us, there’s no need. It’s our job to clear away the junk you no longer want or need.  One of the reasons to call 123JUNK to help haul away a heavy load is to prevent injury to yourself, your family or friends. Since we’re trained in the proper procedures, let us do the heavy work for you.

We also pay attention to the safety of your home or office, and your belongings. We take great care to avoid damaging your walls and floors, paying especial attention to corners. We pad surfaces to avoid scratches and bumps. We also respect the items you are donating and take care to safely load and transport them to our donation partners where they can be re-introduced into the community

Team Safety from Physical Injury

The teams on our trucks are required to lift heavy objects, a task that could be hazardous to their physical safety if not done correctly. That’s where training in proper lifting techniques comes into play. We teach our team members to prepare for heavy loads, asking them to think about how best to lift and maneuver objects like pianos, sofas and refrigerators. We look ahead to the pathway to clear any obstacles, prepare for steps up or down, and talk about proper body position. Lifting, carrying, and even setting down a heavy load can tax the body in different ways. Working together with their teammates is the best way to avoid physical injury from heavy loads.

Safety First from Biohazards

Biohazards are any biological material that can cause a risk to human or animal health. Some of the biohazards we could potentially come into contact with at 123JUNK include blood and bodily fluids, human or animal waste, mold and fungus spores, and industrial chemicals. Biohazards can also include viruses, toxins or things like E.coli, HIV and tuberculosis.

If we encounter a biohazard that we are not equipped to deal with, we may refuse the job. The safety of our workers is too important to us to expose them. We may need to recommend another professional to handle the job of cleaning or clearing a home or items that present a biohazard.

Safety First from Infestations

Animal and insect infestations can post another safety threat for the 123JUNK team. In addition to the biohazards of animal waste and dead carcasses, insects like bedbugs can create an unsafe haul. We don’t want to carry insects back to our offices or team members’ homes, nor do we want to introduce them into client homes or our donation partners’ facilities. (Read our blog post on Bedbugs and Junk Hauling). There are proper ways to dispose of items exposed to infestations, and we may again refuse the pickup and recommend other professionals who can help with your particular issue.

Safety First from Hazardous Materials

There are certain items that we cannot take in a general junk haul; items that need to be handled individually to prevent biohazards. We don’t want these chemicals to spill into our trucks to contaminate other items, and potentially spill out onto roadways. Nor do we want to expose our team members to environmental hazards. Items like paint, kerosene, gasoline, fertilizer, pool chemicals, ammonia, bleach, antifreeze, mercury-containing fluorescent light bults, freon coolant and just some of the items we must avoid. 123JUNK is even prevented by law from hauling many hazardous materials. These items must be disposed of at appropriate waste collection stations. (Learn more in our blog post What’s on the Hazardous Materials List?)

Safety is something we’re not willing to take a risk with, and we apologize in advance to any customers for any inconvenience. It only happens rarely because we prepare our clients and our team members so well. We just want you to get the best service possible, with the safety of all in mind.

Ready to Schedule Junk Removal with 123JUNK?

When you’re ready to schedule your junk removal in Northern Virginia, Washington DC or Maryland, contact 123JUNK.

several men moving furniture outside an office

Preparing for the Hybrid Work Model & Decluttering Your Office

If you’re returning to the office and transitioning to a hybrid work model, decluttering your workspace is one of the most effective ways to prepare your team for success. COVID-19 sparked the potential for a hybrid work environment, causing employers to scramble to adopt new in-office and remote work routines. 123JUNK proudly works with Northern VA businesses by providing professional junk removal so their teams can work in an optimal environment. 

If you need assistance decluttering your workspace, allow 123JUNK to help! Using our 1-2-3 Process, we will be able to determine which items can be donated, recycled, or properly disposed of. We partner with local charities throughout the DC Metro area to donate gently used unwanted items to families in need. 

Below, we discuss hybrid work and how your business can easily adapt to the new changes.

What is Hybrid Work? 

Hybrid work is often described as a more flexible work schedule and environment with varying levels of remote work and in-office work. There are a number of hybrid work models that businesses are tailoring to ensure the highest level of productivity and work-life balance for their employees. Whichever type your team has agreed on, make sure that everyone is aware and prepared for the changes. 

4 Steps to Adopting a Hybrid Work Model

  1. Declutter
    As employers are still navigating the best way to implement hybrid work, many may find that their current office space needs to be decluttered and re-envisioned  to create a workspace that’s focused on safety.

    Our local junk removal team can help haul away any unwanted desks or items your company no longer needs. You can trust us to thoughtfully donate, recycle, or dispose of them so you can focus on preparing your team for their new work routine. 

    Figuring out where and how to get rid of your junk can be a time-consuming challenge, especially during an office transition. However, we make the entire process easy with fast pickup and thoughtful disposal services.
  1. Reorganize
    After decluttering your space, the next step is to decide how your hybrid workspace will operate, especially when your employees do come into the office. Consider collaborating with your team on determining what the best office layout will look like.

    Some companies may choose to start “hot-desking” or having shared workstations on a “first come, first served” basis. Others might opt for having a few teams to rotate their designated workstations in a more structured way to maintain productivity.

  2. Set Expectations
    It’s crucial to stay connected with your team. With a more flexible hybrid schedule, it might become a little challenging. Be sure to set expectations regarding new policies and procedures for in-office and remote work, team member schedules, meetings and more with your team upfront.

  3. Communicate
    It’s important to stay on the same page with your team on a daily basis so nothing falls through the cracks. Ensure your employees have everything they need to get their tasks done—whether they’re in the office or at home.

    Also, have one primary mode of communication where employees can check updates frequently. Some companies have daily meetings as well as shared access to necessary files to prevent lack of communication or miscommunication. 
Northern VA Junk Removal Service

Returning to a Hybrid Work Model? Let 123JUNK in Northern VA Haul Away Your Junk

When it comes to organizing a hybrid workspace, you may feel overwhelmed not knowing where to start. With the world constantly changing, 123JUNK is here to help you feel more grounded with our professional junk removal services. We are passionate about helping residents and businesses throughout Northern Virginia thrive in healthy, clutter-free spaces by providing thoughtful junk removal services. No matter what you need to haul away, we can take care of it for you.

Clear out your junk today! Call our junk removal team at (800) 364-5778 to schedule a junk removal pickup or receive a quote.

two men moving a couch with three men seated on it

A First-Hand Look into 123JUNK Experiences

Working in the waste management industry is full of surprises—some more memorable than others. And while at first glance, a junk removal company may seem similar to the usual garbage collection and disposal workers that visit your neighborhood once a week, we have a much more thoughtful process. 

123JUNK is Washington DC’s leading junk removal company that is on a mission to donate, recycle, and properly dispose of unwanted, gently used items. While implementing this 1-2-3 process, our team of experts have encountered a variety of unique experiences while out in the field. Take a look at their personal experiences below!

The House with 10,000 Records

On my first day, I was on the trucks with Timmy, and we had finished up all of our appointments, but another team’s job took longer than expected and they were going to miss the window for their last appointment. So we get assigned to the house with 10,000 records. The job was far away, but we still went to make sure the customer’s expectations were met. 

It was an exhausting, awesome, and eye-opening experience. The client was even fine with us taking some records, but most of them were donated to a local record store. I also got a better grasp of the team mentality at 123JUNK. It really showed that no matter how your day has gone this company and its team has a mentality of always helping and going the extra mile.

– JJ Pedder, Customer Success Representative

Clearing Out A Legendary Boxer’s Home

My most memorable moment so far is probably when I got to go to the legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard’s old house. We were just clearing out some old furniture and kids’ toys when I got to see his boxing room. It had a giant, full wall mirror, a punching bag, a speed bag, and an autographed poster. I was definitely starstruck. 

– TJ Spencer, Customer Success Representative

A Successful Hot Tub Takedown

One of our client representative managers was asked by a client if we could take apart a hot tub attached to an above-ground pool. Take a standard hot tub, and then put another one next to it, and another one next to that. It was essentially all one big piece. When we got there around 11 o’clock in the morning, we were working there for most of the day, having multiple people working saws to cut it up. It’s one of the more memorable success projects that we have had. 

– Paul Atherton, Fleet Dispatch Manager

Local Junk Removal in Washington DC

Join Our Junk Removal Team in Washington DC!

As a locally-owned and operated junk removal company in the Northern VA, MD, and DC area, we are proud to help our community grow through proper waste management support and partnerships with local businesses and charities. Our passionate junk removal team continues to work hard for our customers, keeping them satisfied with the highest quality of service possible. If the above stories piqued your interest, consider learning more about joining our team! Contact our junk removal team today at (800) 362-5778 or fill out our form to schedule a service.

local junk removal in Washington DC Metro area

Moving Soon? What To Do With Your Old Junk

With moving season already underway, you may be overwhelmed with the amount of stuff you have accumulated over the years. But don’t worry, 123JUNK in the Washington DC Metro area is available to help you streamline your move to ensure it’s more enjoyable and less stressful! For years, we have remained committed to thoughtful junk removal and proudly continue our 1-2-3 Process of donating, recycling, and disposing of unwanted items. 

Below we discuss a few tips to help make your decluttering process during your move simple.

5 Tips for Getting Rid of Junk During Your Move

Junk Removal Company in Washington DC
  1. Pack personal items and important documents. Oftentimes when you are planning to sell your home, your realtor will tell you to declutter. Pack your valuable items first and be mindful of what items are truly valuable—legal documents and items that carry sentimental value. 

  2. Separate your items into three categories: Keep, Toss, and Donate. While you could take items in the Donate category to your local donation center, keep in mind that they may not take everything you’re offering. Allow our team to help you save time and effort, and we’ll ensure your items are donated properly.?

  3. For sofas and mattresses, have our team haul it away for you. We protect your home and prevent you from throwing out your back! If your furniture or mattress is still in good condition, we will ensure that we utilize every avenue to donate it to one of our local charity partners.

  4. Ask your friends and family if they would like your items. As this may take some effort on your end, giving away your items to those you trust will help give you peace of mind knowing that they will be put to good use.

  5. If you’re trying to get rid of your moving boxes, try recycling them! However, remember that not all cardboard boxes are recyclable. We understand discarding all your moving boxes takes a lot of effort, but you can trust us to haul it away and deliver it to its respective waste management site. Learn more about recycling cardboard boxes.

  6. Hire our professional junk removal experts. We’ve been in the industry for years and have built an extensive charity partner network that will help us rehome your unwanted items that are still in good condition. We also keep up-to-date with the waste management protocols for Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC to ensure all items are discarded appropriately. We’ll be happy to help you save time, which will allow you to focus on other aspects of your move that are just as important. 

Choose Thoughtful Junk Removal Services in Washington DC Metro Area

Supporting your efforts to get rid of your junk in a responsible manner is our job! Being a local junk removal business in the Washington DC Metro area has allowed us to continue working with other local businesses and growing our community for the better. Our team is ready to help you with unique junk removal solutions that suit your business needs. If you need assistance with your move, we would be happy to refer you to one of our professional organizer partners as well.


Looking for expert junk removal services? Call our junk hauling team at 1-800-364-5778 today!

Goodwill-store

What Goodwill Won’t Take

When many people think of getting rid of junk or excess items, they think of donating it to Goodwill. But did you know that there are many items that can’t be accepted there? So what is it Goodwill won’t take? (But we will!)

Broken or Stained Items

Goodwill and other thrift stores count on selling your donated items to raise money for their causes. They cannot sell items that are broken, damaged, soiled or missing parts.

Mattresses and Bedding

Goodwill cannot accept bedding items such as mattresses, box springs, pillows, hospital beds and waterbeds due to sanitation and safety concerns.

Large Appliances

Small appliances like a working toaster or coffeemaker are accepted, but large appliances like a refrigerator, stove, freezer, trash compactor, washer, dryer, dishwasher or hot water heater cannot be taken to Goodwill.

CRT TVs

Want to get rid of your old CRT television? Goodwill won’t take that either. Only flat screen televisions (digital) are accepted for resale.

Items Covered With Animal Hair

When you own a dog or cat, you’re bound to have animal hair on your furniture. But according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Goodwill and other thrift stores can’t accept upholstered chairs, sofas or other items where animal hair is present.

Moldy or Mildewed Items

Moldy, mildewed, wet or damp items are a health hazard and cannot be accepted due to the fact that these mold spores may spread to other items.

Recalled Items

It is illegal for stores to sell any item that has been recalled, states the CPSC under Section 19 of the Consumer Product Safety Act. “If a product is hazardous, does not comply with standards, or has been recalled, the product should be destroyed and not sold or given away to others.” Some items used in nurseries, including cribs and bassinets, for example, have caused deaths and have numerous recalls. When it doubt, toss it out.

Related: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Resellers Guide to Selling Safer Products

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials that cannot be accepted include chemicals, solvents, fuels, oil or acids.

Overly Large Items

Do you want to get rid of a swingset, exercise equipment, large furniture, swimming pool or hot tub. Guess what…Goodwill won’t take those either. Their stores are limited in size and extra-large items just won’t fit!

Building Materials

We know you hate to throw out perfectly good building materials like windows, doors, sinks, tubs and window blinds. But there are charities like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores that would love those items.

Miscellaneous Items Goodwill Won’t Take

  • Bean bag chairs
  • Sleeper sofas
  • Firearms and fireworks
  • Food and beverages
  • Cosmetics
  • Hair products
  • Auto parts including tires, wheels, batteries, and chemicals
  • Cribs with dropdown sides

What Do You Do With Items Goodwill Won’t Take? Call 123JUNK.

The best course of action for items that Goodwill and other thrift stores cannot or will not take is to call 123JUNK. With plenty of trucks covering our local communities in Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC, we can take all of these items off your hands (except for hazardous materials…we’re not allowed either).

We’ll Donate

When you dispose of items that are accepted and perfectly usable, we’ll take them to donation sites we’ve arranged with our charitable partners. They, in turn, can supply them to needy families or sell them in their resale stores to raise money. We’ll provide you with a receipt for your tax deduction purposes!

We’ll Recycle

All items we pick up are sorted into Donate-Recycle-Dispose piles and disposed of accordingly. For electronics, metals and other recycle items, we’ll take them to the area recycling centers for proper processing.

We’ll Dispose

Any items that are not donate-able or recyclable are then disposed of at the area landfills.

Contact 123JUNK Today

When you need to get rid of items that Goodwill won’t take, contact 123JUNK.

local-junk-removal

Why It’s Important to Support a Local Junk Removal Business

The year 2020 taught us many lessons. One of the most important lessons was that without your local support, your local businesses won’t survive. Here’s why supporting your local junk removal business is so important.

Local Businesses Create Jobs

Small businesses create approximately 1.9 million jobs annually, according to the Small Business Administration, and they account for almost all the net new job creation. In addition, small businesses—those with fewer than 500 employees—comprise 99.9% of all the companies in the United States, and employ about half of all U.S. employees.

Related: How Many Small Business are in the U.S.

Local Businesses Support Your Neighborhoods

On average, 67 cents of every dollar you spend at a local small business stays in the local community. In addition, the small business reinvests 23 cents of each dollar into other local businesses, reports SCORE.

Local Business Owners Support Your Community

Local businesses are run by people who live in your community, and help to make impactful decisions concerning your community. Their influence has a direct effect on your quality of life.

You Receive Personal Service

Local business owners are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. We have to in order to compete with the national brands. Because we know and understand our local customers, we can tailor our services to what they want and need. For example, at 123JUNK, we actually pick up the phone and talk to customers rather than have them go through an automated process. It’s those little touches that make us different and provide you with a better overall experience.

You Support Entrepreneurship

It’s the entrepreneurs who fuel innovation and the economy. Our owner started in 2008 at age 23 by buying a small landscaping truck to help people move items they no longer wanted to keep. Today, 123JUNK employs dozens of people and maintains a sizeable fleet of trucks—some of the largest in the industry!

123JUNK Supports Your Local Charities

We have developed charity partners including Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, Passion for Community and A Wider Circle who rely on our donations to fund their programs. When you schedule a pickup from 123JUNK, we’ll sort through your items for things to donate, like household goods and furniture. People enjoy helping others, and you’ll get a real feeling of connection by helping to make the world a better place with your donations.

123JUNK is a Local Junk Removal Business

We sometimes hear that our clients are surprised when they find out 123JUNK is locally owned and operated. They think we’re much larger than we are. No, in fact, we’re a small business covering just Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. We worked hard during the pandemic to make sure that we kept our employees working and our customers satisfied, and your support helped us to survive.

For Local Junk Removal in VA, MD and DC, Contact 123JUNK

We make it a point to serve and support our clients and communities where we live. When you need local junk removal, appliance or furniture removal, or cleanout services, contact 123JUNK.

123JUNK's professional development group for junk removal Virginia team

Getting Schooled at 123JUNK’s “JUNK-U”

At 123JUNK, our leadership team is committed to helping our employees grow to their full potential. We started our own “university,” JUNK-U, first as a book club for all staff. We then expanded it to include a new professional development program focused on the growth of our fleet team. We’re very excited to continue to explore how to best serve our junk removal team members by adding courses and creating advancement opportunities for our employees. Below, we discuss JUNK-U with our very own Chief Operating Officer, Mallard “Mal” Owen, Ph.D.

  1. How did the Professional Development Program at 123JUNK start?
    I have a real passion for staff development and building the right kind of culture. We took five of our truck leads and asked if they were interested in spending 90 minutes on a Sunday night for 12 weeks to work on becoming a better employee and leader. We called it Professional Growth 101. We’re hoping that the time they’re investing is going to be helpful for their careers, whether they stay with 123JUNK or not.

  2. What’s your role in the program?
    I’m functioning as our first trainer, facilitator, coach, and mentor for JUNK-U. From my sports coaching, university teaching, and certified executive coaching experiences, I believe I’ve developed strong skills in the realm of performance management and leadership development. Helping others become great coaches of their direct reports is one of the most impactful ways I can help our company build a great culture with great managers. I am so excited to work together with these guys – and see them get excited as they make changes in their behaviors and see their performance improve. You can feel their excitement as they focus on things beyond ‘how well can I carry a couch down from the second floor and get it into the truck.’

    There’s only so much technical skill they can develop. Collin and I are committed to creating a positive, proactive learning environment where team members understand what success looks like as a top performer within our company.

  3. Can you give an example of how employees grow throughout the program?
    After a session where we discussed the importance of “building connections” to being a trusted employee/leader, one of our “students” took the initiative to discover YouTube videos dealing with the topic. He was amazed at one person he found who was very skilled in connecting with the people he interviewed. He was so taken by this person’s ability to connect with others that he viewed many of his videos and then tried to engage his colleague in the same way.

    As he was working on the trucks, instead of listening to music and bopping along to it, he chose to engage with his coworker through conversation—trying to build a better connection. In our next session, he was literally glowing with excitement as he shared his success in how much better he felt working with his coworker. It was a wonderful experience to introduce him to something that would create his own path for self-growth.

  4. What do you see as the long-term goals for the program?
    With all that we are working on at 123JUNK, I think my first focus has been to just get this program started.  Seeing the reaction to the program so far, I know we are on the right path with JUNK-U. I’m already envisioning an advanced course for some and also imagining how we might include onboarding courses for new 123JUNK employees. The number and variety of courses will be driven by how quickly we grow and how we can best attract and retain the best talent. I certainly can’t be the only facilitator for what I envision, so it will be interesting to see how we leverage other resources to meet the development needs of our staff.

    People need to have a deeper and richer understanding of the role they play in the workplace and the role they play in their own development. While our JUNK-U is just getting started, its launch speaks to our culture and vision for our company.

  5. What have been your takeaways from this program so far?
    I hold on to the belief that employees really do want to do their best at work. We would all rather be praised for a job well done than be admonished for underperforming. Compensation is very important, but it isn’t the primary motivator for people staying with an organization. Are you growing? Are you being developed? Do you feel like your capabilities are expanding? Are you being acknowledged for your successes while being given the chance to grow from your mistakes?

    That’s what people are really hungry for in the workplace. It’s like people want to be loved. What can we do to have an impact on these young people’s lives? You want to walk into your company and genuinely feel appreciated and know that your company, your supervisor, wants to help you grow and succeed. And what can we do together to support our customers and have a positive impact on their lives?

Grow with us at 123JUNK in Northern VA, MD, and Washington DC!

No matter what you are looking for, you can be sure to learn a lot at our local junk removal company. Our unique team is composed of exceptionally hardworking and enthusiastic individuals that truly enjoy growing together. Whether they are helping residents haul away their junk or participating in our professional development group, they strive to become better each and every day. 

Interested in joining our team? Check out our current openings or contact us at 800-364-5778 to learn more!

Stefani Arnold from Belfort Furniture

Meet Our Partner – Stefani Arnold, Design Manager at Belfort Furniture

Helping our community stay comfortable and making the decluttering process easier is a top priority for our team. We have been partnering with a locally owned and family-operated business, Belfort Furniture. Our team has been hauling away unwanted furniture from their customers’ homes and making way for new furniture from Belfort. We are delighted to introduce to you their Design Manager, Stefani Arnold. Let’s learn more about Stefani and Belfort Furniture below!

hauling away furniture at Virginia home

Can you tell us about yourself and your role at Belfort Furniture?

I’ve been at Belfort Furniture for a little over 20 years now. I started as a part-time sales person, beginning with consultations at clients’ homes 19 years ago. I loved doing in-home design and, after a couple of years, I became a full-time senior designer. I took referrals from the sales team and furnished client’s homes. And about 10 years ago, I got promoted to Department Manager of the Design Department.

How did you end up partnering with 123JUNK?

They actually approached us a couple of times. When I met them, I thought we would be a perfect match. Oftentimes when clients are deciding on furniture they say, “I have to go home and think about it. I have to figure out how to get rid of my used furniture.” Then I tell them to call 123JUNK and they will take care of it!

Over the years, I used to tell clients that they could donate their old furniture to Salvation Army or local thrift stores, but a lot of those places are very picky and won’t take your items. Everyone really loves having 123JUNK donate or dispose of their unwanted items so our team at Belfort Furniture can bring in the new furniture.

Can you tell us about a memorable moment with 123JUNK?

I’ve actually hired them once and was blown away with the team that came to my house. They were very professional and clean-cut. And I honestly didn’t expect to see such clean-cut guys coming to take my old junk out of my house.

It was really surprising and, not to mention, impressive seeing them come in with their uniforms ready to haul away my furniture. It also made me feel better recommending a company that I’ve personally used.

furniture hauling at Northern Virginia home

What are your favorite aspects of working in the furniture and home design industry and connecting with people in the way that you do?

It’s really rewarding to create an environment where a person can return home and fully relax and enjoy their living spaces. And the best part is that every day is a new scene. Every time I meet a new client, it’s a whole new chapter and a whole new story.

I’m also fortunate to work with a really great team of talented individuals. I speak for everyone at Belfort Furniture when I say we work for a truly great company. They are very generous, charitable, and they care about their employees. That’s why there are so many people, including me, who have been here for over 10 years. We all joke about how we’re growing old together!

In the past, I’ve worked for corporations where you’re just a number. But here, the owner knows you and knows your kids’ names. We know him and his wife very well. And they also own Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia.

New Virginia Home Furniture from Belfort Furniture

Do you have any quick home design or home improvement advice for people attempting to update their living spaces?

One of my favorite mottos is the more fabrics and textures in a room, the better. Without them, your room designs seem boring. Also, don’t forget about window treatments. And if you’re going furniture shopping, always bring the measurements of your room. On a regular basis, we find ourselves trying to help clients figure out the measurements of their rooms because they don’t know. It can be done if they do a good job describing what they have, but it’s never really exact dimensions.

We also have our in-home design service where we will come and measure a customer’s space. We also offer presentations where everything is spec’d out for them, fabrics, wood pieces, mugs, accessories and more. 

Due to COVID-19, there’s a shortage in select fabrics, and upholstery is taking up to six months to be delivered. We’re lucky at Belfort Furniture because we have a wide range of stock in our inventory that we can deliver immediately. You just can’t customize it as quickly these days, but you can still shop our in-stock inventory!

How can people reach out to you or learn more about Belfort Furniture?

Customers can go to our website or call us to request a design appointment. When COVID-19 happened, we also began offering virtual appointments as well. Shop our in-stock furniture or contact the Belfort Furniture team today!

123JUNK Partner Feature on Amy Javaid from A Wider Circle in Silver Spring, Maryland

Meet Our Partner – Amy Javaid, Interim President & CEO at A Wider Circle

As the 123JUNK team is dedicated to serving our community, we are also committed to partnering with local organizations that are on a mission to help those in need. We are happy to introduce this month’s partner: A Wider Circle. A Wider Circle is a non-profit organization based in Silver Spring, MD, that is on a mission to end poverty by helping marginalized communities find stable homes, providing workforce development, and revitalizing neighborhoods. Let’s get to know their Interim President and CEO, Amy Javaid.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at A Wider Circle?

My name is Amy Javaid. I’ve been here for over four years, but I have been involved with the organization for nearly a decade. I was just so drawn in by the work that when a part-time Workforce Development Department job opportunity arose, I took it wholeheartedly. I really enjoyed connecting with clients and job seekers, understanding their different paths, and supporting them on their journey. 

Over time, I wore multiple hats. Now, as Interim President and CEO, I am honored to take the organization through a major transition period.

Why did you choose this field of work?

I’ve always worked with nonprofits and marginalized communities. I spent the majority of my career working with nonprofits overseas that specialized in a variety of social service work related to education, underserved communities, maternal and child health, and more.

After having a family and spending some time being a mom – which is its own community and very important work – I started out doing more, but I really wanted to do it domestically. 

It became this nice next chapter in being part of A Wider Circle, but it was also such a great complement to the work that I had already done.

Non-profit organization discussion with A Wider Circle

What are your favorite aspects of working at a non-profit organization? 

One of my favorite things is the passion those around me bring to work. I tell the staff they are what gets me up in the morning. They are also what keeps me up at night but mostly because I want us to succeed as a team.

People are drawn to this common sense of purpose. When you work in a large corporation, there are a lot of drivers that get you in that door, but when you work for a non-profit that is mission-driven, it’s really the mission that brings you in the door and binds you as a unit.

Do you remember how you ended up partnering with 123JUNK? 

As an organization committed to poverty eradication, it is really important for us to recognize that we can’t do it alone. We can be a key driver in that equation, but eradicating poverty and supporting all of our neighbors in need requires all of us. 

123JUNK has been involved in our Essential Support Program, providing trucks for collecting donations and pickups. They have been advocates and ambassadors to their clients about our work and active on our young professionals board. 

Our partnership is such a perfect example of the many different ways that organizations, corporations, and public sector officials can engage. It doesn’t need to be one and done or just writing a check. Engagement is equally important–it’s the time, talent, and treasure. 

Can you tell us about a memorable moment with 123JUNK?

As a business, moving things from point A to point B, collecting and hauling–it is a core part of our business too. The fact that we are able to collaborate and move or collect items from clients who otherwise might throw them away and get them to us so that our families can utilize them is a large concept to wrap your mind around. One empty apartment can suddenly be full with all of the items you need to make it feel like home. It takes many hands and great commitment. 

123JUNK has really been instrumental in recognizing that value and understanding how important serving those in need is. They help us make the seemingly impossible possible.

What advice would you give to others looking to support the community during such an uncertain time?

There’s various ways people can contribute, but often the concept of poverty eradication seems so overwhelming but it is possible. Shift your mindset; realize that everybody has a value in that equation and more can be accomplished.

Amy Javaid leading a discussion for A Wider Circle

How can others reach out to support A Wider Circle? Do you have any events coming up?

During last year’s lockdown, we were supposed to have a 5K, and we shifted it to a virtual event. It was the first virtual event and we were honored to have over 1,100 participants. We are happy to announce that we are doing it again this year!

The Virtual Race to End Poverty is a month-long series of activities that kicks off Saturday, April 3rd and concludes with a virtual 5K on Saturday, May 1st. When you register, you will have access to weekly workouts, cooking and nutrition workshops, yoga and meditation, and more. Anyone can log in, especially for those who want to time their run or walk, so we would love for people to participate. 

Learn more about A Wider Circle and how you can help by volunteering, donating items, and funding their programs.