Category: Uncategorized

Out With Outdated Furniture Décor Trends

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

No doubt, you were probably excited about the furniture you purchased way back when. Especially if it was included in one of the latest design trends. Now that we’re in a new century, that furniture may be looking a little dated, so it’s out with the outdated furniture décor trends and in with the new.

Design trends change constantly, and choosing one that will stand the test of time can be challenging. Remember shag carpets, wallpaper borders and tiled countertops? Once they were all the rage! So were the items of furniture you couldn’t live without that now you should.

Outdated Furniture Décor Trends

Some of the most common pieces of furniture that are now considered outdated include:

  • Oversized entertainment centers. With the popularity of flat-screen TVs and streaming services, large entertainment centers that were designed to hold tube televisions and other electronics are no longer needed.
  • Bulky sectional sofas. While some families still enjoy the comfort of a large sectional sofa, your family may no longer need it. Besides, it takes up a lot of space and may be covered in an outdated fabric or color.
  • Heavy armoires. Once popular for storing clothing and linens, oversized armoires and difficult to design around with today’s modern décor styles.
  • Clunky coffee tables. A heavy, blocky coffee table can make a living room or den feel cluttered and outdated. Consider replacing it with a lighter, more streamlined option.
  • Traditional china cabinets. Because formal dining is less common, the need for fancy china and china cabinets has waned. If you have one taking up valuable space in your home, consider donating it.

outdated furniture decor trends

Other outdated décor trends include:

  • Heavy, ornate furniture with intricate details. This trend has given way to simpler, more streamlined designs.
  • Matching furniture sets, like a sofa and loveseat. Now is the time to infuse your eclectic and personal style!
  • Busy patterns. Today’s furniture design emphasizes a more understated and minimalistic look, with solid colors or subtle patterns.
  • Brass and gold accents. While metallic accents are still popular, brass and gold finishes have become outdated. Nowadays, furniture design features muted metals like brushed nickel, copper or matte black.

Related: 10 Interior Design Trends Going Away in 2022

Know the Difference Between Junk Furniture and Antiques

Just because your furniture is old doesn’t mean it is a valuable antique. There is a distinct difference. Junk furniture refers to furniture that is no longer functional, useful or in good condition. Or it can refer to furniture of low-quality materials, poor design or simply outdated.

On the other hand, antique furniture refers to furniture considered to be of historical or artistic significance. It is more than 100 years old, and made from high-quality materials with expert craftsmanship and unique design elements. It can be very valuable. Some common types of antique furniture include Victorian-era pieces, Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs, and mid-century modern.

It is important to note that not all old furniture is antique, neither is all furniture that is no longer functional or in good condition necessarily junk furniture. Many factors can influence the value and significance of a piece, including its age, style, design, materials and condition. If you’re unsure of a piece’s value, consult with an expert.

Let 123JUNK Relieve You of Your Outdated Furniture Décor Trends

One of the best ways to unload outdated furniture is to donate it. That way it can be used to fund some of your community’s charitable organizations. With 123JUNK’s 1-2-3 Process of Donate-Recycle-Dispose, we’ll gladly pick up furniture you no longer want or need and deliver it on your behalf to one of our charity partners. You’ll receive a receipt in return for your tax deductions and the good feeling that you’ve done your bit to help others.

Think of other items besides your furniture that needs to go. We’ll take that too! Household goods, clothing, electronics, yard tools—even your old appliances. We’ll divide out items for donation and those that can be recycled and deliver them to their appropriate destinations, and take whatever’s left over to the landfill.

Take the time to enjoy your uncluttered space and dream about the new décor trends that will soon fill it up! It’s fun getting new furniture!

Contact 123JUNK for Furniture Removal in DC, MD, NoVA

When you’re ready for your furniture removal, contact 123JUNK at 1-800-364-5778. We work with home and business owners throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and the Washington, DC metro area.

get-rid-of-sentimental-clutter

How Do I Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter?

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

Feeling sentimental about objects is real. There are many emotions surrounding them because they often hold personal memories and meaningful connections to people, places and events. When you try to let go of these items, you may feel an intense sense of loss, guilt or even grief—you are essentially releasing a part of your history. Unfortunately, without being able to cull items from your home, they can accumulate and create a cluttered situation. But with so much involved, how do you get rid of this sentimental clutter?

What is Sentimental Clutter?

Sentimental clutter refers to items that hold a special meaning or emotional connection. An item becomes sentimental when related to personal memories, experiences or significant events in your life. They bring back positive memories that makes them difficult to part with, even if they no longer serve a practical purpose in your life.

Over time, the accumulation of sentimental clutter can lead to disorganized and overwhelming living areas, making it difficult to find storage for them or navigate around them, and taking up valuable space. Your environment is no longer relaxing.

Some examples can include:

  • Childhood toys or games
  • Family heirlooms
  • Pictures and photo albums
  • Letters, cards and notes from loved ones
  • Mementos from travel and vacations
  • Arts and crafts made by children
  • Wedding and engagement rings
  • Clothing and accessories from special events
  • Awards and certificates

What Should I Keep?

The decision on what to keep depends on your personal preferences and the item’s emotional significance. Here are some guidelines on what to keep:

  • Items that bring you joy and have a strong emotional connection
  • Items with practical value like jewelry you wear regularly
  • Items with sentimental value to others such a gift from a loved one
  • Items with historical significance like old family photographs or letters that may be of interest to future generations

How to Remember Sentimental Items

It’s not necessarily the item itself, but the memories you want to preserve. To remember sentimental items you don’t want to keep, and hold on to them in different ways, try these ideas:

  • Take photographs before disposing of the items
  • Write a journal entry of your memories and associated thoughts, and make the journal the keepsake
  • Create a memory box for small items
  • Keep a digital record with scans or important documents or digital photographs
  • Share you stories with loved ones to keep the legacy alive
  • Repurpose items by turning them into something new, like making a quilt from old clothes or a piece of jewelry from broken pieces.

How Do I Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter?

What’s important is to evaluate the sentimental value of each item, and only keep those that hold real significance and bring joy. To help eliminate items, try these steps:

  • Separate items into categories such as sentimental value, practical value and emotional value.
  • Ask yourself if the item still holds sentimental value and brings joy to your life. If not, let it go.
  • Choose a course of action. Decide what you will do with each item: keep it, donate it, or toss it. Create bins for each category and place each item in its appropriate bin.
  • Store or display. For items you decide to keep, create dedicated storage or display areas to preserve them property and protect them from damage
  • Let go. Once you’ve made your decision to donate or toss, take action to let them go.

Related: 13 Tips on How to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter Without Feeling Guilty

A Junk Removal Company like 123JUNK Can Help You Release Sentimental Clutter

A junk removal company like 123JUNK provides a convenient and efficient solution for disposing of items you no longer need or want. Their services include:

  • Pick up/removal. Your junk removal company will come to your home and remove the items, saving you the time and energy of having to dispose of them yourself.
  • Respectful handling. At 123JUNK, we train our team members on courtesy and respect. They understand that getting rid of sentimental clutter is stressful, and that there are a lot of emotions involved. They know how to handle your objects carefully and respectfully to reduce the stress and emotional burden of letting them go.
  • Junk removal companies like 123JUNK also have a donation component, where perfectly-good items are delivered to local charity partners to be repurposed back into the community, or used to raise funds for charitable causes.
  • Based on an items suitability and usability, some items may be better off being recycled than donated or taken to the local landfill.
  • Peace of mind. Your junk removal service takes care of the entire process to ensure that your sentimental clutter is disposed of properly and ethically.

What’s most important is to be kind to yourself. Understand that handling sentimental items is emotional, but not disabling. Give yourself permission to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life, and don’t feel guilty.

123JUNK: The First Choice for Junk Removal in NoVa, MD and DC

If your home is located in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington DC, contact 123JUNK. You’ll love the fact that you talk with a live person when you call, and that all our team members are trained to be courteous and respectful. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

When you call, learn about our 1-2-3 process of Donate-Recycle-Dispose, and our flat fee, all-inclusive pricing. Call us today at 1-800-364-5778 to schedule your junk removal pickup.

9 Ways to Fake a Clean House

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

When talking about your home, do you often describe it as “lived in?” You’re comfortable with the overstuffed couch and the everyday clutter, and you don’t consider it dirty. But when unexpected guests arrive, do you find yourself making excuses like, “Oh, this week was so busy, I didn’t have time to pick up,” or “We don’t normally live like this.” Except that you do! If this sounds like you, you may like this post that includes these 9 ways to fake a clean house!

9 Ways to Fake a Clean House

Clear the Entry

The first rooms your guests step into are their first impression of your home. That’s where you should pay the most attention to living clutter-free. If this is a drop zone, place baskets or assign hooks or cubbies where family members can place their items neatly when they come in. Install cabinets or baskets with lids to hide clutter. Take a moment to sweep this area regularly and you won’t be so embarrassed to open the front door!

Have “Formal Rooms”

In Victorian times, the lady of the house would invite guests into her formal rooms, which were always kept up to standards for visitors. If your home has formal rooms, set up comfortable seating and usher your visitors into these areas and keep family areas private. That way it won’t matter if you are messy in your own areas. Always keep the guest bathroom clean as well.

Use Hiding Places

Remember when you were a kid and your mom asked you if you cleaned your room? You always said “Yes,” even though all you did was stuff everything into your closet and hoped she wouldn’t look there. Or you folded just the top layer of clothing in your drawer to give the illusion of neatness. Use these same tricks as an adult and stuff your clutter into drawers, closets and cabinets. (Even under the couch—temporarily.) Once the doors are closed (if they can close), your rooms look tidy and you feel like you have a clean house!

Set Up Zones

There’s a rule in business of “touch it once.” That means when you pick something up, don’t set it down anywhere—deal with it and place it where it is ultimately supposed to go. You can do this in your own house to give the illusion of neatness. Assign zones where items should be placed when you’re done using them. A toybox to hold toys. A basket to stack magazines and books. A rack to hold unread mail. Collections of items look tidier than having them randomly scattered on furniture, the floor and throughout the room.

Related: 20 Ways to Organize With Baskets

Use Cover-Ups

If your couch is covered with animal fur, or your kids have left stains on the chairs with their juice boxes, guests will have hesitation about sitting on them. Cover up these unsightly spots quickly with throws or furniture covers you keep on hand to quickly toss over these pieces of furniture.

Scoop and Run

When a friend calls and asks if they can drop by, grab the laundry basket and scoop everything that’s out of place into it for a really quick pick-up. Stash the basket in your bedroom out of sight. You can always sort through these things later to put them away where they belong.

Toss It

Is your home filled with papers, junk mail, wrappers, old magazines and other clutter? It may be time to get a big trash bag and toss out these extraneous items. There’s no need to collect things that are obviously junk.

Be Conscientious

Because we’re so busy with work, family and outside interests, we often drop and run, without noticing how clutter is building up. After a while, you don’t even see it. It only comes to light when you see it through a guest’s eyes. Set a habit of being conscientious about not cluttering your home and you’ll feel better about living in a clean house and having friends over.

Call 123JUNK

Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in your home? Let 123JUNK help. We’ll gladly remove excess or broken furniture and household items, paper, electronics, appliances, tools, toys and yard equipment—pretty much anything you’d like to get rid of.

With our 1-2-3 Process of of Donate-Recycle-Dispose, we’ll cull out anything we think is perfectly good and donate those items to one of our local charity partners who can use them to support a local family in need. For appliances, metals, paper and electronics, we’ll deliver what can be recycled to the local recycling center for safe disposal. Only then do we take the rest to the area landfill for disposal. It’s our part—and your part—of protecting our environment and our local community.

For Junk Removal in Northern VA, Maryland and Washington DC, Call 123JUNK Today

We know you’re busy, so we try to keep our process simple. Call us to speak to a live operator who can explain our process, give you a price, and set up your pickup appointment. Before we arrive, we’ll give you a courtesy call to let you know we’re on our way. And when we get there, show us what you’d like us to remove. We’ll take a moment to lay down protection on your floors and walls, if needed, and get straight to work. In no time, your home will feel tidy and you won’t have to fake a clean house. What a relief!

To learn more or to set your junk removal appointment, contact 123JUNK at 1-800-364-5778.

123JUNK-PG101-professional-development

To Grow Your Company, Develop Your Team!

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

Our goal at 123JUNK is to be more than the top junk removal company—it’s to be the preeminent service organization in our region. Our first company value – “culture of excellence” – drives us to becoming the quality-of-service standard to which other businesses aspire. To get there, we believe in providing our team members with personal and professional growth opportunities.

We train our team to look beyond comparing our performance to other junk hauling companies. Our customers are comparing us to every other service provider that comes into their homes—plumbers, electricians, and more. Homeowners make judgments every day about how they are treated by a service organization. They know what they expect, and they can be delighted or disappointed by either the service or the service technician—or both!

We’ve earned all our five-star reviews and loyal referral partners because we’ve helped our team think beyond the task—to be more conscious of how we are presenting ourselves and to constantly improve.

Our Most Important Customer: Our Employees

We are so grateful for all the loyal customers we have serviced throughout the years, and for all our referral partners who know our quality and refer us without hesitation. We understand that to achieve this level of success, we need a happy, loyal, and talented workforce. This why Mallard Owen, Chief Operating Office, often states that “123JUNK’s most important customers are its employees.” And this is where we try to excel by investing in the growth of our team members. We take time when we hire, as we look for enthusiasm, drive, and, most importantly, a desire to learn and grow. Even interviews for our fleet team include “auditions”—working interviews where candidates can experience first-hand the quality we strive to achieve in all our jobs.

“Our culture is one of a learning organization. We want to give our team members something beyond the technical training aspect of their work; something that would help them become better contributors no matter where they work,” said Owen. It’s why he started the company’s “JUNK-U,” the internal brand under which employee training and development programs fall.

Related: 5 Reasons to Invest in Employee Development Now

PG101: Professional Growth

The first formal program that Owen developed for JUNK-U was a course called Professional Growth 101 (PG101). In this program, employees go on a journey of self-discovery and focused improvement. They learn more about who they are, their strengths, and personal accountability. From these insights, they explore ways to perform better, strengthen their personal brand, and bring even better value to any employer.

PG101 is voluntary and runs once per week for 12 sessions. To ensure the full and focused commitment of participants, enrollment begins with three documents: 1) a syllabus and overview of the course goals and participant expectations, 2) a code of conduct—how participants are expected to engage and interact within the program, and 3) a review and acknowledgement of key components to being a trusted employee.

“We pay attention to our team members, give them insights on how to reflect on their work, and provide them with a broader perspective on how people view them in terms of their brand/performance,” Owen said. “After one team member took our PG101 course, he realized how much he didn’t think about how his performance could affect or influence others, or how his behavior might cause a certain reaction in someone else.”

The group is small, with usually fewer than 6 team members. Participants are encouraged to grow by looking at their current performance/behaviors, and then deciding what they need to adjust to get to the next level. Between each session, they commit to working on a specific growth area, and then report back to the group on their progress. They learn to open up about what they are working on, not only with fellow PG101 participants, but also with other colleagues with whom they work on a daily basis, recruiting them to help assist with their improvement. They learn from and support each other, and listen to concerns or stories an individual might have. The learnings come as much from their stories and feedback from other participants as it is about “book learning.”

“When you realize that what you do will have an impact on and potentially change the mindset and behaviors of people around you, you can have a major impact on their lives and the success of the company,” Owen described. “How do you make that sustainable within the company? You just continue to develop the team. Their new and improved behaviors will take hold and spread within the organization—and more good things will happen.”

“What surprised me were the ripple effects of the program. The content is so valuable that it has impacted the lives of employees outside of the workplace. In addition, we’ve brought elements of the PG101 curriculum into other aspects of our organization, like our interview process, employee onboarding, and corporate retreats. It helps reinforce the lessons learned.”

The collaboration among the team members has also grown since the program’s inception, with everyone jumping in to help others with their work and their attitude. This raises the whole team, and impacts how we can accommodate our clients and provide exceptional service. “We have a great brand, and we try to reinforce the concept that when you are conscientious about helping others, they’re appreciative—whether it’s another team member where you jumped in to help, or a client struggling with disposal of a loved one’s estate,” Owen said.

Experience the 123JUNK Difference Yourself

123JUNK is on the path to becoming the leading junk removal company in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC because of our commitment to personal and professional growth. We’re a local company that is investing in its team and its community so that you can count on a wonderful experience, from your first phone call with a live representative to a friendly and responsible junk pickup. (Read Our Story.)

We invite you to experience the 123JUNK difference yourself. Contact us at 1-800-364-5778 to inquire about pricing, set your pickup appointment, or join our team!

123JUNK Announces 2022 Team Awards

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

Every year, 123JUNK holds an in-house awards ceremony where team members are lauded, and sometimes teased, for their accomplishments throughout the year. Except for our Customer Choice Award, they are all nominated by their peers. Here are some of this year’s 123JUNK awards winners recognized at our December 2022 holiday party! Click on their names to read more about them!

 

The Big 3 Awards

Some of our most important achievements either impact ourselves, our team or our customers. Here are the winners of our Big 3 Awards:

Gets Better with Time Award: Nick Williams

One of our newer team members, Nick Williams, has shown immeasurable growth throughout his time here at 123JUNK, and was recognized by his peers for his dedication to improvement and his drive to move up the junk haulers ladder.

 

Personal Impact Award: Jesus Vializ

Jesus Vializ is one of our team players who thinks of others and always offers a hand. His positive attitude and team spirit elevates others and makes an impact on the team and the company.

Culture of Excellence Award: tie between Paul Atherton and JJ Pedder

At 123JUNK, we set standards for our service and behaviors that we call our Culture of Excellence. It is posted on our walls and we review it regularly in our team meetings. This year we had a tie between Paul Atherton and JJ Pedder for their dedication to upholding and promoting the high standards for which we are known and loved.

Other Awards Include:

Customer Choice Award: Kevin Wheeler

We ask our customers to name their favorite team member and this year they chose Kevin Wheeler as their winner. Kevin goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service in whatever capacity he is called to perform.

HA HA Funnyman Award: Jesus Vializ

It’s important to have fun on the job, and nobody makes us laugh more than Jesus Vializ. Whether he’s in the office or on the truck, you can count on him for a fun-filled day.

Speedy Gonzalez Award: Jeremiah Hankerson

Want the job done fast? Then call on Jeremiah Hankerson. No matter what we throw at him (not literally), he picks it up and runs with it. It could be a new skill or the speed with which he loads the truck. He’s definitely a go-getter and the winner of this award for his second year in a row!

Strongman Award: Nick Williams

Hauling junk isn’t for the weak…it sometimes takes strength of body and character to do the job well, and we recognize Nick Williams for his feats throughout 2022.

Jake the Junkman Award: Jesus Vializ

Jake is our mascot and the face of our company. And so is Jesus Vializ. We are proud that he represents 123JUNK in whatever capacity he does.

Knock Your Socks Off Award: Nick Williams

It’s no accident that Nick Williams was the winner of several awards this year. His work ethic simply knocked the socks off of all of us!

MVP Award (Most Valuable Packer): Paul Atherton

Have you ever tried to solve a block puzzle? That’s what it’s like trying to figure out how to load one of our 123JUNK trucks! We separate out items for donation, recycling and disposal in the order that they are to be delivered to the appropriate location. We need to load efficiently. And since we charge clients by the volume their stuff takes in our trucks, we want to be fair to them. Paul Atherton’s eye for packing earned him the award as our most valuable packer!

Salesperson Impact Player of the Year: JJ Pedder

JJ Pedder did a fabulous job explaining the value of 123JUNK to Realtors, companies, homeowners and anyone else who would listen, and helped us land numerous junk hauling jobs throughout the year. We certainly value his services! This is his second year in a row as winner of this award!

Related: Why team awards are important.

Congratulations to all our 123JUNK 2022 awards winners. We are proud of all our team members and look forward to seeing who will shine in 2023!

 

For Exceptional Junk Hauling in VA, DC or MD, Contact 123JUNK

If you’d like to experience 123JUNK’s award-winning junk hauling services, and are in the Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington DC area, contact us at 1-800-364-5778. We’re the fastest-growing junk hauling company in our region!

three boxes lined up next to each other

11 Items to Throw Out Right Now

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

Whether you live in a big house or a compact condo, there are probably items you no longer need or can use. So why are they still cluttering up your home? By clearing them out, you open up space in your life for other good things to enter. Here are 11 things you need to throw out right now.

Broken Items

If an item has been broken or damaged and you think that you will fix it one day, you probably won’t—like that chipped platter or table with a splintered leg. It will sit there taking up space and reminding you that you haven’t yet completed that task. Clear it out.

Mismatched Items

Be honest. Do you have a box with single socks without a mate? Or bowl lids without a bowl? Give these items a time limit and after several days or weeks without a match, toss them.

I-May-Need-This Items

Believe it or not, you may have hundreds of items around your house that you “might need someday” but haven’t touched in 20 years. If you think you will need an item within the next 6 months, keep it. Otherwise, out they go. If you do need it, it is easily bought.

Duplicate Items

Looking through your kitchen drawers, do you have six wooden spoons and four wire whisks. How many do you really need? Sift through your belongings to uncover duplicates and donate them to a local charity where people who have none can use them.

Items that Don’t Fit

Face it. You’ve been holding onto those Size 8 pants for years now, believing you will one day be able to fit into them again. Chances are, your body has changed. And so have the styles. Donate the clothes that are too small (or too big) and open the doors for getting new items when you reach your fitness goals. It will give you an incentive!

Items You Never Use, Or Never Will

How often have you taken home a freebie and tossed it into a drawer? How many pairs of shoes do you own that haven’t seen the light of day in years? How about stacks of books you haven’t gotten around to reading? These items are just taking up space—physically, visually and mentally. It’s time to recycle them to a better home!

Expired Items

You’d be surprised how many herbs, spices, medications, and other items with an expiration date are WAY past their prime. Some of these can become dangerous if ingested. Take an afternoon to sort out the past-due items and throw them out. Dispose of medications and drugs in the proper way. Don’t flush them down the toilet or put them into the trash can.

Craft Items from a Long-Abandoned Hobby

Does your spare room closet hold boxes of sewing materials, yarn, or scrapbooking supplies? When is the last time you crafted with them? If that hobby has gone by the wayside, so should the craft supplies.

Items from Another Life

Are you still storing items from childhood, a previous marriage, or your single life? Has your pet passed away, yet you still have its feeding dishes and bed? Are you now retired and no longer need a set of work clothes? It’s time to toss to make room in your life for the items that reflect your life right now.

Trash Items

If you’re like most people, you have piles of papers or receipts you’ve been meaning to shred, or junk mail or old newspapers and magazine you’ve intended to go through. Empty your wastebaskets and your space by throwing these items into the recycling bin or trash container.

Live Better With Less

Research shows that clutter is linked to higher levels of stress, and can even lead to overeating and weight gain. With less clutter, your home with be healthier and more beautiful. And you will have more time since you aren’t burdened by the emotional or physical labor of taking care of these items. Make it a habit to only purchase what you need at the moment and you’ll free up finances as well.

Throw Out Items the Easy Way with 123JUNK

Want an easy way to get rid of these must-toss items? If you’re in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington, DC, contact 123JUNK. Not only will be pick up and dispose of your castoffs, we’ll donate what can be reused and recycle things like metal and paper. It’s part of our 1-2-3 Process of Donate-Recycle-Dispose. It’s a win-win! You get to clear out your home and we get to help others like our charity partners succeed. We’ll even provide you with a receipt for your donations so you can claim the donation on your tax return!

Contact 123JUNK today to schedule your junk removal.

stress-free-mornings

How to Organize for Stress-Free Back to School Mornings

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

Now that the kids are back in school and many parents are returning to the office, mornings can be hectic. With everyone trying to eat breakfast, make lunches and gather their items for the day, there is little time left over. Wouldn’t it be great to organize everyone to create stress-free back to school mornings? That’s where systems and organization can be a big help.

Declutter

Having too many items around creates havoc when you’re rushing to get out the door. Declutter areas where you and your children are trying to get ready in the morning. Put away items to keep and toss items you no longer need or want. If you have a lot of items you’d like to get rid of, contact 123JUNK!

To prevent clutter from building up, create drop bins for trash and items that need to be put away. Create one bin for each person that they can take to their rooms at the end of each day.

Create a Command Center

Dedicate one space as your home’s Command Center, and outfit it with anything required for last-minute preparation. Stock it with a clock, pens and pencils, the weekly schedule, a calendar, paper pads, safety pins, Band-Aids, stapler, ruler, tape, erasers, and a parent’s inbox for important papers that need to be signed and returned.

Create Stress-Free Morning Zones

Create a zone for each person into which they can put items needed for the following day. It’s a great way to “grab and go” for a stress-free back to school morning routine. Install cubbies near the front door for bookbags and briefcases. Dedicate a section of the kitchen counter or island for lunch preparation. Place non-perishable lunch items into marked bins, and refrigerated items in one section of the appliance. Here’s how one mom does it.

Develop Stress-Free Routines and Schedules

A key to creating a stress-free morning is to not have to think about what to do. That’s where a routine comes in handy. Create a schedule for the kids of what time to get up, what grooming items to perform (making the bed, brushing teeth, combing hair, washing face, getting dressed, etc.), and what time to come to the table for breakfast. Keep in mind the ultimate schedule item of what time they must leave for school. Have clocks available in each area in order to keep track of time. For younger children, create a picture chart.

If the children are involved in making their own lunches, make a schedule for that too. Assign individual responsibilities, or take turns each week as lunch makers. If the children will be buying lunch at school, make sure they have their lunch money, or establish a school lunch account with the school.

Start the Night Before

Each evening, lay out the items that will be required for the next day. This can significantly help create a stress-free morning. Make sure homework, bookbags and jackets are in the cubbies. Lay out the outfit and shoes. Pack non-perishable items in lunch bags and lunch boxes. Get baths out of the way. And check the schedule and family calendar for any out-of-the-ordinary schedule changes.

123JUNK Loves Stress-Free Back to School Mornings

As a junk removal company, we are probably more aware than others of the chaos clutter can cause. We see it every day in our job. That’s one reason we transitioned to a paperless office! And we try to implement these tips into our own mornings to reduce stress and get our families out the door on time.

Our goal at 123JUNK is to provide home and business owners throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC with one trusted resource for junk removal. We also make it our mission to protect our environment with our 1-2-3 Process of Donate-Recycle-Dispose. Our clients love that too.

When you need junk hauling, contact 123JUNK and talk to a live representative.

 

Check out the recent Redfin article we were
featured in: Create a Clean and Organized Home
with These 22 Tips

It’s easy for homes to become disorganized and
full of clutter. Whether you have numerous
belongings or always seem to accumulate more,
it’s easy for it to become unmanageable. If so,
consider incorporating structure into your
cleaning routine. Creating simple habits will help
you avoid the clutter and mess that always
seems to accumulate at home. Once you begin
practicing these new habits, you’ll notice how
much easier it is to create a clean and organized
home.

Read the full article here: Create a Clean and
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Landfills Contribute to Global Warming

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

There are more than 1,250 landfills in the United States, primarily located in the Southern and Western states. And although the number of landfills has decreased significantly since the 1990s, landfills still contribute to global warming more that we would like.

“Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 14.5 percent of these emissions in 2020,
reports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “The methane emissions from landfills in 2020 were approximately equivalent to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from about 20.3 million passenger vehicles driven for one year, or the carbon dioxide emissions from nearly 11.9 million homes’ energy use for one year.”

Landfill Greenhouse Gases Lead to Global Warming

Greenhouse gases are perhaps the biggest environment threat posed by landfills and huge contributors to global warming and climate change. In the U.S., landfills are the 3rd largest source of methane emissions.

The methane gas that landfills produce is about 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and a threat to our climate. Their odors can permeate neighborhoods and the gases can produce birth defects, respiratory diseases, headaches, sleeping difficulties and irritation of the eyes, throat and nose for those living near landfills. Methane is also highly flammable and combustible, and can lead to landfill fires that destroy neighboring habitats and pollute the air.

Other Effects of Landfills

More than 254 million tons of waste are tossed into landfills each year. That’s about 4.4 pounds of trash per day per person. When trash is buried in a landfill, it is extremely slow to break down. In addition, pests are attracted, runoff poisons our soil and groundwater, and the land is destroyed for any future purpose. The effects can last for years—and generations.

Electronic waste is added can contain a long list of hazardous toxins including mercury, acids, lead, PVC and cadmium. Other dangerous toxins can come from fertilizers, expired products and pharmaceutical waste.

Related: Land of Waste: American Landfills and Waste Production

How Can You Help Landfills NOT Contribute to Global Warming?

Our mission at 123JUNK has become even more important as our planet is seeing the increased impacts of global warming, where fires, floods, droughts rage through communities, putting lives and futures at risk.

Because we know that landfills contribute to global warming, through our 1-2-3 Process of Donate-Recycle-Dispose, we pledge to keep as much of the items we pick up from your homes and offices out of our area landfills as possible. We separate out the perfectly-good items, or items you want to donate, and deliver them to our hand-picked charitable partners, who provide them to families in need or sell them in their donation centers to raise money for their causes. You don’t need to separate out the items you’ve identified for removal. We’ll do it for you.

After we’ve determined which items we can donate, we’ll divide out recyclable items like bundles of newspapers, books, wood, aluminum, plastics and electronics and deliver those items to the appropriate local recycling centers where their materials can be recycled into other products.

And only when we have exhausted all ways to repurpose your items do we deliver the remainder to the landfills.

Choose 123JUNK for Environmentally-Conscious Junk Removal in NoVA, MD and DC

You can do your bit to help negate global warming by contacting 123JUNK for your home or office junk removal. Donate furniture and household goods. Recycle electronics. And let us help keep landfills from contributing to global warming and climate changes.

Contact 123JUNK today at 1-800-364-5778 to learn more about our donation pickup and delivery services, or to schedule your pick in Northern VA, Washington DC, or Maryland.

woman assisting older woman

7 Tips For Clearing out Grandma’s Stuff

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

Life happens. And unfortunately, one of the realities of life is the loss of your parents and grandparents. It is a traumatic time filled with many decisions…including “what do we do with grandma’s stuff?” At 123JUNK, we’re here to help make at least that decision easier.

We understand, and are sympathetic to, the emotions that go along with the loss of a loved one, whether it be a parent, grandparent, or any other family member. It something nobody wants to go through, but it is an inevitability of life. That’s why we make sure that when you call, you speak to someone in person…every time. We don’t believe your call should go through an automated answering service.

Emotions not only surround the loss of the person, they emerge again when it’s time to deal with their belongings. And after a lifetime of raising a family, a house can be filled. Having a good way to clean out grandma’s stuff is essential. Here are some tips that can help you navigate that process.

7 Tips for Clearing out Grandma’s Stuff

 

Look for Legal and Financial Documents

Find and preserve any papers or documents that relate to legal, financial or insurance matters. Look in filing cabinets, the office, drawers, and even hidden places. Put these in a safe place where they won’t get tossed out.

Preserve Photographs and Memorabilia

Photographs and items with special memories can’t be replaced. Pack these items up separately and remove them from the sorting areas. Keep them for yourself, or divide these items up among family members as cherished keepsakes. If you no longer want to keep the memorabilia later, you can always take digital photographs and donate the items.

Ask for Help

Going through grandma’s stuff on your own is a huge and stressful tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. They’re probably looking for ways to help you navigate through the grief and will be glad to lend a hand. Assign them limited-time shifts to prevent burnout, and remember to take it easy yourself. Emotions will be on high alert.

Sort into Piles

Create a sorting system, and place items into piles marked “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Toss.” For larger items like furniture, use color-coded tags. If items are designated for specific family members, attach a name tag to them and place them aside.

Related: 21 Useful Tips for Cleaning Out Your Elderly Parent’s House

Go Through Everything

People tend to hide valuables in safe spaces, so as you are sorting, open every drawer and box, and check through clothing pockets. Be careful not to get bogged down or stalled in the memories. Keep to the task of sorting and clearing out. You can always set items or boxes aside and go through them later if you need to. A professional organizer can assist you with the overwhelming task of going through everything while keeping on task.

Get Appraisals

If grandma’s stuff includes high-value items like jewelry or artwork that you’d like to sell, hire an appraiser to give you an estimate of its value.

Contact 123JUNK to Donate, Recycle or Dispose of Grandma’s Stuff

From your first call to 123JUNK, you’ll notice is our exemplary customer service. Since everyone’s stuff has memories attached—including grandma’s stuff—we make it a point to treat you and your loved one’s belongings with the utmost courtesy and respect. We’ll listen to what you need and provide you with an easy-to-manage all-inclusive price quote.

You’ll love our 1-2-3 Process of Donate-Recycle-Dispose. We’ll take items that can be reused or repurposed and donate them to our charity partners, who will use them for families in need or sell them to raise money for their causes. We’ll separate out items that can be recycled, like papers, magazines, electronics, and metals, and deliver those to the area recycling station. And since it’s our mission to keep as much out of landfills as possible, we’ll take only what’s left over to the dump.

If you’ve taken the time to sort into “donate” and “toss” piles, simply point us to them. But don’t worry if you haven’t. Our team members are well-trained in sorting items on the spot. Our job is to remove as much stress as possible out of the job of clearing out grandma’s stuff.

When you need to clear out a home in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington DC that is filled with a lifetime of memories, contact 123JUNK.

emotaional-clutter

How to Clear Emotional Clutter

Posted on | by Linda Barrett

Physical clutter we all understand. It is the accumulation of too much stuff that we can see and feel. Emotional clutter is something altogether different, yet, similar in its own way. It is the accumulation of persistent negative thoughts or thought loops that can clutter our mind and drain our energy. Although you can’t call a junk hauling company (like 123JUNK) to haul it away, the good news is that there are ways to clear emotional clutter.

What is Emotional Clutter?

Emotional clutter is negative thoughts that are deep-seated beliefs about yourself, like “Nobody really loves me,” “I am terribly awkward talking with people,” “I’m not deserving,” or “I can’t do it.” Unfortunately, the more you let them clutter your mind, the deeper these thoughts seat themselves, like a bad habit, or grooves on a record that that plays over and over again.

How to Clear Emotional Clutter

The brain is an amazing instrument that can be reprogrammed. In scientific terms, this is called neuroplasticity, or “the brain’s ability to modify, change and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience,” according to a Frontiers in Psychology article.

Step One: Identify the Negative Thoughts

Each time you have a negative thought, acknowledge it. Write it down. Notice and record how often it appears. Think to yourself, “Is this really true?”

Step Two: Slowly Make Changes

You can’t just swing your thought to the opposite end of the spectrum. It won’t work. You have to take baby steps and look at the reality of the situation. If your thought is “Nobody really loves me,” take a count of all the people that really do care about you and create a new script like “My spouse and children love me, and I am lovable.” It is OK to also include yourself in those who love you, as in “I love who I am.” Work on one negative thought at a time.

Step Three: Create New Grooves

Every time you have a repeating negative thought, replace it with the new thought. The more you retrain your brain, the fewer times the negative thought will reappear. Consciously repeat the new thought, even when the negative thought isn’t appearing. Say it out loud, and repeat it often, like when you’re taking a walk, driving or in front of the mirror.

Step Four: Be Kind to Yourself

It takes time to reprogram negative thoughts, so be compassionate to yourself and remember your own worth. Create a strong support system of people who can reiterate and reinforce your new, positive thoughts.

Once you are able to clear negative thoughts, you will feel lighter and more freedom than ever before. These thoughts are not facts. They are merely thoughts. Visualize a path to a new outcome and repeat that image until it becomes the new reality. As you clear emotional clutter, you are able to make better decisions about everything, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Want to know more? Here are several books designed to help clear emotional clutter:

Clearing Emotional Clutter: Mindfulness Practices for Letting Go of What’s Blocking Your Fulfillment and Transformation, by Donald Altman, 2016.

Emotional clutter—the equivalent of a jam-packed closet in your mind—has been proven to block success in professional and personal lives. It can results from hidden pains and traumas and creates toxic patterns. The author helps you identify what you’re holding on to and how to cleanse, heal or accept old wounds, mistakes and disappointments.

Clutter Busting Your Life: Clearing Physical and Emotional Clutter to Reconnect with Yourself and Others, by Brooks Palmer, 2012.

Keeping things you no longer need can keep you from experiencing the joy of connection. The author discusses how we use clutter to protect ourselves, control others and cling to the past, and how to not only clear clutter but enjoy deeper, more authentic relationships.

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui: Free Yourself from Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Clutter Forever, by Karen Kingston, 2016.

This author claims that clutter is stuck energy that has far-reaching effects beyond the stuff, and causing effects to the body, mind, emotions and spirit. She covers why people keep clutter, how it stagnates your life, and how to clear it quickly and effectively.

Clear Clutter in MD, DC and Northern VA with 123JUNK

Did you know that emotional clutter can lead to physical clutter? When you’re ready to clear the clutter out of your home or office, contact 123JUNK. We’ll be glad to remove junk, furniture, appliances, household goods and use our 1-2-3 process to Donate-Recycle-Dispose of them in the best and most eco-friendly ways possible. We’ll also do a complete cleanout of your property if needed.

For junk hauling in Maryland, Washington DC or Northern Virginia, contact 123JUNK.