ROOM CLEANOUT TIPS

Looking to tackle a whole-room cleanup project? Need to get that attic or spare bedroom cleared out? Perhaps you’re done watching that bonus room accumulate stuff. Regardless, we have some ideas to help as you work to free up space in your home or business.
 
Below are some tips and a rough outline to assist in planning and tackling your project:
 
1.  Start with the end in mind. Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve during the course of this cleanup project? Are you looking to create space? To take back a room? To do something entirely new? These questions will help you identify and end state; the place you want to be when the project is over. Having this in mind will help you make important decisions, orient your work and effort, and can save you time.

2.  Make a plan. Once you know what you want to achieve, it is much easier to make a plan and determine how to get there. Simply ask yourself, what all needs to happen in order to achieve the end state you determined in step 1? Want to completely empty and clean a space? That means you need to empty it out and clean it. Want to make a space functional? How much junk does that mean you need to remove? These questions can inform planning. Most plans will consist of the following ideas or steps. Use them as you consider your plan:

What do you want to do with your space?
Are you trying to get rid of junk, or just reorganize, or both?
Where will the stuff you’re tossing go? Think rental dumpsters and junk removal here. Where will the stuff you’re reorganizing end up?
What tools are required for the job? Do you need cleaning supplies, shelving, organizational equipment, or furniture?
Will you need help with the project?
What surprise issues might you encounter?
How long will the project take, and will you have enough time?

3.  Get started. Once you have a plan, it’s time to get started. Gather the materials you need. Arrange for a rental dumpster or junk removal service, and jump in. Once you have a designated place to put your stuff, start going through it. Generally, for packed spaces, the best approach is to clear everything out, and go through it as you do. Sort into piles if possible. If you plan on keeping items, put them in another room or in a pile. If you plan on tossing an item, put that somewhere else, then carry it out to the dumpster or the junk pile. If you can’t make up your mind about an item, ask a few questions: how does this fit into the space I’m creating? Do I need to keep it? Have I used the item in a couple years? Can I part with it? Continue sorting and clearing the space. Once your space is empty, it’s time to configure it.

4.  Reconfigure your space. Once you’ve removed everything from your room, it’s time to reconfigure your space to make it what you want it to be. For most spaces, we suggest a thorough cleaning before adding stuff back in. After months or years of storage, floors can become dingy, carpets smelly, and rooms musty. Consider hiring a cleaning service for a deep clean, so you can continue to go through things. Or jump in with a mop and rags, and give the space a quick refresh. Once this is complete, it’s time to customize the space to make it what you want. If you’re building a storage room, add your shelves or furniture. If you need a functional or leisure space, add your décor and fixtures. If you are renovating, now is the time to get started. If you’re just reorganizing or arranging, get to it!

5.  Replace your stuff. Depending on your project aspirations, it might be time to put your stuff back into your space. Once your storage and organization solutions are all set, you can begin moving stuff back in. Place items on shelves or in boxes, and we recommend labeling everything if it’s not easily identified. This can aid in finding your stuff the next time you need it. Once everything is back in, and your workspace is clear, you’re almost done.
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6.  Toss the old stuff. Throughout the project, you’ve likely been amassing piles of stuff you plan to get rid of. This is a good thing. It helps make room for the new, reduce clutter, and simplify your life. Now its time to get rid of this stuff. You have three options: Junk removal services, a dumpster rental, or doing it yourself. If you only have one or two car loads of stuff, you can easily transport your things to a dump – or better yet salvage and donate what you can. Your other option is to arrange a dumpster rental, which you would have done before hand. This step would provide a great place to toss stuff throughout the duration of your project, and would save time. If you did rent a dumpster, call the company and tell them you’re complete, or wait for the scheduled pickup.
 
Once all of the above is complete, you’re done! Enjoy your space, and revel in your work and the beautiful simplicity of clean surroundings!
 
Got a big project? Give us a call to discuss roll off dumpster rental services. We can simplify your life and project, and can help deliver the type of space you’ll love.