Get Organized With Storage and Junk Removal

Going through clutter and sorting out the "junk" from the important things is a chore no one really likes. The more things you have accumulated in your storage spaces, the more work it takes. And this is true for homes, offices and any place where storage of items can get out of hand.

Having a structured approach and a plan will make the process far easier whether you are a business owner, manager, or home owner facing an intimidating storage space organization task. Before you dive in and simply start moving things around, it’s best to start with some preliminary steps.

Start with junk removal

Go through everything being stored and remove anything that isn't needed. According to interior designer Jennifer Riley Simone, 

"Starting from scratch can help you see the opportunities offered by your lower-level living area. Purging is the name of the game here. Use a discerning eye to evaluate what you actually need to store and get rid of the rest. Always donate if possible.”

Create an organization plan

If you have more than one storage space area, or a large amount of shelving, assign specific locations for different items. “Using clear storage allows you to see your valuables,” says Simone. “Large labels can also help you both find items and put them back in the same place.”

Evaluate the environment.

Basements, for example, tend to be cold and wet, so make sure you use appropriate storage options to protect your valuables. Use plastic bins or specialty plastic bags to help keep the moisture out, or even a dehumidifier to ward off moisture damage, if needed.

Here's a Five-Step Plan to Effective Organization

Storage space areas are prone to becoming cluttered. And if the spaces are not accessed frequently they can become unwieldy and even hazardous! These five steps from Styleathome.com form a simple plan to organize your storage areas as a focused project:  

1. Commit

Break the task into manageable bits. If the area hasn't been organized in over a year, you'll need more than one weekend. Four hours every Saturday and Sunday for a couple of weeks should suffice (a block of less than two hours will yield little apparent progress and you may get discouraged).

2. Empty & clean

• Remove everything and do a thorough cleanup -- unfinished or cluttered areas are magnets for pests. If you can't empty the whole room at once, clear and clean half of it, then do the rest.
• Consider painting the space white to brighten it, since you're less likely to neglect a room that feels like a finished part of your home.

3. Sort & edit

• As you remove items from storage, put them in categories (including "give away" and "toss" piles) and think about how those categories will translate into zones.
• Save only things in good condition or with significant sentimental value.
• Aim to keep the space no more than three-quarters full, so you can move around safely and easily.

4. Assess & equip

• Take measurements of the room, including height, and rough out where zones will be.
• Locate frequently used items near the door; other things can go in less accessible areas.
• Examine sorted belongings (counting and measuring, if necessary) and choose systems and containers.
• Browse organizing stores and home centers for shelving systems and bins.

5. Restock

As you move sorted materials into new containers within assigned zones, keep these tips in mind:

• Store only clean items; clothes must be clean to prevent insect infestations.
• Label everything; if you have time, prepare a printed inventory to tape to containers you can't see into.
• Don't cover floor drains with bins or boxes.
• Don't leave anything, especially flammable items, within 1-1/2 feet of a furnace.
• Install a fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
• Store hazardous materials in a locked cabinet.
• If the room has pipes, a hot water heater or is in a basement, keep everything that isn't in a waterproof container at least one foot off the ground.
• Don't put clothes in airtight plastic containers; use fabric bags instead. Protect clothes from direct contact with cedar, mothballs and any other pest deterrents.
• Enforce a "one in, one out" rule to avoid clutter and overcrowding in future.

Maximize Storage Space With These Six Tools

Like any other area of your business or home, having the right storage space equipment is critical for ensuring efficiency and productivity. Here are six organizing tools and equipment that will enable you to maximize the available space in your storage areas:

1. Utility shelving, preferably adjustable
2. Lockable cabinets or lockers
3. Step-stools and/or ladders
4. Plastic bins for long-term storage of papers
5. Good, old-fashioned file cabinets
6. Racks, mounts or pegboard hangers for tools and equipment

A relatively small investment can offer great savings over time with less clean up chores, quicker and safer access to stored materials, and reducing the tendency to simply "pile things up." 

Junk Hauling is Not in Your Job Description

With new laws being passed all the time governing the disposal and destruction of trash and mechanical waste, those who are able to fully comply with those laws provide a valuable service for businesses owners and the community.

One of the advantages of working with a professional junk removal company that has a regular contract with recyclers, landfills, and transfer stations, is that you will pay less than working with a municipal waste management company or agency. This is because the professional firms who look to recycle typically get better rates which means savings they can pass on to you.

E-Waste, or electronic waste, is everywhere in our offices. And e-waste disposal is a problem. At the rate that most of us replace and upgrade electronics to new models, our old gadgets end up not getting used, often collecting dust in some storage closet or vacant office.

There are a number of issues to consider with e-waste disposal, too. Because of the many laws and regulations, especially in states such as California, many items such as monitors, TVs, and even cell phones cannot be simply tossed in the trash. What's more, when you want to properly dispose of a computer monitor - particularly any old CRT devices you still have around - the process takes time, effort and money.

Another benefit to having a professional firm remove your e-waste and other trash is that you don’t have to have unsightly junk and debris taking up space at your business for long. Typically, you can have it taken away that day or the next day, and sometimes even from inside your place of business so you don’t have to put it out in your parking lot or loading dock.

Professional Junk Removal and Your Storage Organization

Junk King provides an efficient, safe and eco-friendly junk removal service so you don’t need to worry about the pick up or disposal of the debris after your project is complete.

Whether you need our services several times during a storage space cleaning project, or just once after it is complete, our hauling professionals will ensure that the furniture and debris is quickly out of your way so that you can get on with your life.

Our team specializes in trash and junk removal. We can be at your home in mere minutes, so call us today! Our crew is fully insured and well-trained, so you can trust them to get rid of your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion.

One of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle a much of the material we pick-up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service. If you have questions about what we do or what we believe, give us a call at (707) 744-4254.