Essential Junk Removal Tips for Your Business

Essential Junk Removal Tips for Your Business

Throughout the years we have had many business customers who have presented us with a variety of requests for their junk and rubbish removal needs.

Sometimes it may be as simple as having an old desk and/or broken chair removed. Or we may be asked to haul away a no longer functioning refrigerator from the coffee room; or perhaps dryer appliances from a hair salon. After a minor or major clean up and decluttering of their offices, a customer may give us a call to pick up items that are no longer of service to them. Perhaps a business has decided to update equipment and/or electronics and needs the old ones taken away. A business may be in the middle of a move and we are tasked with removing only select items.

At other times the request may entail a job of a larger and more extensive scope such as clearing out an entire office space. The office space may have already been vacated and we need to clear away all the items that have been left behind. Sometimes the office space has been left behind in quite the disarray! We have cleaned out entire office spaces whereby we not only dismantled partitions and removed all the desks, chairs and other office furniture, but we also emptied office desk drawers and cleared out the supplies and equipment from the stock/mail room. These particular jobs may be fairly large in scope and require a 4-person crew (or more). As we are packing up the office supplies, etc., we ensure that items are separated into their respective disposal designations such as: charitable donations; paper recycling, electronics recycling; glass recycling; metal recycling, batteries; light bulbs and fixtures; paint recycling, chemical recycling, etc. As a side note, at one particular office site, several very large, beautiful plants had been left behind. We immediately placed an ad on Craigslist under the ‘Free’ section and within minutes had an overwhelming response. In no time, the beautiful plants found new homes with very happy new owners. It was a win-win situation for all.

There are many scenarios and, at some point, there will likely come a time when most businesses will require the services of a professional junk and rubbish removal company.

So, whether you are in the process of moving and need some items removed prior to and/or after the move; have just finished a decluttering; have upgraded the office furniture and/or electronics; or updated office equipment, a professional junk and rubbish removal company can help you out.

Whatever the circumstances we can take away whatever no longer serves you.

It can be difficult to gauge exactly how much stuff there is when it is spread throughout the office space. We will gladly come in and have a look at the situation and we can give you a guesstimate. Or we may ask that you send us photos. Our price will be based upon the volume, time and labour to complete the job. If there are heavy items involved the weight may also play a factor.

We will ascertain the scope of the job. Perhaps there are large or awkward objects that will need to be disassembled before being removed from the space so they are able to fit into the elevator and loading dock. This would include items such as office partitions and L-shaped desks for instance. Or perhaps there is heavy equipment that needs to be taken away.

We can also pro-rate the job. This means that the final price will be dependant upon how full the truck and/or trailer is after they are loaded (one-quarter full; one-half full, etc.).
Essential Junk Removal Tips for Your Business

There are several factors we need to find out prior to beginning the job and some questions that we may ask our customer:

What about parking?
Is street parking available? If so, are there any restrictions? If so, the customer may need to apply for a special parking permit from the City of Vancouver to reserve parking space for a specified block of time.
Is there an alley for parking?
Is there a loading dock?
What are the height restrictions in the underground parking?
Is there an elevator? Is there a commercial elevator?
Will the elevator be booked? Special permission will be required from the building management as the elevator needs to be locked and the elevator most likely will need to be padded.

How high is the elevator?
Has an electrician disconnected everything applicable so we can safely remove items? Some electrical setups such as specialty stoves, dryers, dishwashers, etc. may need to be disconnected by an electrician or building maintenance person. Modular desks may be wired and need to be disconnected by an electrician. We are not electricians.

Tips:

Just to recap, there are a few tips we can give our business customers regarding junk and rubbish removal. To prepare for our arrival there are certain preparations you may wish to do in advance to facilitate an easy, seamless process – and to make it less stressful on you.

Ensure the proper folks have been notified regarding your move. These folks might include the building management and/or building maintenance in order to reserve and lock the elevator (and to ensure elevator padding is in place); getting the appropriate parking permits for street parking if required, or loading dock permission / reservations; hiring an electrician or building maintenance person to disconnect any electrical components necessary so our work can be carried out safely and efficiently.

To avoid any confusion, particularly if you are in the midst of a move, it is good to label clearly exactly what you wish us to take away. What goes and what stays? This is especially true if the items are not in the same vicinity and are spread out throughout the office. For instance, you might employ a system whereby orange neon stickers are placed on all items that are to be removed by us from your premises.

Also, it is a good idea to pack or keep ‘like’ items together. Some categories of these items that you would like us to take away might be:

  • Donations
  • Office Supplies (these will be donated to a charitable organization)
  • Paper recycling
  • Cardboard recycling
  • Glass recycling
  • Electronics
  • Batteries
  • Light bulbs/fixtures
  • Paints and Chemicals
  • Photocopy toner

In case you have sensitive items that need to be shredded we can recommend a company that specializes in safe document destruction.

These are just a few tips that might be helpful for you.

We look forward to serving our business customers!

Important Questions To Ask Your Junk Removal Service Provider

*Please note that during Covid-19 you may prefer we do curb side pickup.  If we are entering your premises our crew will be wearing masks and gloves for everyone’s protection.  Stay safe!

What size is your truck?
We have a 14 yard dump truck / trailer combo

What size is the trailer?
It can hold 8 cubic yards

How much do you charge?
Our minimum charge is $75 for the size of a washing machine.

How do you base your pricing?
Our price for one full truck and trailer load combo (14 cubic yards) is based on one tonne of material.  If the materials or items are assessed to exceed one tonne in weight then excess weight charges will apply.  For example brick, tiles, concrete, hardwood flooring, etc. may have excess weight.

I’m not sure how much stuff I have?
Sometimes it can be difficult for folks to gauge exactly how much stuff they have when it is spread out throughout the home or yard, etc.

If you are not sure how much stuff there is we can usually guesstimate the cost to remove the items.  However, we can also pro-rate the load.  This means that the final price will depend on how full the truck is after it is loaded.  For instance, if the loaded truck is one-quarter full, one-half full, three-quarters full, etc.

Does the price include dump fees?
Yes, dump fees are included.  Dump/disposal fees can vary depending on volume, weight and material.  In cases where the materials and load are exceptionally heavy, there may be an extra charge.   Also, there is an added cost for drywall removal and certain chemicals.   As an example, even though a load of Styrofoam is very light it actually costs more to dispose of it.

What about taxes?
We charge 5% GST for rubbish removal.   We add 7% PST also when we are delivering soil or other landscape materials to our customers.

Do you empty recycling bins?
Yes we do.  We take the items to the appropriate recycling facility.

Do you work on weekends?
Yes we do!

Do you work evenings?
Our normal operating hours are between 8:00am and 5pm.  We are, however, flexible.  We can start earlier and work later depending on our customers’ needs.

Do you donate and recycle?
Yes, we sort materials as we load the truck.  We sort items into several sections including:  Donations; Recycling (paper; plastic; metal; electronics; paint and chemicals; propane tanks, etc.); and lastly Waste/garbage.

How far in advance do I need to book?
It’s a good idea to book at least a day or two in advance if possible.

Can you do the job today?
We will try our best to provide prompt, efficient service.   However, it’s not a bad idea to book appointments in advance if possible.

Is there anything you cannot take away?
Asbestos.  Bed bugs.

Do you remove chemicals?
We can handle most chemicals.  Certain chemicals need to be brought to a special facility for processing for an additional cost.  For example: industrial paint.   It is important to keep labels on all paint cans, etc.  It is more expensive to dispose of paints when the labels have been removed as they then need to be taken to a special facility.

How big is your crew?
We normally have a 1-2 person crew.  If required, we can provide additional labour to complete any job that we take on.

What do you charge for labour?
The first hour is generally included in the price.  For larger jobs, after the first hour, we charge an additional labour rate of $85 per hour for two people.

Can you remove (fill in the blank) for us?
If we can’t help you we will try to help steer you to someone who can.

What is your service area?
We service the Lower Mainland.

Do you deliver soil and other landscaping material?
We can handle up to 2 yards of soil (1 yard of gravel equivalent) in our dump truck.  If required we have a trailer for additional material.  Labour is required to unload the trailer.

What are the payment options:
We accept cash, cheque, e-transfer, credit card.

QUESTIONS WE MAY ASK THE CUSTOMER:

How much stuff is there?
This may range from as little as one item to a truck and/or trailer full.
Sometimes it can be difficult for folks to gauge exactly how much stuff they have when it is spread out.  We can usually guesstimate the cost to remove the items.  However, we can also pro-rate the load.  This means that the final price will depend on how full the truck is after it is loaded.  For instance, if the loaded truck is one-quarter full, one-half full, three-quarters full, etc.

Where are the items located?
Are the items in one location or spread out?
Is it a house or apartment?
Are the items/materials heavy and/or bulky?
Very heavy or bulky item(s) may need to be dismantled prior to removal.  Also, special tools may be required.

Regarding couch and furniture removal:

  • – What size is it?
  • – Is it a regular sofa or a sofa bed or recliner type?
  • – Is it heavy and/or bulky?
  • – Are there stairs involved?
  • – Is there an elevator?
  • – Will the item fit through the door?
  • – Will the item need to be disassembled to fit through the door or into the elevator?
  • – What distance are the item(s)/material(s) from our parked truck?
  • – Are there bed bugs
  • – Is there anything else we should know?

Regarding mattress removal:

  • – What size is the mattress and/or box spring
  • – Is it a regular coil or foam type mattress or a heavy metal hospital type bed? We have been requested to pick up a single bed and, on arrival, discover that the bed is a heavy hospital-type bed with metal mechanisms.  This, of course, is more expensive to remove and dispose of and requires more manpower.
  • -Are there bed bugs?

Does the elevator need to be reserved?

If so, permission will be required from the building management in advance of the job.

What is parking availability?
Are there parking restrictions?
How high is the underground parking?
Is there a loading dock?
Are there any bedbugs?
Is there any asbestos?

Call Junkyard Angel to set up an appointment.

We will offer prompt, efficient service at your convenience.

 

Tips for a Clutter Free Living Space

Junk removal

Circumstances change. We change. Opportunities arise. Whether you’re moving, transferring, downsizing, empty nesting, or have additions or subtractions to your family – life moves us forward. Sometimes the stuff we’ve accumulated becomes an albatross around our neck. Do we really need all that excess stuff around us? Do we really need to haul it around behind us? Do we even know what we have anymore? Do we keep misplacing and losing things in the chaos? Are we wracking up storage locker fees for items that we never even look at? Eventually, the stuff in the locker could cost us thousands of dollars just collecting dust. Way more than the merchandise is even worth. Sometimes the stuff is no longer relevant in our lives, no longer brings us joy or there’s just too darn much of it! Just thinking about it can be daunting and overwhelming, but if we don’t deal with it ourselves, one day somebody else will be forced do it for us. Not a fun job for anybody!

Take a deep breath. Maybe it’s time.

There are so many decisions to be made. Do we love it? Do we use it? If not, why do we have it? Do we have duplicates of items? Maybe you can give it away to someone you know who could use and would appreciate it. Or perhaps you can sell the item at a garage sale or online. Maybe you can donate it to a charitable organization. Hopefully your items will find a new home where they will be used, loved and cherished.

We all change and evolve. Do we need to keep every single item from our past? We would need a storage warehouse! Maybe just select a few really special items to keep as memories and lovingly let go of the rest. When we have too much we don’t even know what we have and it all gets lost. It just lays buried under a mountain of other stuff that has no meaning. It becomes just more stuff. Nothing is special anymore.

What are your interests now? Maybe your hobbies have changed and you no longer need the supplies for scrap booking, etc. And is it necessary to keep the croquet set if you live in a small apartment and don’t have a yard? Why not give it away to someone with a yard who could use it?

You might need it someday. That is another reason folks hold onto things. However, the reality is that you may never need it! Most of the time, you may never even miss the item once it is gone. Take a chance.

How much did it cost? When we see how much money we have spent we feel bad and regretful. We have all done it. Don’t beat yourself up. Just remember that the quality of your life and home environment now is worth more than any money you may have spent in the past. There is no sense feeling guilt every time you look at something. That’s not healthy for your wellbeing either. It’s better to have good, positive feelings when we look at the things around us in our homes that reflect who we are now.

Actually, you will probably save money in the long run. After all, you may have been unwittingly purchasing an item over and over again because you didn’t realize you already have several hiding under something else or stuffed in a cupboard. And some items will expire before they are used and will have to be discarded.

It can be stressful and overwhelming dealing with excess belongings whether they are yours or belong(ed) to somebody else. There are lots of big and small decisions to be made and sometimes many emotions involved especially with sentimental family items brought on by a transition or change of circumstances in your life. Maybe we feel guilty letting go of items that were given to us by a loved one. We may not even love the items or have a use for them, but we feel guilty even thinking about letting go of them. We feel a sense of guilt and obligation to hold onto them. Decide to choose which items mean the most to you. Keep, honour and cherish those items. Display them. Lovingly let go of the rest. Perhaps pass it on to another family member who may be interested. I held onto many of my parents’ photo albums of their various vacation trips. One day I realized that these were their memories. They were not mine. That was their life, not mine. I will make my own memories.

Like the tide, stuff comes in and out of our lives. Sometimes we acquire, collect and hold onto and sometimes we need to let go. Maybe the time is right to do the latter.

Take a deep breath. Maybe it’s time to let go.