Blog
/
Decluttering
/
8 ways to break up with your junk

8 ways to break up with your junk

Published: 
June 28, 2022
Updated: 
February 5, 2024
Share:
Small blue and white logo of FacebookLogo for website X (formally Twitter)Small blue logo for LinkedInSmall envelope logo for Gmail
Written by:
5 min read

Do you slowly accumulate clutter in your home and wonder how it got there? It's time to break up with your junk for good.

When we think about decluttering our homes, we tend to focus on all the stuff we need to get rid of. But how did all of that “junk” get there in the first place? Junk doesn’t walk into our homes uninvited. You open the door and—whoosh!—in it comes, carried by your own two hands. It’s time to stop inviting the clutter inside, and break up with your junk for good.

Break up with your junk and remove clutter from your home

If you’re ready to reclaim your space and call it quits with the chaos, here are eight easy ways to break up with your junk!

1. Set limits on items that tend to accumulate

How many grocery bags does a household need? Pick a number, any number. Then return extras to the grocery store. While you’re at it, part ways with wire hangers, and return them to the dry cleaner. Just say no to those promotional freebies like pens and keyrings. Setting these limits will ensure you have enough essential items, without feeling overwhelmed by your collection. If you need help getting rid of some of these excess items, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is happy to help clear the clutter!

2. Cut the paper clutter

Do you have important papers and receipts piling up, and just aren’t sure what to do with them? To tackle the issue, it’s time to move on from old habits! Start by setting up a dedicated space, like an organized drawer, sleek storage box, or even stylish accordion folder. Categorize your files, and establish a regular decluttering routine, and do some recycling at home. Aim to store only essential items, digitize when possible, and consider using labels for quick identification. If you form the habit of promptly filing away new papers, it will ensure you have easy access to them, all the while preventing clutter from stacking up.

3. Plan your purchases

How often do you buy on impulse, only to discover that you really don’t like or need what you bought? If you “shop ‘til you drop,” clutter is the price you pay. Whether it’s piling up items you won’t use, or collecting piles of receipts just in case you need to return items, your home can fill up quickly with clutter. Go shopping with a list and buy only what’s on it, or utilize services like online grocery shopping to avoid picking up random items when browsing the aisles. Keep in mind that today’s unplanned purchases inevitably become tomorrow’s junk.

4. Avoid overbuying

Buying some items in bulk makes sense if you have the space to store them. However with items that deteriorate over time, it is better to buy only what you expect to use before their expiration dates. Liquid laundry detergent, for example, has a shelf life of up to a year if unopened and six months after opening. So more isn’t always better—even if it’s on sale.

5. Aim to inspire rather than impress

No matter how much you acquire, there’s always more to be had. What’s more inspiring than a house full of clutter is embracing the “less is more” philosophy. It’s better to have fewer possessions that you love and use than a house full of stuff that’s just taking up valuable space. This concept works especially well for clothing. Build a capsule wardrobe. A few key, high-quality pieces will serve you much better than a closet stuffed with poorly made, fast fashion pieces. When prioritizing this way, you’ll get much more use and enjoyment out of your items, so when it’s eventually time to let them go, it feels easier to say goodbye!

6. Organize and update cluttered spaces

Go through your typical cluttered spaces, whether it’s junk drawers, under the bed storage, the top shelves, or even that chair in the corner covered in miscellaneous items. Remove clutter and donate any unused and unloved items to charity, recycle appropriate items, and trash anything broken or unusable. Once those spaces are cleared, it’ll be easier to maintain them and stay on top of any piling junk. Updating the area with nice decor may also help avoid items piling up there. Need help responsibly getting rid of the junk after decluttering? 1-800-GOT-JUNK? works with various local charities and recycling centers, to ensure your items are properly disposed of!

7. Commit to the “one in/one out” rule

For every item you invite into your home, send one item packing (or two if you’re really on a decluttering roll.) The more you exercise that “letting go” muscle, the stronger you become and the easier it gets to let go of junk. Recognize your weak spots—perhaps you collect shoes or hats—and be sure to enforce this rule to avoid getting buried beneath a pile of stuff. When clearing out any big items, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? can handle all the lifting and loading for you. All you have to do is point!

8. Live a minimalist lifestyle today

Embrace a clutter-free present. Let go of the past and focus on what brings you joy today. There’s a reason why stuff from your past is collecting dust. If you’re saving things just in case you might need them someday, let them go. Focus on the present, rather than worrying about needing that extra item in the unforeseeable future.

Are you ready to embrace your space? When it’s time to part ways with items that have overstayed their welcome call 1-800-GOT-JUNK? -- we’re happy to help! ? -- we’re happy to help!

container-large

Frequently asked questions

How does 1-800-GOT-JUNK? charge for junk removal?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is more affordable than you may think. Our junk removal prices are all-inclusive, which means you get:

  • Professional, uniformed and insured crew members
  • Junk removal from anywhere on the premises
  • Loading, lifting and sorting
  • Recycling, donating and disposing of items
  • Transfer station tariffs and fees
  • Gas and travel

We charge by the amount of space your items take up in the truck. We think it’s more fair to you to price by volume instead of the length of time it takes us to lift and load. The best part is we’re cheaper in bulk: the more stuff you have, the more value you get!

For materials with a heavy cubic weight, like dirt, concrete, and gravel, pricing is based on the total volume the material takes up in the truck, up to a maximum of one foot in height for a full truck.

Email us at business@1800gotjunk.com or call us at 1-888-475-3461

Do you provide recurrent, bulk-service pricing discounts?

If you need service on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis, we offer bulk pricing discounts. This gives you better value compared to common alternatives, such as dumpsters or less-professional junk removal services.

Interested? Call our business account team at 1-866-916-5865 to discuss your needs as well as pricing options.

When should I expect you to arrive?

On the day of your appointment with us, our friendly, uniformed truck team members will give you a call 15-30 minutes before the start of your two-hour promise window. They’ll say hi, let you know what time they plan to arrive, and confirm any other details about your appointment if needed.

Do you service multiple locations?

Whether your business has a single location or multiple locations, we can create a custom junk removal solution that works for you. We can coordinate pickups at multiple locations at a local, regional, and national level. Rather than work with dozens of regional or local companies, let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? handle the jobs across all your locations.

Can you remove large and bulky items?

Absolutely! We take large items all the time. As long as it can be lifted and loaded into the truck by two people, we'll be happy to take it away for you!

What items can 1-800-GOT-JUNK? remove?

We work with all types of businesses and can handle any type of job - cleanouts, bulk item removal, general junk removal and even specific items like cardboard or pallets. We can take pretty much anything as long as it's not toxic or hazardous. We can remove your items from wherever they’re located, whether it’s your office, store, site or anywhere else—all you have to do is point!

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we're fully licensed, bonded and insured! We have insurance covering damages to both persons and property for every single booking.

Do you service my region/location?

While we don't quite service the entire map, we cover almost every greater metropolitan area across the US, Canada, and Australia. To see if we’re in your neighbourhood, you can start a booking by entering your postal code.

What are your hours of operation?

Our customer service center is open 24/7, so we’re here whenever you need us! While operating hours may vary in our franchise locations, we offer same-day and off-hours service, including weekends.

Similar articles

Decluttering

How to get rid of used appliances

Reclaim your space: We show you the best dropoff and pickup options for old appliances.

11 space saving dorm room organization tips
Decluttering

11 space saving dorm room organization tips

Dorm life can be pretty amazing, but living in such a small space can also be a challenge. Here's how to keep your dorm room cool and clutter-free.

Kick start spring cleaning with our 3 closet transition tips
Decluttering

Kick start spring cleaning with our 3 closet transition tips

It's time to tackle the great closet cleanout! We're sharing our best tips on how to spring clean your closets and get a stylish start this season.