Category: Blog

Our friends at Charlie & Sons Hauling wrote an awesome article exploring the question “Do I have to be present for junk removal?” along with other junk removal related questions. You can find the full article HERE. 

If you are like most homeowners, the idea of having someone clean your house usually brings up thoughts about safety. We understand that a part of you probably wonders if your junk removal professional can do the job without your supervision. So, will a junk removal company render its services without you being present on-site?

How Does Junk Removal Work?

Junk removal companies provide property owners with the essential service of eliminating old and damaged items they consider obsolete from their premises. They have special trucks, tools, and equipment for this task. When you contact a junk removal service, they will provide you with junk removal prices based on the amount of stuff that needs to be removed. They will then come and grab your items from anywhere in your home or office, breaking down large pieces if necessary to fit them into their truck. Once everything is loaded onto the vehicle, they will take it away for disposal at a recycling/trash facility. It is important to note that the junk removal professionals will not dispose of all household junk you put out; there are hazardous substances they may not be able to handle.

Can a Junk Removal Service Do Its Work When I’m Not Around?

The short answer is yes. There are no laws that require you to be present when the junk removal companies come over. However, it’s still good practice for them not to have access to certain areas of your home or office without supervision just in case they encounter something unexpected. A waste management service should always clean up after themselves and leave everything better than they found it. If you happen to find a reputable and trustworthy junk removal business, you shouldn’t have to worry about how they do their job unsupervised.

What Can I Do to Ensure Stress-Free Junk Removal?

While you may not always be present to ensure the junk removal process goes smoothly, there are a few things you can do to make the task easier for both you and your service provider. Remember to do the following before contracting junk haulers:

Consider the Type of Junk to be Removed

Your full-service junk removal provider needs to know what they are dealing with before arriving at your property. Understanding the nature of what they are removing will help them develop a strategy to get everything out of your house or office in one go. This will also help them to plan how to dispose of the unwanted stuff safely. For example, are there any recyclables, or will all the waste materials end up in landfills?

Ask About Their Process for Junk Removal

Find out if the junk removal business has any specific rules regarding how items that need to be removed should be packed, stored, or loaded onto their truck. If you need the furniture to be disassembled, make sure they will do that for you or let them know beforehand so it can be taken care of before their arrival. Also, find out if any items require special handling and what kind of equipment is needed for this task (if necessary).

Make Proper Preparations

If you’re expecting a lot of junk to be removed, make sure there is enough room to work and that the area where the local junk removal industry provider will load everything has proper access. It’s also crucial for them to know exactly where they can find the items since you might have several piles or storage spaces in your house/office. You could mark the items that need removal with a specific color of paint or uniquely label them to easily be seen.

Choose Between Truck Hauling and Dumpster Rental

There are pros and cons to both options. If you need a lot of junk removed from your property, it’s going to be more cost-effective if there is enough space on the truck that will come over to haul away all your items rather than renting a dumpster. However, renting a dumpster might be the more reasonable option if the process takes longer than a day (like during home renovations). It will also spare you the hassle of having to keep track of where all your junk is stored while it’s waiting to be removed.

Know What Items They Won’t Take Away

When you hire a junk removal company, there are certain items they won’t be able to take away. For example, carpeting and rugs will need to be disposed of by your local city services. At the same time, hazardous materials like chemicals or gas canisters require special disposal methods that may not always leave everyone involved in the process completely safe. Make sure you find out what items your professional junk removal services provider won’t be able to take away before they arrive at your property.

Can I Remove Junk on My Own?

If you have enough time and physical strength, there is no reason why you can’t complete the task of hauling away junk yourself. However, suppose your trash pile consists primarily of large items like furniture or appliances that are too heavy to move around. In that case, it’s probably best to leave this kind of work for a professional since you could injure yourself in the process. Not to mention that you need special licensing to haul away hazardous waste. Hiring a professional junk removal service will provide convenience and save you time and energy!

Your Local Home Clean Up Professional?

CleanStart Property Services are one of the top professional junk removal companies in your local area. We are fully licensed with all proper certification, insurance, and safety equipment for handling all kinds of junk; you can rest assured our junk hauling team knows what it’s doing. Please book a free estimate through our website or give us a call when you need contractor clean-up services.

Our friends at Go-Forth Pest Control wrote an awesome article on How to clean your house after using pesticides. You can find the full article HERE.

Pest removal is a must today because pests are becoming dangerous, territorial, and invasive. Some pests may keep on hiding when you’re around however when you leave the property, that’s the time they start infesting. When you get back, you’ll never know that your house is already infested by pesky vermin.

Eliminating pests takes a lot of time and effort for it to be successfully done. Spraying pests is one of the common ways of eliminating them and pesticides are generally used by everyone. Whether vermin are infesting in buildings or homes, pesticides will always be the first thing that owners will get because it is easy to apply and can be purchased quickly.

On the other hand, pesticides should not be carelessly applied because they contain chemicals that can be harmful to you, your family, and pet’s health. It can be toxic so inhaling pesticides is not good and it may end you up in hospitals to seek medical attention. When using pesticides, it is best to read instructions first or hire a team of professional exterminators to do the application for you.

After every application of pesticides, you always want to clean your home. If you are someone who isn’t comfortable when your house is too messy, you will typically clean your house after using pesticides. But, you need to know that cleaning like it’s a normal mess will end up ruining the effects of pesticides in your home.

Ways on how you can clean your house after using pesticides:

Always Be Patient

When pests infest, it will take a lot of time for them to be completely out of your property. Exterminators always do their best to eliminate pests in and out of your property. Using pesticides should be done safely so that nobody will be harmed except for the vermin present. When exterminators are doing their jobs, always have patience because it will always pay in the end.

After the treatment, you should as well be patient in cleaning. Sometimes you have to wait for a week before you can clean your home so that pesticides will work on the target pests. Some pests can go out after spraying while others will take time before they come out of their hiding places when sprayed. Also, if pesticides are sprayed, better ask the exterminator the right time to enter to avoid you from dangers.

Prepare Cleaning Tools

After the pesticides are sprayed and the right time for cleaning comes, you should start preparing your cleaning tools. Cloths for wiping are not enough because there are still other things you will need. Aside from the tools, you will need for cleaning, better prepare the things that will protect you from pesticides like rubber gloves and face masks.

The cleaning tools you need to have are water, dishwashing soap, vacuum cleaner, trash bags, sponges or rags, steam cleaner, and laundry baskets. These tools will help in removing the mess in your home since some pesticides can still be found on the surfaces. Make sure that when you are cleaning, change the water when it’s dirty because if you continue to use the same water, you might be bringing the pesticides back and it’s not good for you.

Find A Starting Point

If the entire house was sprayed for pesticides, it will be hard for you to clean since you don’t know where to begin. Before you dive into cleaning, better find a starting point so that you will know where you will begin the cleaning and more. If plenty of rooms are treated, pick first a room and once you’re done, move to the next room. When you know where to begin, you will not have any problem since the work will be continuous. However, if you didn’t create a cleaning plan or did not look for a starting, you will be confused about where to start and might take a long while before you can finish it.

Clean The Floor

When cleaning the house after using pesticides, you should not forget to clean the floor. There are times that chemicals may have cling to the floors so you need to clean it. You should vacuum floors or sweep them. Not only on open spaces but even the ones under the furniture.  When cleaning, apply the dishwashing soap with water solution and mop it so that chemicals will be removed. It is best not to mop or clean near walls where pesticides are sprayed so that pests will not be able to roam around freely even if you have cleaned. If carpets are around, vacuum it so that chemicals and dirt will be absorbed successfully.

Wipe Walls & Windows

When cleaning after using pesticides, you should not only focus on floors but walls and windows as well. These areas can also have pesticides since most pests are found inside walls. When cleaning walls and windows, cloth rags should be used to thoroughly remove pesticides on these areas. You can spray a soap and water solution on the walls but make sure that there are cloths below to avoid the drips from getting into the floor. Wipe these areas so that no chemicals will be left behind.

Steam & Vacuum Furniture

Covering your furniture is a must when spraying pesticides but often; you tend to forget it because you are rushing up to spray pests. When your furniture is uncovered or is treated for pests, make sure to vacuum and steam it so that chemicals will be removed. Of course, you have to clean your furniture when pesticides have already worked.

Also, if your closets are sprayed and clothes are inside, make sure to launder your clothing to get rid of pesticides lingering. Your beds can also be vacuumed and steamed especially if it is treated for bed bugs. You don’t want pesticides to be left behind on your mattress where you rest and sleep. Don’t forget the cracks and corners of the furniture because chemicals can cling hard if not removed thoroughly. You should know that furniture can also get pesticides so you need to clean it carefully if you want your family to be safe.

Keep The House Dry

When pests are sprayed with pesticides, some don’t last long while others can still find a way for them to thrive and that’s by getting into water sources. If your home is treated yet water leaks and sources are available, it is useless because vermin can survive when they water. Make sure that when you clean, seal all leaks and wipe wet areas so that your home will be dry and pest-free.

Throw Away Uncovered Food

Your kitchen will be among the places that will be treated first because it can attract lots of pests like ants, cockroaches, rodents, and flies. There are instances wherein you forget to store food or cover it before using pesticides. With this, foods will be exposed to chemicals and it is not good. When cleaning after using pesticides, you have to throw away foods that have pesticides so that no one in your family can eat it. Ingesting it even if it is sprayed can lead to health issues. Even the unsealed foods like cereals should be thrown because pesticides can saturate into the wrappers so contamination can still occur.

Wash Utensils In The Kitchen

It can’t be avoided that utensils, countertops, dishes, and more will be sprayed since the kitchen is a perfect place to infest. Pots, pans, and more will also get pesticides. During the cleaning process, you have to rewash everything from utensils down to pots so that chemicals will be gone. It is not good to use sprayed utensils for eating or pots for cooking since you can get the toxins from it. Countertops should be scrubbed diligently to remove any residue of pesticides. Make sure that everything in the kitchen is washed, scrubbed, wiped, and mopped for safety purposes.

CleanStart Can Help with Both Cleaning and Pest Control Services!

CleanStart Pest Control is not only well-reviewed but they are also awarded for their highly trained, certified, and expert pest technicians. Whether you have pests at home or in your office, you don’t have to worry because our company delivers residential and commercial services that you can avail anytime.

When you need the expertise of the well-experienced company, CleanStart Property Services will always come to mind. Call us at 1-855-297-8278 and we will be pleased to lend a hand!

Our friends at Pest Control Services wrote an awesome article on why pests are attracted to moisture. You can find the full article HERE.

Like all living things today, pests depend on moisture for multiple reasons.

However, the chief among those reasons is for basic survival.

No matter what type of pest it is, they need moisture, they may not need a lot, but they need some for sure.

That’s why they’re so attracted to any humid environments. It’s also why any slightly leaky pipe or standing water in the backyard can draw them right in. So if you’re wondering why pests are showing up where they previously hadn’t, looking for moisture is a good starting point.

But what pests should you be looking for? Or what pests can you expect to see?

Cockroaches

These pests love any damp or humid environment they can find. Counter to what many people believe, you’re home doesn’t need to messy. If there’s sufficient food and water, it’s more than acceptable for cockroaches.

Ants 

We all know that ants will spring up anywhere that you happen to leave food sitting. But they’ll go just as far for moisture! This means that areas like your bathroom or kitchen are especially in danger!

Mosquitoes 

If you’ve ever been to a lake in the summer, you most likely got attacked by a decent amount of mosquitoes. Why? It’s because they love standing water. For mosquitoes, it’s not just a good water source. It’s also about getting an ideal area to lay eggs.

Unfortunately, that means even more mosquitoes to deal with.

Termites

Termites are associated with dry, brittle wood. But that’s only because of what they do to the wood, not because that’s the type of wood they prefer. Termites love damp or moist wood, it’s easier to chew than dry wood.

That’s another reason that eliminating leaks near wood should be a top priority.

This list doesn’t cover every pest that’s attracted to moisture, but it should give you a good base! If you come across any of these pests, you should start looking for the moisture that attracted them. Then contact help.

A professional exterminator can eliminate the pests and find their entrances simultaneously!

Ready for an end to your pest problem? Call us at 1-855-297-8278 or book an inspection through our website.

Our friends at Junk-A-Haulics wrote an awesome article on the top 7 items taken by junk removal companies, did the list surprise you? You can find the full article HERE.

Calling a junk removal company in can be the best decision you will make when trying to clear the clutter and make your home feel welcoming and clean again. It takes a lot of work to haul things out of your living space, especially when you need to get rid of bulky items like appliances, furniture, and construction debris.

Junk haulers handle the heavy lifting through a full-service approach. First, you decide which junk items you want to get out of the house, then the full-service junk removal companies offer the strength and planning to move these things out. Customer service is our highest priority, so we work hard to handle every detail relating to your junk removal project.

Not only are you getting these items out of your living space, but by calling a junk removal company, homeowners are also finding an eco-friendly way to dispose of these items. Some items can be hauled away to the dump if there is no value in the things you are clearing out of the house. But there are times when recycling or donating is an option, making it possible to reuse these items. Our team can help you explore the possibilities if you are worried about the waste ending up in the junkyard.

Here is an overview of some of the most popular items that a junk removal company can haul away for homeowners.

1. Mattresses

Getting a new bed is an exciting investment, especially if you have been sleeping on an old mattress for a long time. You need to clear away the old mattress, so you have space for the new one coming in. In hiring a junk removal company, homeowners get cost-effective disposal of the old mattress without renting a truck or large vehicle to get the mattress out of the house.

2. Refrigerators

Large appliances can be tricky to get rid of; they will just take up space if they no longer work and are still kept in the home. A junk removal company can assist with refrigerator removal, as well as services for other bulky appliances such as washers and dryers, broken dishwashers, and more.

Not only do you need to get these things out of the house, but it’s also important to consider how to properly dispose of them. For example, there are parts and chemicals within the internal systems of the appliances that could potentially be toxic to the environment. Because of this, careful disposal practices are critical.

3. Pianos

These beautiful instruments are nice to have in the home, but they do take up a lot of space. Pianos can also be extremely heavy, which poses a challenge when trying to get them out of your home. Additionally, pianos can’t be dumped in the landfill because they are too big and often contain materials that won’t break down naturally.

One option for piano removal is to send it to a local nonprofit in the area. A junk removal company can provide suggestions to find an organization that will accept the donation. Many charities can coordinate a piano donation, ensuring it goes to good use. Otherwise, we can assist with the proper methods for disposal if needed.

4. Televisions

Is your TV broken? Or, maybe you are ready to upgrade to a bigger screen. It’s important to use proper methods for TV disposal since hazardous materials are inside (such as mercury and lead). As a matter of fact, some junk removal companies don’t offer services for TV pickup because of these dangerous materials.

If you want to get rid of your TV, talk to our team about your options. Some solutions include hauling the TV away to a local recycling center to ensure proper and safe disposal.

5. Sheds

Clearing out the shed can be quite the process, especially since they are often the place where bulky storage is kept. A junk removal company can assist with the responsible disposal of landscaping chemicals, gas cans, yard waste, broken lawn mowers, and more.

When researching junk removal companies in the area, make sure to share details about the items they will remove from the shed or other parts of the home. The disposal process is different, depending on what you need to get rid of.

6. Hot Tubs

Having a place to soak and relax in the backyard is a luxurious feeling. But when the hot tub breaks down or you are no longer using it, it can be a hassle to get off your property. Call a junk removal company in for help with removing oversized, unwanted items such as hot tubs and other things you are no longer using.

Before the hot tub can be moved, a few preparatory steps need to happen. For example, it’s necessary to drain out the water. If possible, drain it in advance, so everything has time to dry out before the hot tub is moved. Then, it’s as simple as calling a junk removal company and pulling out the credit card to pay for this service. After that, you’ll have a hands-off method for getting rid of the hot tub.

7. Pool Tables

Bulky household items, such as pool tables and furniture removal, are another option to discuss when contacting a junk removal company. Homeowners will find that if big pieces of furniture aren’t being used and just taking up space, then it’s time to get them out of their homes.

If the furniture is still in decent condition, you might consider donating to a local nonprofit. Even when the furniture is broken or needs restoration, there are still people willing to accept the donations. Otherwise, pool tables and other furniture items might need to go to the junkyard.

Need Any Of The Above Items Removed From Your Home?

Do you have any oversized, bulky items that you are ready to get out of the house? We can help with large junk removal, hazardous materials, and more. CleanStart Property Services offers full-service solutions to clean up your home by removing the items you are no longer using. For more information, contact us to learn more about the items we take. We are here to help!

Our friends at Redbins wrote an awesome article on why professional junk removal is important, you can find the full article HERE.

Junk removal can be a real hassle. Not only can it take a lot of time, but the process of sorting items and dealing with moving the materials can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be a hassle.

When you hire a reputable junk removal company, you can be sure that the job will be done, and done right. From sorting out your recyclable items to cleaning up before they leave, junk removalists have the training and tools to do it all.

After your junk has been removed professionally, you will feel good that you have more space, a better-looking home or office and that you were able to help the environment.

What is ‘junk’?

Many people are hesitant to call in a junk removal company because they are not sure what is classified as ‘junk.’ Essentially, anything you don’t want or use anymore could be considered as junk. Even if the item still works or if it is taking up space in your home or office and you don’t need it, consider having it collected.

Far too often, you may find yourself hanging on to things that you should not. Here are some items that you can leave in the hands of a junk removal company:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Household items
• Construction materials
• Wood items
• Yard waste
• Concrete

Reasons to Hire Professional Junk Removalists

There are several good reasons to hire a professional to help you with the junk removal process. These include:

1. Save time

Properly disposing of your junk can be a time-consuming process. Each piece that you are throwing out will need to be examined and put into a special pile. Sorting out the items to determine where everything goes can take up too much valuable time. Often people are too busy to get the job done right. Plus, no one wants to spend their extra time sorting through the junk.

Although there is some cost involved with hiring a professional to do the work, it is worth it. Consider the cost in time and money if you were to do it yourself. If you want to save time but still know that your items are being disposed of or recycled properly, you will need a professional junk removal company.

2. Minimize waste

With a professional junk removalist, your items will get sorted into different piles depending on their destination. From these piles, the professionals can identify the items that need to be recycled appropriately. This helps prevent too much garbage from collecting in landfills. So, not only can you clean up your home, but you are also helping keep the environment safe.

3. Safety

Dealing with old items, particularly heavy ones, can put you at risk for injury. Lifting and carrying heavy items can cause you physical harm. While sorting through debris can put you into contact with hazardous material like asbestos. Hiring a junk removal company to do it for you can help you avoid this danger and prevent a trip to the emergency room.

Professional junk removalists have the right training and equipment to handle all your items safely. They know what to look out for and how to protect themselves and others. When it comes to your junk removal job, it is important to have the right tools for the job.

4. Declutter

If you have many items accumulating on your property, having them removed professionally can help you enjoy your space more. Too often, we keep things that we know we should toss out because it is too much of a hassle to put them in our vehicle and take these items where they need to go.

By hiring a professional junk removalist, you will take back your space without having to deal with the stress of removing the items yourself. Many people find they like their home and feel freer without all the clutter.

Junk removal specialists have just the right vehicle for the job. If you have a home or business decluttering project, you will appreciate the help of a reputable junk removal company.

5. Donations

When you hire a professional junk removal company, any usable items that you don’t want are more likely to find their way to someone who can use them. Even if you don’t have the time or energy to collect and drop off donatable items, a professional company does. Things like old computers, phones, and more can go to good use in a new home.

If there are items in your home or office that you no longer need or want, a professional junk removal company can help. They understand that dealing with these items can be a hassle. Professionals have the training, tools and expertise to sort and move your materials to the right location.

Many items can be recycled or even donated, which is a win-win for everyone. This reduces the stress on your, frees up your space and is the best solution for the environment. With a professional junk removalist company, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your clutter is gone and that it was handled in the best possible way.

For more information about professional junk removal services, call CleanStart Property Services at 1-855-297-8278 or book a free estimate through our website. 

Most people don’t know the differences between trash/recycling service and junk removal, good thing our friends at College Hunks Hauling wrote an awesome article on the differences between trash service and junk removal, and you can find the full article HERE.

When planning for a cleanout project, something that comes to your mind is what you are going to do with the stuff you don’t want to keep? Should you just throw it away? Can you throw it away? Will this all fit in your trash bin?

Most weekly trash removal services have lists of items you can’t toss into your bin. Furthermore, your trash removal service may not accept overflow or bulk trash. So, do you need a trash removal service or a junk removal company? While both services aim to get rid of unwanted things in your household, knowing their differences can help you make a well-informed decision on the best service that suits your needs.

Here are three key differences between a trash removal service and a junk removal company.

1. Bulk Pickup

Local sanitation departments offer multiple programs to help you get rid of garbage at a low cost. Such as a designated bulk trash pickup day or community collection event for larger items like old appliances and lawn debris. However, these don’t happen often and some of your items will need special handling.

This is where a junk removal company comes in handy. Most junk removal companies can collect large items or bulk waste in a day. Items that require special handling like appliances, mattresses, or scrap metal can only be handled by a junk removal specialist. Additionally, many junk removal companies will sort and handle items that can be recycled or donated, keeping what you throw away out of the landfill.

2. Large-scale Jobs

Garbage collection companies focus on hauling away everyday household garbage. But at times, household trash can build up from annual cleaning or moving and can be too much for a local sanitation company. In this case, a junk removal company is better suited to handle the job of removing waste from your home.

Most local garbage collection services set limits on weekly trash collection, and you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t fit everything into your designated trash can. This is where junk removal companies come in to save the day. Apart from junk removal companies handling waste like electronics and furniture, they also offer large pickups for household trash.

3. Repurposing and Recycling

When removing unwanted items using your normal trash collection, recycling are limited to things like paper, plastics, glass and aluminum cans. Some things like old furniture or mattresses will end up in landfills as there are few recycling programs for these types of things that a garbage collection service will work with.

Working with a junk removal company helps ensure a reliable and eco-friendly solution for those less-common recyclables. We partner with local recyclers and donation partners to ensure that most of your junk stays out of the landfill. In fact, we donate or recycle nearly 70% of the household items we collect!

Items Not Accepted by a Garbage Collection Service

A trash collection service is responsible for collecting household trash but has limits. Some of the items not accepted by the general trash service include:

• Ammunition & Firearms
• Logs, brush, and stumps
• Hazardous waste like insecticides and paints
• Bulky items like furniture, appliances, and mattresses
• Medical Waste
• Building materials like concrete, gravel, drywall, or metal
• Excess lawn clippings and yard waste

What Can Be Handled by a Junk Removal Service?

If you are undergoing a remodel, rental cleanout, a big move, or just doing some spring cleaning, a junk removal company is here for you. We will give you a stress-free experience by hauling bulky and heavy items that you can’t dispose of with the regular trash removal service.

Items that a junk removal service can handle include:

• Appliances
• Furniture
• Mattresses
• Yard waste
• Clothes
• Hot tubs
• Electronics like TVs and Computers
• Renovation Debris

Choose a Junk Removal Company for the Things Your Trash Service Won’t Take

When is comes to excess waste, choosing a junk removal company can save you time and a lot of headache. Don’t be the person rationing space in the weekly collection bin for all of those bags of fall leaves and lawn clippings. Get rid of those old tires once and for all by working with CleanStart Property Services for your junk removal needs

If you need junk removal, pest control, cleaning and/or moving services, and you are based in the Lower Mainland of BC. Give us a call at 1-855-297-8278 or book a free estimate through our website. 

Our friends at Planet Aid wrote an article on 10 tips fro an extreme clean, you can find the full article HERE.

Are you the kind of person who shudders at the thought of dirt? Do you find yourself crawling around the floor of your house on your hands and knees, making sure you’ve picked up every last crumb? Have you ever used a dust-buster to vacuum your vacuum cleaner? If so, this blog is for you!

 We’ve rounded up 10 tips for an extreme clean for every neat freak who demands a top-to-bottom clean:

Kitchen Cabinets

Over time, cabinets can collect a layer of grime on the surface from dust, dirt, and grease. You can make them look shiny and new by making a mixture of one part vegetable oil and two parts baking soda and then scrubbing with a cloth or sponge.

Washing Machine

The washing machine is one of those places you just don’t think to clean because it seems like it would wash itself, right? In fact, a surprising amount of dirt and product can build up inside the machine. To clean, rinse with vinegar and bleach and use Q-tips to get into the nooks and crannies. Many washers have a self-clean cycle that should be run regularly.

Showerhead

If you were to take a look at your showerhead right now, chances are you’d be shocked by how dirty it actually is. The good news is it’s super easy to clean. Just pour some vinegar into a sandwich baggie, tie it around the showerhead with a rubber band, and let soak for an hour. Wipe clean and your showerhead will be sparkling.

Toaster

Getting the gunk off your toaster, and really any other stainless steel appliances, is quick and makes a big difference. Mix 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of water, scrub with a sponge, and then wipe clean with a damp towel.

Oven Glass

Have you ever been frustrated that no matter how hard you scrub it seems the oven glass doesn’t get clean? It turns out you also have to clean between the glass! You can use a wire hanger and a cleaning cloth to get into this hard-to-reach spot.

Sink Drain

The kitchen sink is one of the germiest places in the house and, after a while, the garbage disposal can even start to smell. Yuck! Follow these instructions to get your sink top-to-bottom clean.

Burners

It’s usually pretty easy to see the grime that builds up on stove burners, but finding a way to get it off is a different story! Stop scrubbing until your hands hurt; instead, soak burners in ammonia and wipe the grime right off.

Iron

Clean the bottom of your iron with salt! First, sprinkle salt over an ironing board liberally. Then turn the steam option on the iron OFF, heat to the highest setting, and iron over the salt. The grime will stick to the salt and leave you with a perfectly shiny iron.

Window Tracks

When you’ve finished cleaning the glass, don’t forget the tracks! Window tracks are hard to clean unless you’re using the right tools. Q-tips dipped in vinegar are perfect for getting into the small crevices of window tracks; just drag the Q-tip along the tracks and then wipe clean with a damp towel. You can use the same method to clean the tracks for sliding glass doors.

Mattress

If you don’t use a mattress protector, your mattress could probably stand to be freshened up a bit. A good mattress cleaning is especially important for people with dust allergies, since a lot of dust can collect over time. All it takes is baking soda and vacuum cleaner! Sprinkle baking soda over the bare mattress, let sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum up with an upholstery attachment.

If you need help with extreme cleaning give us a call as 1-855-297-8278 or book a free estimate through our website.

Our friends at Plunkett’s Pest Control wrote an article on the dangers of having mice in your home, you can find the full article HERE.

Rodent infestations are extremely common, especially in the fall and winter . Not only are rodents common, but they are some of the most damaging and dangerous pests you can have in your home.

Rodents constantly gnaw on soft objects, chew through electrical wires, damage furniture, and leave behind feces and urine. If these things haven’t convinced you of the dangers of having a rodent infestation, we put together some more dangerous and damaging things rodents do to homes and why they do them:

Why are Rodents so Problematic?

Rodents’ frontmost teeth (incisors) never stop growing, and to keep them sharp and useful they have to gnaw on soft objects constantly. They chew through electrical wire, damage furniture, ruin storage material, and rip up insulation. The pests also leave behind feces and urine, which soils food and often becomes a serious health hazard.

Dangers of Having Rodents in Your Home

1. Mice and Rats are a Fire Hazard

You may be wondering, do mice cause house fires!? The short and simple answer: they can. In fact, approximately 25% of house fires from “unknown causes” aren’t so unknown; Mice or rats actually cause them!

As rats and mice chew on electrical wiring, they damage it; damaged wiring sparks and overheats, which frequently starts electrical fires. Because of this, rodent infestations should be considered a real and significant fire hazard.

2. Rodents Can Be a Health Hazard

Health Hazards that Come Directly from Rodents:

Rodents are infamous for carrying diseases. Rodent feces, urine, saliva, and blood can directly transmit a wide variety of diseases, including Hantavirus and Tularemia.

Health Hazards that Come Indirectly from Rodents:

Additionally, rodents can also carry ticks, lice, and other pests into your home, which means they can indirectly spread even more diseases.

Health Hazards from Rodent Bi-Products:

Although people rarely transmit diseases by coming into direct contact with the rodents in their homes, they are afflicted with diseases after contacting rodent biproducts byproducts (such as waste or fur). Rodents are notoriously unsanitary pests. They leave behind feces, urine, fur, and other remains wherever they live (and especially where they eat).

The most common way people get sick from rodent contact is by eating food contaminated with rat droppings. Rats usually feed on dry pantry goods, but they aren’t picky and will take just about anything they can find.

3. Mice and Rats Contaminate and Waste Food

In order to contaminate your food, rodents have to get into it first. Unfortunately, rats and mice are notorious for their ability to make their way into stored foods. Both rodents have an amazingly potent sense of smell. They can sniff out the specific location of food through doors, containers, and even walls. In fact, rodents often enter your home in the first place by following the smell of food.

Once rodents locate a food source, they rarely have trouble accessing it. Rats can squeeze through an opening the size of a quarter. Their gnawing front teeth help them tear through boxes and bags. If rodents are left unchecked, they eat and spread continuously. Plus, rats and mice taking up space in your food isn’t just a health risk… wasting food is also a significant expense!

4. Rodents Cause Structural Damage

Rodent pastimes like eating, gnawing, nest building, and reproducing end up hurting your home. Rodents work their way through walls and nooks and crannies to get food—they end up dislodging insulation and harming weather-proofing products in the process. Rodents gnaw on plastic, fabric, and paper and will wear down furniture and ruin paper products.

To make their nests, rats and mice drag insulation, paper, packing materials, and various garbage into corners and crannies. They often pull this material off furniture or boxes. Worst of all, while they’re doing all the gnawing, ripping, and tearing, they’re also having babies! These babies grow quickly and start doing some gnawing, ripping, and tearing off their own. Rodent damage tends to get exponentially worse as time goes on.

Avoid the Damage, Get Help from a Professional Rodent Control Company

The best way to avoid the damage and dangers listed above is to keep rats out of your home… and the best way to keep rodents out of your home is by getting help from a professional rodent control company, like CleanStart Property Services Pest Control. We can get and keep mice and rats out of your home or business… For good! Contact us today!

Our friends at Xtreme Cleaners wrote an article on what hoarding is & what to do when you know a hoarder, you can find the full article HERE.

Hoarding has been in the spotlight for the last decade, thanks to TV shows like Hoarders and Hoarding: Buried Alive. Viewers tune in to see how people feel when trapped in their own homes, surrounded by seemingly endless piles of clothing, papers, household items, and sometimes… not-so-household items. Hoarders will often go dumpster diving, thrifting, or “picking” at flea markets and yard sales to accumulate a repertoire of unnecessary, miscellaneous goods. While shows that portray these behaviors may be entertaining to some, real hoarders feel helpless and paralyzed by the towers of junk.

Hoarding disorder is defined as an enduring difficulty parting with possessions due to a perceived need to keep them. The exact causes of hoarding disorder are unknown, but are linked to other psychological and personality disorders, genetics, brain chemistry, and stressful life experiences. 

At a first glance, many family members of hoarders see dealing with a hoarder and their home as the simple task of tossing out the trash. But the piles are only the first phase of cleaning up. Beneath the stacks of garbage and clutter lies mold, diseases, toxins, rodents, and a series of other unfortunate substances.

If your friend or family member has a hoarding issue, where do you begin? How do you help a hoarder?

1. Research Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding is a serious condition, and can often have detrimental physical, emotional, and financial effects on an affected person. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who experience hoarding disorder also have other mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, or anxiety. Researching the condition will help you acquire the appropriate knowledge to aid you in your search for the right professional to assist your loved one.

2. Talk to the Hoarder About Cleaning Up

It’s important not to blame the hoarder as you approach the discussion of clean-up. Be open and honest about your concerns for their safety. Reassure them with confidence that you will help handle the clean-up and that you’re there to support them. This will give them a sense of control and security, allowing them to feel that they have a degree of autonomy over the process.

3. Get Professional Cleaning Help

Debris removal from a hoarder’s home requires detailed planning and execution. Hiring a hoarding remediation service to lighten the load is your best bet for a clean house free of toxins and particulates. The trash will be removed, important family memorabilia and keepsakes will be saved, biohazardous materials will be disposed of, and the affected areas will be sanitized and deodorized. Some professional cleaning services will even help the homeowner label their items and teach them how to maintain an organized space moving forward.

Dealing with hoarding issues is never an easy matter. The individual with the disorder is likely already overwhelmed, and intervening may evoke strong emotions during sensitive times. By following these three steps, you can prepare yourself to handle the situation and support those affected, facilitating their progression into a safer, happier, clutter-free life. Call your hoarding remediation service and health care professional today to help your loved one regain control over their life.

If you need help with hoarding clean up you can give us a call at 1-855-297-8278 or book a free estimate through our website. 

CleanStart Property Services offers pest control preparation and pest control treatment services for our customers across the Lower Mainland of BC. We often share information and resources on on how to avoid bug infestations with our customers, and so we thought we would share some info on the blog also. Our friends at Kapture Pest Control wrote an article outlining 13 tips to bug-proof your home. You can find the full article HERE

In all my years of providing pest-control services, one question I receive more often than anything else is: what can I do in between treatments?

While I’d love to tell you that keeping a pest-free home is something only a trained professional can do, the truth is, there are many different steps you can take in between regular treatments that will help.

Below are 13 tips to bug-proof your home that customers have found helpful.

1. Doors and Windows

One of the most overlooked areas of your house can also be the number one cause of flying and crawling pest invasion.

Check to make sure your doors are actually closing all the way; if not, get that fixed ASAP.

If the doors are mostly there, but still not closing completely, buy some weather stripping to seal up that extra 1/2″ of space that can let all the critters come in.

Bottom door seals are cheap and not only help with keeping bugs out but also eliminate drafts in the home.

Check your windows for the same weaknesses, but pay special attention to the screens.

Unbeknownst to many homeowners, the screen facing inside of windows can have tiny holes in between the gaps that are just large enough for a mosquito to come in through.

A replacement screen is not very expensive and easy to install, so run your fingers over the screen to get a great idea of the structural integrity of your window.

2. Holes in the Wall

Even if your home is not very old, holes in the wall can form as the foundation begins to settle, creating cracks in the brick and sheetrock that are large enough for an entire family of birds to nest in.

Look in the corners of the closets and laundry room for cracks, and perform a visual inspection on the outside of the house for any faults in the brick.

One of the most vulnerable areas is the holes where appliances are plugged in, especially in water lines behind the refrigerator and washing machine.

Pull those units out a foot to get a good view of the wall, and, if necessary, patch it up with a little bit of steel wool, caulk, and gauze material that you can lay over the top.

It might be frustrating to see where your builder was lazy in finishing up their job, but it will do wonders for your heating and cooling bill, in addition to keeping pests out.

3. Water Works

Bugs love water more than just about any other area in the house (a close second would be the pantry), so make sure you check your pipes that are running inside and out of the house for any vulnerabilities.

Rather than just monitoring the appliances, however, look underneath the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to see if there are any gaps next to the piping.

If so, get some expanding foam and fill in the area directly next to the pipe. It won’t take long, and even a novice DIY’er will be able to fix it up in no time.

4. Store Firewood Away From the House

Don’t store firewood close to your house. Even though it’s outdoors, a firewood stack is a haven for every sort of crawler and otherwise-stagnant bug on the planet.

If you don’t believe me, lift up a piece of wood that’s been in the ground for any length of time and you’ll see a cornucopia of insect life living on the underground.

The worst place for those little guys to be in is living up against your home, eating away at the lining of your house and crawling through the foundation while you sleep.

The most effective prevention technique might be the simplest one on this list: move the firewood pile.

Stack it up against the fence on the other side of the yard, invest in a firewood holder that you can place somewhere else, or, at the very least, get a bag to completely enclose it while it’s sitting in the yard.

A good rule of thumb is to keep the firewood at least five feet away from the house, and off the ground if possible.

5. Clean Up the Yard

The best way to protect your home against invaders is to use minimize the number of bugs that take up residence in your yard, which means making the whole area as inhospitable as possible.

While there’s no way to completely remove bugs or insects from your yard (nor should you, for ecological reasons), you can limit their stay by removing the tree limbs, grass clippings, shrubs, and other paraphernalia from your space.

Though they might seem innocent, these spots are a perfect home for bugs looking to stay for a few seasons.

6. Vacuum

While you most likely have some sort of regular cleaning ritual, make sure that you vacuum your floors at least once a week to get rid of the insects that have invaded your home without you knowing about.

Cobwebs in the corners, bug droppings, and food crumbs that have been left out attract bugs like, well…bugs, so eliminate their attraction to your home by keeping it neat and tidy.

7. Give Your Pets a Dining Space

Dogs and cats are fantastic to have around the home, not just for companionship, but also to keep bugs and insects at bay.

Cats, for example, will have a field day chasing around cockroaches and mosquitos, but while that may be fun to watch, there’s no way for them to get every last bug that comes into your house.

If you have a pet, remember to put their food in a bowl or on a rubber mat, at the very least, and never put it on the floor.

I have walked into many customer’s homes that have complained about an ant problem for weeks, only to find dog food sprinkled all over the house from Fido eating it in different locations.

They had a bowl, but crumbs were left everywhere, which made the house appealing to critters of all stripes. In addition to vacuuming, use a food bowl for your pets, and teach them to only eat there.

8. Fix Leaky Faucets

As mentioned before, nearly every type of bug is attracted to water, and if you have a leaky faucet, chances are you’ve noticed them congregating around the source.

But before you call a plumber to come in and fix the issue, head down to your local hardware store and grab a few tools: namely, a wrench and some vinegar.

First, turn off the water to the pipe itself and unscrew the line to the faucet. Then, remove all the parts – washer, seal, moveable parts, etc – and soak them in a bath of vinegar for a few hours.

Dry them all thoroughly, put them back on the pipe, turn on the water, and there’ll be one less problem area to contend with.

9. Keep a Dry Home

Water damage is an expensive and frustrating issue to deal with, excluding the pest problem that can come with it, so examine every inch of your house where pipes are installed to make sure none of them are leaking.

While they can crack from extreme differences in temperature, age can also be a factor, so if you have an older home, be especially vigilant.

Leaking water can cause mold damage which can be damaging to your health, and can be caused by a hole in the roof, allowing bugs and other things to fly in unnoticed.

Check the caulk around tubs and the shower to make sure everything is draining properly; if not, take the necessary steps to fix it. Even if your house doesn’t even have any standing water, bugs and insects love a moist environment.

10. Set Out Sticky Traps

Though they’re not the most attractive things to have displayed in your home, I have recommended to my customers throughout the years to use good, old-fashioned sticky traps.

The large flat ones can slide underneath your couch or bed and can do wonders in trapping every different type of pest that comes through, especially spiders and scorpions.

Sticky traps are relatively inexpensive, come in different shapes and sizes, and are perfect for placing in areas where chemical insecticides can do damage to plants.

If you’re really ambitious, you can make your own with a piece of cardstock cut to the exact dimensions you want, and coated with motor oil, petroleum jelly, or commercial-grade pest killer.

11. Keep a Clean Kitchen

There is not a quicker way to lose your appetite than to walk into your kitchen and see a line of ants (or worse!) marching across your countertops.

While sealing the hole that they came in from can be the best way to ensure they don’t find their way into your home, you can also keep them from wanting to come in by ensuring that your kitchen is clean.

That doesn’t mean you have to do a deep-clean of your kitchen every day; the simplest way is just to make sure there’s no food left out for them to be attracted to.

Cover all of your foodstuffs with closeable containers, look for spills, rinse off the dishes in the sink, and check for food that sits out that may have spoiled, like fruit and vegetables. A tiny dose of prevention can go a long way in keeping a bug-free kitchen.

12. Make a Homemade Flytrap

Similar to creating your own sticky traps, a flytrap can be placed on your countertop and attract fruit flies directly into the snare.

Not only are homemade fly traps extremely inexpensive, they are also very efficient and don’t require a ton of maintenance. Put a half-cup of apple cider vinegar into a small bowl and add a squirt of dish soap to the mixture. Stir it up, and leave it out in the open.

Just like a bug zapper, the flies will be attracted to the scent and get trapped in the concoction.

13. Practice Mosquito Management

Mosquitos are some of the most annoying pests on the planet, but they also are some of the most dangerous as well. They can transfer viruses like Zika, and since they’re so tiny, they are almost impossible to see until they’ve already bit you.

As a pest control management specialist, these are some of my most common complaints.

Unfortunately, there’s no single sure-fire way to rid your life of mosquitos, but there are a lot of smaller things you can do that will add up over time.

For instance, get rid of all the standing water that you find in your home and yard. Mosquitos, like most bugs, love the moist environment that standing water provides, so make sure you eliminate as much as you can.

Use citronella candles and dump some citronella into your sunscreen to prevent mosquito bites when working outside.

Another enemy of mosquitos is garlic, so place as much of that as you can around the house to deter pests, and use fans as well.

The one thing mosquitos can’t stand is air forcibly moved around the room, so the more fans you have operating – even out on the porch – the better.

If you can apply these 13 tips to bug-proof your home, you may avoid the need for a professional service to treat your space. However, if you find signs of pest infestations, give us a call and we will provide an inspection to identify the root cause, as well as treat the infestation. You can find more information on our pest control services HERE.

CleanStart Property Services offers large-scale moving coordination and execution services as well as single residential moves, it is easier to declutter before a move, as this way you will only bring the belongings you need to the new space. Our friends at Moving.com wrote an article on how to declutter before moving. You can find the full article here: https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-de-clutter-before-moving-day/

Moving an overstuffed junk drawer or closets full of stuff you didn’t even know you owned doesn’t make sense. If you move yourself, you’ll have to pack and schlep all those extra things; and if you hire a moving company, you’ll pay more to move junk you won’t want in your new place.

To keep moving day as inexpensive and stress-free as possible, declutter your life before you start packing.

Give Yourself Time

Don’t wait until the day before the movers arrive to decide what to pack and what to get rid of. Instead, plan at least two weeks in advance. Mark out a few hours a day to tackle a different room or closet in your home. By working in smaller chunks, you won’t be tempted to just throw it all in boxes and be done with it.

Use Extras

If you stockpile household goods and toiletries such as toilet paper or shampoo, start using up the excess now so you’ll have less to bring with you. If you run out, buy a smaller size to get you through the move.

Start a Necessities Box

An essentials box includes everything you’ll need the day you move in, such as a roll of toilet paper, a box cutter, a hammer and nails. Mark the box and keep it with you while you move so you can dive right in without digging through all your boxes looking for a necessity.

Leave the Mementos for Last

It’s easier to get rid of a set of sheets you never liked than something with sentimental value. Leave the harder decisions for last, such as what to do with unused but sentimental gifts, so you don’t get frustrated with de-cluttering.

Use Three Boxes

For every room you tackle, bring three boxes – one for stuff you’ll keep, one for stuff to throw away, and one for stuff to donate or sell. As you go through closets and drawers, drop each item into one of the three boxes.

Employ the Practicality Test

If you’re not sure you should keep or donate something, ask yourself – honestly! – if you’ll use it. For example, set a time limit for clothes. If you haven’t worn something in a year, you probably won’t wear it again, so put it in the donate box. With sheets, towels or kitchen utensils, check for duplicates. While it might be nice to have three sets of sheets, one or two will do. Same goes for hand towels and spatulas.

Check Expiration Dates

Odds are good your bathroom or pantry contains a few items past their prime. Before you pack anything, check for an expiration date or think back to when you bought it. Spices can last for years but lose potency after six months or so. If you’ve have had that spice jar for a while, open it and smell the contents. If you don’t get a strong whiff of the spice, the jar can be tossed. In the bathroom, many makeup products such as mascara and concealer expire after a year. While it won’t harm you to use old makeup, this is a good time to toss products you haven’t worn in years.

Donate or Sell

Once you’ve finished digging through every room in your home, either sell what you don’t want or donate it to charity. You’ll finally be rid of that clutter and you’ll make a little bit of cash (or a tax deduction) to help offset your moving costs.

If you need help with junk removal, pest control, cleaning and/or moving services, give us a call at 1-855-297-8278 or you can book your free estimate through our website. 

CleanStart Property Services has served the Lower Mainland of BC for over ten years providing junk removal, hoarding cleanup, pest control, cleaning and moving services. We often remind our customers of the potential risks of junk around the home, and our friends at Nova Junk wrote an article on this exact topic, you can find the full article here: https://www.novajunk.com/04/the-potential-risks-of-junk-around-your-home/

It’s a scene made popular in many movies and TV shows. Homeowners have a closet that is so full of stuff that every time someone opens it, that person is engulfed by all the items that fall out. While this can be a funny moment, even in real life, there are risks to people when junk has begun to overwhelm a house. It doesn’t mean that person is a hoarder, but even a small amount of junk can create risks.

Look around your home and decide if some of these items you no longer use are not just in the way, but potential health risks. Here are some common issues we’ve come across.

OBSTACLE COURSES AROUND THE HOME

If you’re like many homeowners, it’s easy once something breaks down or is no longer used to either haul it to the attic, take it downstairs or haul it out into the garage. This is fine if you have just a few things, but over time these items can build up. Then when you need something from the attic, such as your Christmas decorations, you have to work through all this junk to get to them. It doesn’t take much for someone to trip over these items and end up celebrating the holidays with a twisted ankle or bruised knees or possibly something worse.

Old appliances have their own risks. Most people know the dangers of having an old refrigerator around, particularly when young children are present. But what about that appliance with the frayed cord. What if someone isn’t aware of this and plugs it in.

Over time a homeowner may have painted a number of their rooms over the years and all these paint cans have accumulated. While it makes sense to keep the current color of paint for a room, the paint that isn’t used anymore should be properly disposed. Same for any chemicals around the house. Don’t just toss them into the trash can or set them out thinking the trash man will pick them up. You need to know what your city requires for old paint and chemicals to be properly disposed of.

CLEANING UP THE YARD

Is there an old swing set that no longer is used, but has become rusted and broken down? It only takes once for someone to scratch themselves on rusted metal for them to get an infected cut. Or that old hot tub that now lies neglected and full of rain water. This could be a health hazard in a number of ways. Like a broken swing set, a metal shed that barely stands could either fall on someone or cut them. Old grills, broken lawn chairs, and rusted bikes can also be potential hazards.

Another problem with simply piling up the junk outside is that it can become home for rodents. They’re looking for places in which to take shelter. Then when someone goes near the junk, the animal can become defensive and attack.

GET RID OF YOUR JUNK ALL AT ONCE AND AVOID BACK PAIN

Now that you understand the risks of your junk, it’s time to do something about it. You can haul it out to the curb and schedule a time with the sanitation department to have it removed. Or you load up a vehicle and haul it yourself, although this can take several trucks and leave your vehicle looking dirty. And be careful that you don’t hurt your back as you carry the heavy items. The easiest way is to have a junk removal company come and haul it away at your convenience. You don’t even have to haul it out to the curb, but simply point out where it is and they can do all the heavy lifting.

If you need help with your junk removal needs book an estimate through our website or give us a call at 1-855-297-8278.

What is Hoarding?

It’s estimated that between 1.5-6% of the Canadian population has a hoarding problem. It is important to note that there are many reasons that an individual might exhibit hoarding behaviors, whether it be the result of mental illness or comorbidity, or the result of Hoarding Disorder. Hoarding Disorder is defined as “persistent difficulty with letting go of possessions, even those without value to an outside observer” (Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network). This blog while attempt to explain why we need the Clutter Image Rating Scale, and what the Clutter Image Rating Scale is, as it relates to hoarding. 

What is the Clutter Image Rating Scale And How To Use It

In our experience providing junk removal and hoarding support services, everyone has a different definition of a cluttered home or space. Some may think a couple piles of clothes in a bedroom is a cluttered space, while others may not be able to move around their apartment freely due to piles of belongings 6 feet high. For this reason, it is important to have universally recognized definitions of the level of clutter in a space, as severe hoarding can endanger the tenant and the building at large. There are tools available to assess the severity of hoarding, and the Clutter Image Scale is a commonly used tool to determine and communicate a universally understood level of clutter. 

The Clutter Image Rating Scale (see above) is a series of photographs in a grid pattern 3 images wide and 3 images deep (totaling 9 images) showing different rooms in a home. The first image is a perfectly tidy space, and each image after has more clutter than the prior. Each photo has a number attached. A clutter image scale 1 means perfectly tidy, and a clutter image scale 9 means severely hoarded to a very dangerous level. When a homeowner, tenant, support worker or building manager is assessing the level of clutter, they will attempt to match the space to the photo that is the most similar. This requires a bit of discretion, however serves as a great starting point. 

In general, any space that is a #4 or higher, begins to degrade the quality of life and safety of the tenant and it is recommended that they seek help for their hoarding behaviors. When communicating with mental health professionals, the fire department and/or hoarding support services, it is helpful to give the level of clutter determined through this scale to communicate the severity. This is a helpful starting point to assess how best to help the individual reduce the level of clutter in their space.  

Difficult Done Right: CleanStart Offers Compassionate and Discrete Hoarding Support Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding and/or large amounts of clutter in their space, give us a call at 1-855-297-8278 or book a free estimate through our website. We can help you determine the correct course of action, and provide a free estimate for our junk removal, pest control, and/or extreme cleaning services. 

More Resources:

http://www.philadelphiahoarding.org/resources/Clutter%20Image%20Rating%20Scale.pdf

https://www.torontohoardingnetwork.ca/what-is-hoarding/#:~:text=It’s%20estimated%20that%20between%20one,population%20has%20a%20hoarding%20problem.

https://www.hoardingconnectioncc.org/Hoarding_cir.pdf

CleanStart Property Services offer hoarding cleanup, pest control, sanitization and extreme cleaning services, as there are often multiple stages to a hoarding clean-out. We are often asked if hoarding leads to an insect invasion, and our friends at Exterminateur wrote a great article on this exact question, you can find the full article here: https://eexterminateur.ca/en/blog/can-compulsive-hoarding-lead-to-insect-invasion/

Compulsive hoarding is a relatively unknown and uncommon disease with real implications. Only 2 to 6% of the population is reported to be affected. While some compulsive hoarders live in a somewhat orderly chaos, others live in an environment where the clutter would make most people unwell. Beyond the “simple” hoarding of items, what other consequences can this compulsion have? More specifically, does it promote insect infestation?

How Does Compulsive Hoarding Develop?

A person suffering from this compulsion is incapable of throwing away the items he or she accumulates. Belongings are collected to the point that a living space can no longer fulfill its basic function. As a result, the person’s apartment or house is no longer used for daily living but rather to store the things he or she collects. As things pile up, the person’s life deteriorates to the point where they can no longer function.

The Consequences of Collecting Emerge

Serious problems occur as soon as the clutter becomes excessive. Soon, the hoarder piles up so many items that it becomes impossible to move them. In doing so, they can no longer clean the place they inhabit. Mould starts to appear, as well as the risks of falling and fire, which increase considerably. But, above all, the problem is as follows: pest infestations appear because liquids, food and waste that pile up and accumulate on the ground can no longer be cleaned.

Insect Invasion can be a Consequence of Compulsive Hoarding

Deteriorating hygienic conditions greatly encourage insects to invade. A bug infestation caused by compulsive hoarding can therefore quickly become a health hazard. Some pests carry dangerous diseases, such as West Nile virus or Lyme disease. The increased presence of these pests therefore increases the risk of contamination. Similarly, other insects, such as cockroaches, can contribute to the development of asthma and allergies in children.

Easy to Hoard, Hard to Clear

The unhealthy conditions that result from compulsive hoarding therefore pose a threat to the health of the hoarder and his or her family and friends, since the risks of contagion associated with insect infestations are very real. Effective planning of the cleaning process should be undertaken quickly when such a problem arises. However, this decontamination must not be treated like a routine clean-up. Insects can disperse if their habitat is disturbed and they may bite the person in charge of cleaning. These potential bites and stings can contain venom or other bacteria.

A Pest Decontamination Expert to your Rescue

Compulsive hoarding is a disease that leads to highly unhealthy conditions. As a result, insects will quickly settle in this type of area and colonize it in large numbers. Soon, the area will be overrun and it will become their territory. Since a basic cleaning of the cluttered space is far from enough, hiring a decontamination/sanitization and/or extreme cleaning service is essential. Only an expert can eliminate any potential danger. For more information on our hoarding cleanup and pest control services see here: https://cleanstartbc.ca/junk-removal/hoarding-cleanup

CleanStart Property Services provides discrete and compassionate hoarding support services. We often get questions on hoarding, and our friends at Clutter Trucker wrote an awesome article on the 5 stages of hoarding. You can find the full article here: https://cluttertrucker.com/5-stages-of-hoarding/

Some psychological disorders are very difficult for the average individual to understand. If someone isn’t being victimized by one of these disorders, it’s hard for them to understand how certain disorders lead to certain behaviors like hoarding.

The act of hoarding is sometimes troubling to witness. It begs a couple of questions, why would anyone have so much difficulty discarding things that would be considered garbage in the eyes of others? Why do some people feel the need to accumulate large amounts of food and merchandise when using it all would be a hard thing for anyone to do?

The best way to explain a hoarding disorder is to simply provide information about the disorder. In that spirit, the following information is going to focus on the 5 stages of hoarding disorders. Hopefully, this will answer questions you might have about the progression of hoarding disorders.

What are the 5 Levels of Hoarding?

Through research, the mental health community has identified 5 levels of hoarding that seem to offer support for a full hoarding disorder diagnosis. Here are those 5 levels of hoarding:

Stage 1: Onset of Obsession to Not Dispose of Certain Items

Regarding the 5 stages of hoarding, the first level of a hoarding disorder can be rather subtle. It’s characterized by the individual starting to show signs of having a reluctance to discard things that need discarding or the desire to start accumulating merchandise for their future use. In the case of pet hoarding, the hoarder will be actively seeking more pets to bring into the home.

The effects on the home environment of the hoarding sufferer will also be subtle. It might start with a few cabinets that are filled to capacity or a stack of stuff in a corner of a room. The only ones who would notice these kinds of signs are people who are acutely familiar with the hoarder’s home environment and take notice of things starting to accumulate. It’s a warning sign that loved ones and friends should take to heart.

Stage 2: The Residence Starts to Show Signs of the Hoarding

By the time a hoarding sufferer hits the second stage, the home will start to really show signs of the individual’s hoarding. The stacks of trash and merchandise will start to spill over into entryways and walkways throughout the home. There will be no sense of organization as things are likely to be strewn all over the home.

As the trash and or merchandise accumulates at this level, the hoarding sufferer will typically stop any efforts to clean or straighten up the home. Odors will set in, especially if garbage and animal excretions start to accumulate. The dirt and filth will be palpable enough that the hoarder will reject the idea of visitors coming to visit. Should visitors enter many of these homes, the signs of the hoarding will serve to alarm most reasonable individuals.

Stage 3: Clutter Spreads Outside the House as Items/Trash Accumulate

At some point, the hoarding will start to spill over to the outside of the home. This is effectively the third stage of hoarding. It also provides public notice that something is not right in the home where trash is accumulating in sheds, garages, and around the yard.

Inside the home, home spaces will typically become unusable or inhabitable. Appliances in the kitchen could be broken and unusable. That could include major appliances like refrigerators, and heating and air conditioning systems. The odor around the home will become noticeable outside the home. Trash will start accumulating inside and outside the home to the point that rodents and insects come calling, often resulting in infestations.

Stage 4: Residence Starts to Show Signs of Structural Damage

After six months to a year of hoarding behavior, the hoarder’s home often becomes subject to structural damage issues. That could include repulsive odors, mildew, broken windows and doors, water damage along the baseboards and into the walls, exposed electrical wiring that creates a fire hazard, and much more. Outside the home, the accumulation of garbage and sewage could lead to problems with the neighbors.

At this level of a hoarding disorder, the hoarding sufferer might also start showing the personal effects of their behavior. Their hygiene will suffer from unkempt clothing and body odor. This often results in the hoarding sufferer avoiding leaving the home as a means of avoiding public scrutiny. Also, there could be a noticeable change in their mental and physical health.

Stage 5: Structural Damage Becomes Severe

By far, level 5 is the most severe level. The effects of the hoarding will typically create major issues for the individual and in and around the home.

The structural damage in and around the home will typically progress to the point that the home presents environmental hazards. The rodent and insect infestation could jeopardize the entire neighborhood. Faulty wiring and clogged sewer systems could result in fires and floods. Finally, there could come a point when the home becomes uninhabitable to the point that living there could threaten the health of the people who take up residence in the home.

If you or a loved one are starting to show these 5 stages of hoarding, there are treatments available to deal with a hoarding disorder.

For more information on CleanStart’s hoarding cleanup services click here: https://cleanstartbc.ca/junk-removal/hoarding-cleanup

 

CleanStart Property Services serves everywhere from Squamish to Hope – we help our clients with single-item removals, to multiple day hoarding cleanouts. Our clients often wonder when junk removal becomes a hoarding cleanout. Our friends at Junk Kings wrote an awesome article on this exact topic. You can find the full article here: https://info.junk-king.com/when-junk-removal-becomes-a-hoarder-cleanout

Most everyone loves to fill their homes with things. And when it gets to be too much, junk removal is needed. But sometimes, it may be a sign of hoarding.

Hoarding disorder is a real and serious condition that afflicts close to six percent of Americans. And it is more destructive than most people realize.

Hoarding Disorder: Far More Than Being Disorganized and Cluttered

Many of us can recall seeing stories in the media about an unfortunate person, living alone, who was found deceased in their home under piles of newspapers or boxes. While this may strike some as the stuff of gossip tabloids that specialize in outrageous headlines, it is a tragic reality for many people.

An article from the Washington Post relates,

“Studies show that compulsive hoarding affects up to 6 percent of the population, or 19 million Americans, and it has been found to run in families. The rate is twice that of obsessive-compulsive disorder, the condition under which hoarding was listed until 2013 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the bible of the American Psychiatric Association.”

Today the Association’s latest version now categorizes hoarding disorder as a separate mental illness.

While the tendency to accumulate stuff is often rooted in our culture of over consumption and buying things, it’s not the cause of hoarding. And, more recently, it has become a growing concern among social workers, psychologists, fire marshals and public-health officials.

Also, keep in mind that hoarding is quite different from merely living amid clutter, according to mental health experts. The good news for many of us is that you can have a messy house and even be a “pack rat” and not suffer from compulsive hoarding behavior.

The difference is one of degree and compulsion. Hoarding disorder causes issues and problems for the individual and can disrupt their emotional, physical, social, financial or legal well-being.

That being said, it is still possible for otherwise mentally and emotionally healthy individuals to let themselves get caught up in collecting, storing, and keeping far more things than they need or have room for.

The result can be a home that is now unsafe, difficult to keep clean, and that contributes to a long list of issues that come with overwhelming clutter and crowded living space.

For those folks, what might seem to them to be simply a matter of “getting rid of some stuff” can really be akin to a full house cleanout or, as we sometimes refer to it, a hoarder cleanout.

Got Junk? No Worries! One Call to Make It Disappear

One of the major distinctions between being simply overwhelmed with too much junk and clutter, and suffering from an actual mental condition of compulsive hoarding, is the ability to make the call to get rid of the junk.

The Washington Post story we referred to previously goes on to quote Michael Tompkins, a San Francisco psychologist and the author of “Digging Out: Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding and Compulsive Acquiring.”

“Unlike some other mental-health disorders, many people with hoarding do not seek treatment. They don’t recognize the consequences of their condition or the fact that it affects other people in their apartment building and community.”

The rest of us look around and realize we’ve got to get a handle on the clutter and get rid of the junk that’s taking up so much space in our homes. In other words, we know when we need junk removal service.

Decluttering, of course, requires a bit more than simply calling in a junk hauling crew. 

Not everything is junk and not everything needs to go. So, a large amount of unstacking, sorting, separating, and categorizing needs to take place first. Some often difficult decisions must be made regarding what is going to stay and what needs to go. 

And with those things that are designated as “needs to go” items, a further decision should be made as to what can be gifted or donated, and what is truly only fit for the junk removal team. 

Not everyone is fully capable of making these decision or distinctions, no matter how mentally or emotionally healthy they are. Some folks are often gripped with a mild yet debilitating inability to “let go” of things or they are just deeply resistant to giving up any of their belongings.

But go it must and having a trusted friend or family member coming in to assist with the decluttering phase of the cleaning project can be incredibly helpful and liberating.

And because not everyone has a truck, or easy access to one, trying to take care of large amounts of junk removal can be a problem. When it’s far too much stuff to go into the garbage bin then  you’re going to need a better solution.

Or, as the man said in the famous movie, “You’re gonna to need a bigger boat!”

The Thrill is Gone – When Too Much Stuff is Just Too Much

The truth is, if your piles of junk are too much for you to deal with then it’s time to get rid of them. But no one needs to hurt themselves moving and lifting old, unwanted furniture, used mattresses, or large bags of unwanted household items.

And, depending on where you live and the time of year, trying to fulfill the role of a professional junk hauler can be quite difficult and problematic. 

Inclement weather and shorter days can make any kind of junk removal tasks miserable and even dangerous. If you live out in a somewhat remote rural area, getting to a waste transfer station – assuming you’re even near any – or a local landfill can be a challenge. 

And as we already noted here, without a truck to load and transport your piles of junk items, the whole enterprise can become little more than just moving your clutter and junk from one space in your home to another. 

Whether you are decluttering your home, or maybe you’re relocating your business, or even renovating a new home before you move in, junk removal services can help complete the cleaning phase of your project.

Many times, the biggest obstacle when trying to clear out space in your existing home (or office!) is figuring our how you’re going to get rid of all the junk. You know – all the excess stuff that you neither want nor need, but also items that you don’t know how to dispose of yourself.

Which is why we specialize in providing junk removal solutions.

After a simple call, our expert junk removal team will come to your home and pick up/haul off anything and everything you need removed.

The process is easy and our pricing is transparent and fair. Unlike many other junk removal companies, we charge by the amount of space your junk takes up in our truck, not by weight.

If you have questions about what we can do for you, give us a call at 1-855-297-8278 or you can book a free estimate here: https://cleanstartbc.ca/book-now

CleanStart Property Services offers single-item removals, like for situations when you need to get rid of your big screen T.V. Our friends at Junk Kings wrote a great article on the best approach for responsible T.V. disposal. You can find the full article here: https://www.junk-king.com/locations/indianapolis/2022/11/17/the-best-approach-for-responsible-tv-disposal/

Are you replacing your old TV? This is the time of year when you can always find a great deal on a new TV. Maybe you want to go with a bigger screen? Perhaps you want a smart TV? Whatever the choice, the minute you bring that new TV into the home, the old TV becomes obsolete. That is not something you can sell. If you can’t use it in another room, then there is no reason to hold onto that old TV. Thankfully, there is an easy way to dispose of that old TV. That would be to hire the junk hauling professionals who know exactly how to dispose of an old TV the responsible way.

Recycling Drop-Off

An old TV is considered e-waste. That means it cannot be tossed out into the trash. Instead, it must be dropped off at a recycling center that can take it apart and recycle each component. That is the kind of drop-off that CleanStart can help with. Since CleanStart began collecting rubbish, they have been dedicated to an eco-friendly approach for disposal. That is especially important with e-waste.

If all you wanted to get rid of were that old TV, then the CleanStart session would be over in a matter of minutes. You would also find yourself paying the low end of the price still. That is because CleanStart charges a flat rate, our single-item removal charge. One TV is not going to take up a lot of space! However, if you want to add items to the truck, that will not be a problem for our crews. This is your chance to get rid of all your unwanted stuff.

The responsible way to dispose of your old TV is to turn it over to CleanStart Property Services. Book your removal session today: https://cleanstartbc.ca/book-now

 

An important aspect of our junk removal services here at CleanStart is recycling and/or donating items whenever possible. Our friends at Conserve Energy Future wrote a fantastic article outlining 30 items you didn’t know you could recycle. Find the full article here: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/30-amazing-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-recycle.php

Recycling is an important practice for the environment. At the same time, this is an activity that protects the future. Finding the things that are recyclable is important for daily life. Residents can utilize this information in order to clean and organized their homes. This is also good information for business owners, as well. Recycling keeps the community clean and makes way for the production of a vast array of other materials.

1. Carpet.

If you’re planning to buy new carpet for your home, just don’t throw away the old carpet. Instead, find a carpet reclamation facility to take it away for recycling. Their mission is to advance market-based solutions that increase landfill diversion and recycling of post-consumer carpet, encourage design for recyclability and meet meaningful goals. Alternatively, if you know the name of your company that manufactured your carpet, you can check if they offer any recycling programs.

2. Batteries.

Not all batteries may fit into this category. Rechargeable batteries can be recycled, along with single-use versions. You can contact your recycling center to find out the parameters for batteries. This is a good option for businesses, as well.

3. Cardboard Boxes.

These items officially fit into the paper category, but can be recycled in creative ways. Moving companies and businesses sometimes reuse these boxes. Other companies shred them and utilize them for shipping protection.

4. CD’s.

Many people still own a large number of CD’s. When these discs become scratched or chipped they are usually thrown away. It is not necessary to discard of them though. They can be recycled and repurposed into other materials.

5. Clothing.

Some recycling companies focus on clothing instead of other materials. These types of items can be reused in creative ways. They may also be recycled for other purposes. There are various components included in the average top, pants and other pieces of apparel.

6. Clothing Dryers.

Clothing dryers are another big appliance that can be recycled. There are materials used to produce these machines that are recyclable. Many of the components that make dryers operate can be repurposed, as well.

7. Fluorescent Light Bulbs.

One of the surprising items included in the recycling category are fluorescent light bulbs. Many recycling companies prefer the compact version of these items. IKEA is one popular company that actively collects these bulbs for recycling purposes.

8. Bio-Plastics.

There are bio-plastics that are also considered to be good for composting. It is possible to use these in household composts. Contacting your individual city is a great way to find out how these materials are to be recycled. You may even discover a community need for them.

9. DVD’s.

Old DVD’s don’t have to be thrown into your regular household garbage. These are discs that can also be recycled. There are a variety of manufacturers that utilize these materials. They can be used in combination with other components to make a lot of items.

10. Ink Cartridges.

You may purchase ink cartridges for your home or business office. These are components that are used for copying and printing activities. The cartridges can be recycled. Many office supply companies around the country provide customers with benefits for recycling their ink cartridges.

11. Computers.

You may never have considered all of the parts that go into manufacturing a computer. There are many different components that can easily be recycled. Contacting your city’s recycling program is a good first step. They will inform you of the best way to recycle your home computer or personal laptop.

12. Eyeglasses.

Once you’ve broken a pair of glasses, what can you do? You can recycle these items. The different parts of the glasses can be repurposed. The lenses, plastic frames and nose protectors fit into this recycling category. A local optometrist will be able to inform you about good ways to recycle eyeglasses.

13. Shredded Paper.

Many offices regularly shred important documents and materials. Since this is a paper product it can be included with your household or office recycling. There are many unique uses for this paper. Some companies’ process shredded paper into other paper products offered on green markets.

14. Game Discs.

Game discs often break and are scratched. This causes them to not function properly. Instead of putting them into the garbage, you can recycle them. These discs are made from materials that can be utilized for electronics manufacturing. City recycling offices typically have information about disposal of these.

15. Motor Oil.

When you take your vehicle for a motor oil change, what happens to the oil? In most instances, it is stored and processed for recycling. Individuals, who change their own vehicle’s oil, can recycle too. Most cities and towns have guidelines related to how to collect and recycle motor oil products.

16. Home Electronics.

Looking around the average home, you will discover a vast array of electronics. These are items that can be reused in many ways. There are various industries that function by repurposing electronics. It is important to recycle these properly. Calling local recycling companies for information is important.

17. Cell Phones.

Most people have a collection of dated cell phones in a closet. In some cases, these are phones that are several years old. Surprisingly, each of these has value in particular manufacturing markets. These are items, however, that must be recycled in a specific way. Find out local details and guidelines.

18. Packing Materials.

Whenever you receive a shipped product, you see various types of packing materials. Plastic bubbles, Styrofoam bits and paper are included in this process. Each of these packing materials can be repurposed in a different way. You’ll be environmentally friendly by recycling them when possible.

19. Sports Equipment.

You may have a variety of sport equipment items in your home. Plastic mats, yoga balls and metal weights are just a few of these. It is possible to recycle all of these items. There are sports industry companies that actively participate in these recycling programs.

20. Toothbrushes.

Toothbrushes are some of the most common daily-use items in the home. Instead of throwing these away when you buy a new one, consider recycling. There are different components of these products that can be recycled. The plastic holder and bristles have a variety of other uses when repurposed.

21. Athletic Shoes.

Would be amazed to find out exactly what goes into the product of athletic shoes. Some of these have most plastic components. Others include nylon, cotton, metal and other items. No matter what the style or shape, men’s and women’s athletic shoes can be recycled.

22. Shaving Razors.

Replacing shaving razors is simply a habit in most households. Recycling these items, however, is not always a habit. Their metal composition makes them valuable for any number of industries. In most instances, they can be recycled along with regular home items.

23. Commercial Cooking Oil.

Many restaurants regularly recycle their commercial cooking oil. Fast food restaurants use the most of these oils. There are entire industries built upon research utilizing these diverse oils. Companies in this field welcome getting access to this oil for development processes.

24. Construction Wood.

There are many different types of wood that is used in construction. These are utilized in both residential and commercial processes. Old wood in this category can be recycled. There are various purposes for wood products and items.

25. Fertilizers.

Fertilizers used in the garden go a long way for producing flowers and vegetables. These products can also be recycled. This is a good idea for homeowners who use these fertilizers. Farms and other large operations can also recycle their bulk fertilizer products.

26. Bicycles.

Americans send millions of bicycles to trash every year. With organizations such as Bikes of the World available, there is no reason why you should discard your old bicycle. The mission of Bikes of the World is to make quality used bicycles and parts affordable and available to lower income people and select institutions in developing countries, to enhance their lives and livelihoods through better transport.

27. Crayons.

Crayola  alone produces millions of crayons per year.  The National Crayon Recycling Program has made it possible to stop more than 105,000 pounds of unwanted crayons from going into landfills with the help from schools, organization educators and kids across this country.  It takes your unwanted, rejected, broken crayons to a better place, where they will be recycled into new crayons!

28. Wine Corks.

Corks can be used for decorations in your home but then there are organizations like ReCORK  that collects post-industrial and post-consumer natural corks and recycles them. These waste corks can be used to create more sustainable products.

29. Holiday Lights.

We all use holiday lights to decorate our homes and in the end they find their way to the landfills when they no longer work. Instead of sending them to garbage, recycle them. HolidayLeds is one such company that will take away your dead, non-working lights. The lights will be processed and any material that cannot be recycled (i.e. loose bulbs)is discarded.  Once substantial number of sets are collected, they are taken to a 3rd party recycling facility.

30. Christmas Tree.

Old Christmas trees are becoming another item that find their place in the trash once the festival gets over. Tree recycling programs are becoming more common throughout the U.S. and old trees are being used for bird feeders to soil erosion barriers.

If you want to review our environmental practices at CleanStart, you can find more information HERE and to book any of our services (junk removal, pest control, cleaning or moving click HERE.

CleanStart Property Services specializes in compassionate and discrete hoarding support services. We often get questions from residential tenants, family members and support workers on how to prepare for a hoarding cleanout. Our friends at Flannery’s Handyman wrote a great article about this very topic. You can find the full article here: https://www.flanneryhandymen.com/preparing-for-a-hoarding-cleanout/

Preparing for a hoarding cleanout is an emotional experience. It is difficult to watch your loved one suffer from an anxiety disorder. Furthermore, its effect can make the process of sorting through belongings nearly impossible. As you prepare to clean out the home, make sure you are following the three steps.

1. Talk to the Hoarder

Regardless of the level of clutter in a room, you will need to take some time to address the individual with a hoarding problem. Explain how cleaning will improve their quality of life and reduce their level of anxiety. This will require a certain level of trust to be built between you and the hoarder. They will need to be sure that you have their best interests at heart and will not dispose of anything containing true sentimental value. You will need to discuss the importance of getting professional help to treat their disorder.

2. Strategize Cleaning

Before beginning the home cleanout, hire a company specializing in hoarding cleanouts. They will be trained in the proper cleaning and safety protocol. The team will be able to help determine what items are salvageable and if items of great value can be thoroughly disinfected. Professionals will also be able to properly clean sharp shards of glass and animal waste that has accumulated over time. They will bring the necessary safety equipment and cleaning supplies to the scene.

3. Sort Belongings & Disinfect the Property

After everyone is assembled, it will be time to begin sorting items into distinct piles. Items with emotional value to keep, gently-used items to donate, and items to throw away. It will be easier to go room-by-room, starting with smaller areas. As you go through, make sure you have designated areas for clean items to keep, as well as a dumpster for trash. Once each room is completely clear of its contents, the team can begin cleaning the floors, walls, and windows and disinfecting each surface. This will improve the air quality in the home and remove all dirt and accumulated grime.

If you or someone you know is struggling with clutter or hoarding, book a free estimate through our website at https://cleanstartbc.ca/book-now or give us a call at 1-855-297-8278. You can find additional information about our hoarding services here: https://cleanstartbc.ca/junk-removal/hoarding-cleanup

Feeling overwhelmed in your home after the busy holiday season? CleanStart offers a wide range of cleaning services in the Lower Mainland. We help our clients with junk removal, cleaning and pest control services. Our friends at Bliss Maid Service wrote an awesome article explaining why winter is the best time to clean out your home. You can find the full article here: https://blissmaidservices.com/6-reasons-why-winter-is-the-best-time-to-clean-your-house/

Cold weather usually means people spend more time indoors than ever. It’s important that your home is clean, well maintained, and decluttered in order to keep it attractive and inviting. Rather than waiting until spring to deep clean and declutter your home, consider the benefits of a deep cleaning during the winter each year. Why? Because first of all you have more time indoors, so why not make it productive and create a pleasant atmosphere to come home to. Next, you’ll be ready for holiday party hosting with minimal cleaning effort if you’ll tackle the big jobs in early winter. And finally, you’ll have better peace of mind and emotional balance when your home is decluttered, cleaned, and organized.

We understand how busy people can sometimes bump a deep cleaning down their “to do” list. Everyone knows that the less clutter you have sitting around in your home, the less objects there are to collect dust. But not many people are huge fans of taking the time to organize and declutter their space, or clean things like their refrigerator coils.

Exchange spring cleaning for winter or holiday cleaning, and enjoy the time indoors during the winter months. Here are some reasons why winter is the best time to clean your home:

1. It provides a healthy living space for you and your family.

When winter calls for our windows to stay closed and heaters to run regularly, indoor air quality decreases. When you deep clean your home in the winter, less dust accumulates, and you have a healthier home in which to live. Simply changing your furnace filter on a scheduled basis will also decrease the dust in your home, improve the air quality, and provide healthier indoor living. And your furnace will thank you, because keeping up with the filter changes will help your furnace run more efficiently.

2. Boost your mood even during dreary winter days.

An organized, clean home promotes an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It lifts the emotional state of most people to simply come home to a clean, clutter-free space.

3. Decrease the germs and bacteria in your home.

When you deep clean and declutter in the winter, you will decrease the possibility of multiplying germs and bacteria in your home. Are there things left out throughout your house? Find a space for everything, and then put it in its space. If you need to declutter, simply take one area of your house at a time and make piles of items to throw away, give away, and put away. You’ll be surprised at how many things you have that you don’t need. And your home will be less likely to cultivate unhealthy germs and bacteria growth.

4. Your indoor air will be cleaner.

When you deep clean in the winter, it pays off. Here are some items to clean in order to improve your overall indoor air quality:

• Dust all ceiling fans, artwork, and doors.
• Replace toilet bowl brushes.
• Disinfect all garbage cans.
• Sweep under your stove and refrigerator.
• Clean all windows.
• Clean window blinds.
• Dry clean window treatments.
• Clean all window sills.
• Vacuum under the beds.
• Replace shower curtain.

 

5. Protect your flooring.

As you clean your home this winter, create adequate space for your family to remove their shoes on the way into the house. An area just inside the door to your home that is most used will serve well for a de-mud zone. Small stones in your shoes can mar your flooring, but an indoor mat just inside the door can create a place to further remove debris from footwear. Install a boot scraper outside your door and ask everyone to use it on their way into the house.

6. Decrease the possibility of rodents and bugs in your home.

Regular cleaning of your home and periodic deep cleaning will deter bugs and rodents from coming into your home. Avoid the nuisance of bug and rodent infestation by keeping your floors clean and crumb-free. Winter is the best time to clean your house, as it is important to remember that cold weather causes pests to move indoors. 

Areas of the home to organize this winter:

Garage—Guests may not see it, but you see the clutter that’s accumulated in your garage every day. It will refresh your morning to walk through an organized garage on your way to your car.

Your closets—How much time is wasted looking for things because there is so much clutter in your closets? Take it one step at a time, and one closet at a time, but get through your home’s closets and enjoy a clutter-free life.

Kitchen—Clean out your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Dispose of outdated canned goods and outdated food from the refrigerator. Wipe down its interior and exterior, including the top of the fridge. Clean refrigerator coils, and save on your utility bill. (Simply unplug your refrigerator, vacuum behind it, and use a condenser coil brush or a vacuum attachment to get rid of dirt and dust.)

Clean dryer vents—Avoid the fire hazard that dirty dryer vents can cause by cleaning them out. A lint-free dryer vent diminishes the possibility of a fire hazard.

Flush sink drains—It’s refreshing to use some vinegar or baking soda with a hint of lemon juice in your drains to flush them clean. Other home remedies for a disposal include grinding ice chips in it.

 

Winter is the best time to clean your house, as it is the time of year in which you spend the most amount of time in your home. House cleaning services can simplify your life so you can live out your priorities the way you desire. If you’re unsure if regular cleanings are right for you, simply book a one-time cleaning or a deep cleaning service. For more information on our cleaning services click HERE.

Our clients are often wondering what the difference between janitorial cleaning, deep cleaning and extreme cleaning is. Our friends at New Valley News wrote a terrific article on this exact subject. You can find the full article here.

Put simply, extreme cleaning is the professional cleaning of a home or a business that requires specialist equipment, tools, and products. It typically involves high-level clean-up, decontamination, and waste removal.

Unlike ‘deep cleaning’, which is just the removal of tough-to-remove dirt and grime, extreme cleaning requires specific training and skills. It often needs an urgent response, too.

In this article, the experts break down the definitions of extreme cleaning and when it is necessary.

What Are the Different Types?

There are many situations that require an extreme clean. Here are some of the most common extreme cleaning services:

– Trauma cleaning: includes the cleaning of crime scenes, undiscovered deaths, and suicides.

– Biohazard cleaning: comprises the clean-up of biological hazards, like chemicals or bodily fluids.

– Hoarding clean-up: involves the removal of clutter from a hoarded home, as well as decontamination and sanitization.

– Drug and meth lab cleaning: covers the disposal of hazardous waste such as hypodermic needles and methamphetamine. Industry-grade equipment is also used to return the site to a safe condition.

– Sewage cleaning: this is the treatment of sewage spills. It incorporates decontamination and sanitization of the affected property.

Why You Should Never Undertake Extreme Cleaning by Yourself

Without the right gear and knowledge, you are at risk of encountering hazardous materials, diseases, and pathogens. Professionals have extensive experience and can effectively clean up the problem at hand. This should not be attempted yourself, as you could mishandle dangerous chemicals and waste, such as used needles.

This type of cleaning also involves more than just removing clutter or disposing of waste. The whole area needs to be decontaminated and sanitized to remove all traces of the problem.

How to the Find the Right Professional Cleaners

When you call in professionals, you can be sure they have the right training, gear, equipment, and experience to effectively tackle the issue.

When hiring specialists, make sure they have the services you’re seeking and the relevant qualifications in that type of cleaning.

If you would like to book an estimate for any of our cleaning services give us a call at 1-855-297-9278 or learn more about what was discussed in this article here: https://cleanstartbc.ca/cleaning/extreme-cleaning

CleanStart Property Services is the go-to property service provider for the most difficult jobs across the Lower Mainland. That means we are often helping our clients with bed bug treatment and prevention services. We often get questions on how to identify signs of bed bugs. Our friends at M&M Pest Control wrote an informative article on this topic, you can find the full article here:

https://mandmpestcontrol.com/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-bed-bugs/

Bed bugs are notoriously hard to identify and even harder to get rid of, especially if you live in densely populated places like Vancouver. But despite their sneakiness, it isn’t impossible for a vigilant homeowner or apartment renter to recognize the early signs of a bed bug infestation. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from these tiny, blood-sucking pests is to find and exterminate them early on — before they can reproduce and spread. This article will explain the 7 early signs of bed bugs, as well as where bed bugs hide and how to perform a simple visual inspection of your home.

7 Early Signs of Bed Bugs

These signs of bed bugs are ranked in order of how much certainty each warning sign can provide when it comes to confirming the presence of bed bugs, especially at the beginning of an infestation.

We’ll start with the least reliable sign (odors) and work our way to the most reliable sign (live bed bugs), explaining what each one means and where to look.

If you suspect that bed bugs have invaded your home, it’s well worth your time to understand and familiarize yourself with these early warning signs.

In general, these signs of bed bugs may require professional confirmation to be certain of bed bugs, but this article will give you an idea of when to seek out that professional confirmation.

#7: Odors

– An unusual, musty odor with no apparent cause

– Bed bug pheromones are often compared to the scent of raspberries, coriander, cilantro, or almonds

– A severe bed bug infestation may smell like rust, wet towels, and moldy laundry

Sometimes, the first hint that something is amiss comes from our sense of smell. If you notice an unusual, musty odor in your bedroom that doesn’t seem to originate from an obvious source — like a pile of dirty laundry — it might be an early sign of bed bugs.

Bed bugs emit “alarm” pheromones in response to being bothered or threatened. These pheromones produce certain odors that may smell slightly sweet or musty. People who have experienced it firsthand describe the smell as somewhat similar to raspberries, coriander, cilantro, or almonds.

Normally, the smell of pheromones is very faint — practically imperceptible to the human nose. Unless you’re a trained bed bug-detecting canine, your chances of noticing the raspberry-like pheromone smell from bed bugs are very low.

When you have a large number of bed bugs living together, the smell of their pheromones gets mixed together with the odor of dead bed bugs, shed shell casings, and bed bug excrement. The result is an unpleasant, rusty smell that gets worse as the infestation grows more severe.

Compared to other early signs of bed bugs, odor is typically the least reliable. That’s simply because when there are only a few bed bugs around, their odor is too faint for humans to notice. Furthermore, most people aren’t familiar with the scent of bed bugs — or a bed bug infestation — so even if you sense something, you’re likely to mistake the smell for something else.

#6: Bites

– Small, red, itchy bumps that mysteriously appear at night

– The most common places for bites are the arms, hands, and legs

– Sometimes appears as clusters of 3 or 4 bites in a line (the so-called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern)

Many people consider waking up to find mysterious insect bites as the first sign of bed bugs.

Bed bugs are considered nocturnal insects that prefer to feed on our blood while we sleep. Therefore, their bites typically appear on skin that is exposed during the night. The most common places where people get bitten are the arms, hands, and legs.

However, pest control professionals agree that bites alone are not enough to diagnose a bed bug problem. That’s because different people can react very differently to bed bug bites, so there’s no definitive way to distinguish them from other insect bites. In fact, a whopping 30% of people don’t exhibit any skin reactions at all to bed bug bites.

While everyone reacts differently, the most common symptom of bed bug bites is red, itchy bumps appearing in small clusters. Some people refer to this as the “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern, which describes bed bug bites as appearing in small clusters or lines of 3 bites. But in reality, bed bug bites can also appear as single bites or in random patterns.

As a side note, bed bug bites are usually not dangerous and do not transmit any known diseases. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to certain chemicals in bed bugs’ saliva. If you’re experiencing severe itchiness, painful swelling, blisters, fever, or flu-like symptoms after being bitten, you should seek professional medical attention.

#5: Bloodstains

– Unexplained red or rust-colored bloodstains

– May appear as small splotches or smears on bedsheets, clothing, or pillows

– Double check first for other probable causes

Even though we don’t notice bed bugs when they’re feeding on us, they don’t always get away unscathed.

After a bed bug becomes engorged with blood, its original flat, seed-like appearance changes into a round, bloated form resembling a tiny football. If you suddenly move or shift your body in your sleep, you might inadvertently crush or squeeze a bed bug that just finished feeding.

While it doesn’t usually kill them, it can cause some of the blood they just fed on to leak out and create a noticeable red or rust-colored stain.

If you see something that appears to be a bloodstain on your sheets, clothes, or pillow, check your body first to see if you can find a cut or scab that might be the cause. If there’s no other explanation for the bloodstain, then it might have been left behind by an unlucky bed bug.

Sometimes, bloodstains might also come directly from bed bug bites. Bed bug saliva contains an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting while they feed. After they finish their meal, the bitten areas may continue to bleed for a short while.

#4: Fecal Marks

– Tiny, dark brown or black spots around the size of a pen tip

– Usually clustered around harborage areas, but can also be found on sheets and clothing.

– Dark smears on fabric resembling magic marker stains after being washed

Compared to the bloodstains that we described above, bed bug fecal marks (also called “fecal spotting”) are much smaller and darker.

These small, dark spots resemble an ink dot from the tip of a pen or marker. Their average size is about 2 to 4 times larger than a period at the end of this sentence.

Fecal marks come from bed bug droppings, which consist of digested human blood. The digested blood appears dark brown or black in color and, because it contains iron, will give off a faint, rusty smell that contributes to the overall unpleasant odor of a bed bug infestation.

Bed bug fecal spotting can occur anywhere — on sheets, pajamas, mattresses, headboards, box springs, walls, curtains, and other types of surfaces. You can usually find them in large numbers around bed bug hiding places and harborage areas.

On fabric, bed bug fecal marks can be quite difficult to wash out. Water causes them to smear in a distinctive fashion, resembling magic marker stains.  

#3: Eggs

– Pinhead-sized, pearly white ovals around 1 mm in length

– Loosely stuck to various types of surfaces

– Usually found near bed bug harborage areas

Pregnant female bed bugs lay between 1-7 eggs per day, which typically hatch in the next 7-10 days.

In terms of appearance, bed bug eggs are about 1 millimeter long, pearly white in color, and ovular in shape. They resemble tiny grains of rice that are miniaturized to the size of a pinhead.

Eggs are visible to the naked eye, but they can be difficult to recognize unless you know what you’re looking for. At the end of each egg is a hinged cap, which is where the newly hatched beg bug emerges from. Bed bug eggs that are more than 5 days old have a darkened eye spot — however, this can only be seen under a microscope.

Similar to fecal spotting, bed bug eggs are also more common around harborage areas. However, female bed bugs tend to wander around when they’re pregnant, potentially spreading the infestation to other areas as well as neighboring apartments.

When depositing their eggs, they use a glue-like material to adhere them to surfaces. As a result, you’ll most likely find these tiny, white eggs loosely stuck to crevices between fabrics or wooden surfaces — although they could really be anywhere.

#2: Shell Casings

– Yellowish-brown, translucent exoskeletons of juvenile bed bugs

– Comes in various sizes throughout the bed bug’s molting cycle

– Reliable indicators of a bed bug infestation

If you find bed bug shell casings, also known as husks or shed skins, there’s a very high probability that you have bed bugs. Abandoned shell casings are a reliable early sign of a growing bed bug infestation.

Shell casings are translucent, hollow outlines of juvenile bed bugs, and they’re often easier to find than the bed bugs themselves. They can be found anywhere that bed bugs hatch and breed — check mattress seams, upholstered furniture, and in holes, cracks, and crevices within wooden furniture.

As bed bugs go through 5 lifecycle stages before reaching adulthood, they’ll shed their exoskeleton several times. Molting is done at each step of the lifecycle, from the 1st instar nymph to the 2nd instar to the 3rd instar to the 4th instar to the 5th instar and finally to the final adult form.

The result of this process is what we call “shell casings” or “shed skins” in various sizes. This makes identifying shell casings a bit tricky because most people aren’t familiar with the sizes and shapes of bed bug nymphs.

However, if you already suspect bed bugs and you discover yellowish, translucent shells in common bed bug hiding places, then you should consider contacting your local pest control professional for an inspection.

#1: Live Bed Bugs

– Small, reddish-brown insects around the size of flaxseeds

– Prefers to hide in tight cracks and crevices

– Often confused with spider beetles, carpet beetles, and other small insects

Finally, the most obvious sign when trying to identify bed bugs: finding live bed bugs.

Normally, bed bugs don’t like to wander around unless they need to feed or unless they’re pregnant females avoiding overzealous males. Bed bugs typically tend to find a hiding place and stick to it.

For this reason, many people never see live bed bugs until the infestation becomes severe. Only when their hiding places are disturbed, like when you’re packing for a move, will live bed bugs be easily discovered.

You’d think finding a live bed bug in your home would be a smoking gun, but it’s not always that simple.

Many insects are often confused with bed bugs and vice versa. In our experience, the most common insects that people mistake for bed bugs are spider beetles, carpet beetles, and cockroach nymphs.

Another common misconception is that people think of bed bugs as being the size of apple seeds. This isn’t exactly true — bed bugs are actually quite a bit smaller than apple seeds.

An average apple seed is about 8 mm in length, while adult bed bugs are usually only 4-5 mm long (although after becoming engorged with blood, they can temporarily reach up to 7 mm). Bed bug nymphs are even smaller, starting at around 1 mm in length.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

With their tiny, flat bodies, bed bugs can squeeze themselves into just about any crack or crevice that’s bigger than 2 millimeters. This makes it hard to identify bed bugs without a licensed professional. 

They tend to hide in the seams of mattresses, in the joints of furniture, inside cracks and crevices within walls and baseboards, and even inside electrical outlets or along the folds of curtains. These are all areas that you’ll want to thoroughly check for the early signs of bed bugs mentioned above.

From our experience as professional bed bug exterminators, here are some very common examples of bed bug harborage areas:

• Your Bed — pillows, bedsheets, mattress seams, headboards, bed frames, and box springs
• Next to the Bed — nightstands, dressers, rugs, and storage boxes
• Furniture — couches and cushions, bookshelves, tables, desks, chairs, rugs, and pet beds
• Walls — wallpaper, baseboards, window and door frames, curtains, pictures and posters, electrical outlets, and smoke alarms

 

How to Perform a Visual Inspection to Identify Bed Bugs:

To perform a simple visual inspection for bed bugs at home, you’ll need a flashlight and a thin card (could be an extra business card, playing cards, or an old credit card).

1. Examine pillows and bed sheets for fecal marks and bloodstains.
2. Remove bed sheets and check around the edges and seams of your mattress for bed bugs, shell casings, and eggs.
3. Remove the mattress and use your flashlight to search the crevices, corners, nooks, and crannies around your bedframe and headboard.
4. For any cracks that are too small to see into, slide your card inside and use the thin, rigid edge to extract any bed bugs or debris hidden inside.
5. Do the same thing to inspect nearby dressers, nightstands, and other wooden furniture. Pay attention to screw holes, which is another common hiding spot for bed bugs.
6. Pull furniture away from the walls to check the backs and baseboards.
7. Inspect couches and upholstered furniture by removing cushion covers and using your card to get into gaps and crevices.

 

Tips for How to Identify Bed Bugs

We wrote a whole article about what bed bugs look like. Here are some additional tips for how to identify bed bugs:

-Bed bugs have a narrow head and thorax with a flat, oval-shaped abdomen.

-They have 2 beady, black eyes that protrude out from the sides of their heads.

-They have 6 legs and 2 antennae. Their antennae have 4 segments and stick out from the front of their heads.

-Bed bugs have small, vestigial wing pads but they can’t fly. If it flies, it’s definitely not a bed bug.

-Adults are flat and brown/rusty colored, while nymphs are pale. Once fed, they elongate slightly and turn reddish.

-Bed bug interceptors (also called monitors or indicators) are a great tool to help catch and identify bed bugs.

Still Not Sure if You Have Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are a heavy burden to bear, and getting rid of them is a team effort. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of when to call in that team.

If you have identified bed bugs in your home or space, or if you suspect bed bugs and need confirmation/treatment, give us a call at 1-855-297-8278 or book an inspection with our licensed pest control technicians here: https://cleanstartbc.ca/book-now

After assisting tenants, social workers, fire departments and building managers with hoarded suites for over 10 years in the Lower Mainland, we at CleanStart understand that hoarding can effect more than just the individual living in the space. We often get questions on how to support friends and/or family members who struggle with hoarding. Our friends at Aftermath wrote a fantastic article outlining how to help a hoarder in denial. You can find the full article here: https://www.aftermath.com/blog/hoarding-cleanup-help-a-hoarder-in-denial/

Hoarding is a serious problem that can be hard for outsiders to understand. Many people have a hard time fathoming how their loved ones can live in such conditions—but the truth is, many hoarders don’t even realize they have a problem. Do you know how to help a hoarder in denial?

Use Love

First of all, let them know that you care about them. Because hoarding is a way of life, it can be very easy for them to interpret your help as an attack. Hoarding might be considered an integral part of who the person is; often, the cause can be traced to mental illness. Although they might still deny there’s a problem, letting them know how much you love them can help keep the issue from destroying your relationship. Start by building love and trust.

Listen

Don’t start an argument or become confrontational. A shouting match won’t change anybody’s mind. Instead, start a discussion and listen to them without interrupting. This might help you understand their mindset and the logic behind the behavior. It can also enable you to better seek outside help or therapy.

Ask Questions

During this conversation, don’t tell the hoarder what the problem is with their behavior. Instead, ask questions—the process of answering can help the hoarder analyze their own behavior and see the potential issues with it. Instead of force-feeding them the hard truth about their flaws, you help them draw their own conclusions. Questions you might ask include:

How do you feel about your house?

How do you feel when other people see your house?

Do you think the clutter hurts your family?

Would you like to be able to use the kitchen/garage/bathroom again?

Get Help

In some stubborn cases of denial, you might want to turn to professional help, even if your loved one is unwilling to seek help for themselves. This can range from simply showing them literature about hoarding, to contacting a therapist to help convince them they have a problem. Even if they are aware that the hoarding is an issue and take action on their own, professional assistance might be needed to help them navigate feelings of anxiety or depression that can emerge during the cleaning process.

Don’t Force Them

Although it may seem tempting, do not clean the house without their knowledge or permission. To a hoarder, all of their possessions—even junk—are valuable. If someone invades their house and just begins throwing those treasures away then it can lead to feelings of betrayal, depression, or anger. In many cases, they will simply begin hoarding again as a coping mechanism. It is also recommended that the house undergo a serious professional cleaning, but not until the hoarder has decided that they want to change.

CleanStart Property Services is a Buy Social Canada certified social enterprise that operates in the Lower Mainland of B.C.

There is often some confusion regarding the differences between a non-profit organization, a social enterprise and a for-profit business. Our friends at Corporate Finance Institute wrote an awesome article outlining exactly what a social enterprise is and does, you can find the full article here: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/esg/social-enterprise/

A social enterprise refers to a business with certain social objectives as its primary goal while using a commercial structure to run the organization. Social enterprises usually attempt to make a strong societal impact while maximizing their profit as well, which is then used to fund their social programs.

Summary

• A social enterprise refers to a business with certain social objectives as its primary goal while using a commercial structure to run the organization.
• All social enterprises usually adopt two main goals – the first is to generate profits, while the second is to reach its social, cultural, economic, or environmental outcomes outlined in the company’s mission.
• Some categories of social enterprises include trading enterprises, financial institutions, community organizations, and NGOs and charities.

Understanding Social Enterprises

Social enterprises can be both non-profit or for-profit organizations and may take the forms of many different types of organizations. What is common in all social enterprises is the fact that they usually adopt two main goals – the first is to generate profits, while the second is to reach its social, cultural, economic, or environmental outcomes outlined in the company’s mission.

It is important to note that social enterprises operate under the structure of a traditional business, and on the surface, they may seem to look, feel, and operate like any other traditional business. However, the key to understanding a social enterprise is to understand its mission, which outlines its key social objectives.

Profit generation is still extremely important to social enterprises, as earnings are important to sustain the livelihood of the venture but the important difference is that instead of using its profit to distribute among shareholders, the profits are used to reinvest in the enterprise to help it achieve its social mission.

We should note that social enterprises usually offer some sort of good or service to consumers at a price, it is not considered a social enterprise if it does not sell anything; instead, it instead is considered to be a social program.

Social enterprises will often have strong links to a registered charity or non-profit organization – sometimes a parent company –which feeds its profits to help better support its social mission.

Social Enterprise and Employment

An important differentiator of social enterprises is the fact that they often employ individuals coming from at-risk backgrounds and those from disadvantaged communities, such as visible minorities or indigenous groups. Often, such groups face discrimination and prejudice in society historically.

The goal of training and employing such individuals is to allow them to earn a living wage while enabling them to create self-sufficiency and rely less on government payouts and the social safety net. Sometimes, creating employment for disadvantaged individuals form the central mission of some social enterprises.

Types of Social Enterprises

Social enterprises are usually categorized into four main categories, although they are constantly evolving and may change over time as new areas are created. Despite their individual differences, all types of social enterprises attempt to operate while balancing both profit generation and the achievement of its social objectives.

1. Trading Enterprises

Trading enterprises refer to cooperatives, collectives, and other organizations that are worker- or employee-owned. They vary significantly in terms of size and organizational structure, but their joint ownership structure allows a higher degree of economic resiliency in comparison with other forms of enterprises.

2. Financial Institutions

Some types of financial institutions also fall into the social enterprise category, including organizations such as credit unions, cooperative banks, and revolving loan funds, which are membership-owned. Credit unions, for example, are structured so that members automatically become owners when they deposit money into the union as a customer and the credit union uses the deposited money to help other members.

Credit unions offer higher savings rates, low interest rates, and focus less on making profits and more on helping its respective members. Cooperative banks are another institution – which, similar to traditional banks – takes deposits and provides loans to its customers but operates on a cooperative basis meaning that they are owned by their customers.

Cooperative banks are criticized for diluting their principles, as they sometimes offer an opportunity for non-members to use their services, as many are traded on public stock exchanges. They also raise money in public stock markets, which gives rise to the issue of a separate class of shareholders who compete with cooperative members for control of the bank.

3. Community Organizations

Community organizations refer to registered social enterprises, which may include community enterprises, community centers, housing cooperatives, community interest organizations, certain smaller shops, and sports clubs.

They are typically membership organizations that exist for a particular purpose and trade commercially with the goal of operating to reinvest profits into the community. Often, the membership is quite large, and the members are supporters of the organization’s mission.

4. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Charities

NGOs and charities operate on both a large and small scales and are usually established to support a specific social, environmental, or political goal. The profits are used to further the social or environmental aims of the organization or to provide salaries for people who provide free services to specific groups of people.

CleanStart Property Services offers a variety of services for very difficult spaces and situations. We often find traces of pests present while clearing out a space. It is for this reason that we offer pest control and cleaning services, along with our junk removal department. One call for all of your property clean out needs. 

If you are only interested in our pest control services (without junk removal and cleaning) it is important to prep your space so that the pest control treatment is as efficient as possible. Our friends at Ortex wrote a fantastic article outlining how to prepare your space for pest control. You can find the full article here: https://ortexpest.com/pest-control-tips/things-you-should-do-before-your-next-pest-control-treatment/

Getting pest control treatment isn’t as simple as calling your local pest control specialist and standing back to let them solve your problem. Preparing for a pest control treatment is necessary to ensure that your pest control professional can treat every area affected by the infestation. Whether you’re dealing with a severe case of bed bugs in your bedroom or a few ants in your kitchen, you need to be ready.

While a specialist will help you with pests, you’ll also need to do your part. There are several things you should do before your next pest control treatment. Here are the steps we recommend our customers take:

1. Keep Your Home and Yard Clean and Neat

When your pest control specialist comes to your house, they need to access every area of the home where pests may be hiding. Dusting, vacuuming, and keeping your home tidy will make it significantly easier for your pest specialist to move around and perform the necessary treatments. Picking up children’s and pet’s toys and removing debris will prevent pest control specialists from missing any hiding insects, as well.

Ensuring your yard is well maintained is important, too. Ensure your grass is mowed and trim any shrubs and hedges to allow access close to your house. Be sure to leave clean openings at entryways to the underside of your porch or around exterior basement doors.

Cleaning your home and yard well before your pest control treatment will also prevent the infestation from getting out of control while you wait for your specialist to arrive.

2. Take Care of Specific Preventative Cleaning and Maintenance Issues

In addition to completing general cleaning tasks around your home and yard, you’ll benefit from deeper cleaning and general maintenance to ensure bugs are reached and killed during the treatment process.

Preventative cleaning is especially useful in helping facilitate indoor pest control in bedrooms and other living areas in the home. The tasks this deep cleaning should include depend on the type of infestation. For example, if you have bed bugs or fleas, you should wash bedding and other linens in extremely hot water before receiving your pest control treatment.

With destructive pests like termites, rodents, and beetles, you’ll need to find damaged areas in and around the home and seal off holes where they can squeeze through to begin preventing any further infestations while you wait for your pest control service.

Sealing off holes prevents pests from fleeing during the treatment process and prevents others from coming back later. Repairing these areas also gives your specialist a good idea of where to leave bait or apply treatment to be most effective. Pests will return to the previous entry point and eat any food left there.

3. Remove Paper Goods and Other Attractors

Bugs love hiding in paper and cardboard. Boxes are an easy place to miss insects that are hiding. Disposing of indoor trash and all household paper goods increases the likelihood that your pest control treatment will kill hidden insects the first time around.

Food is also a significant reason why insects and other pests stay inside your home. If you are receiving fumigation treatment, you’ll need to remove food from the house if you don’t plan to store it in protective bags. You should also remove any food sitting out exposed to air and store food in cupboards and your refrigerator properly.

4. Remove Yourself, Pets, and Loved Ones From the Premises If Necessary

Depending on the type of pest treatment you are getting, you may need to remove your pets, yourself, and your family from your home. While this is always the case when it comes to termite tenting, this rule applies to pets more frequently than humans. If your pest treatment professional is treating the home’s exterior, you should keep your pet indoors and vice versa to prevent accidental poisoning.

Humans will more often than not be safe to stay during treatments such as outdoor spraying or pest trapping. All the same, you should exercise caution and give your home time to air out properly, as advised by your pest control professional. If you have pre-existing respiratory issues, it may be wise to vacate the premises during liquid or aerosol-based pest treatment for your safety.

Have you ever wondered if you or someone you love is hoarding items? Where is the line in which a cluttered space becomes a hoarded space? Furthermore, where is the line in which a hoarded space becomes dangerous to the tenant and/or their neighbors? CleanStart has been providing hoarding support in the Lower Mainland for over 10 years, and we often get these types of questions from our clients.

Our friends at Valour Technical Cleaning wrote an awesome article on this exact topic, you can find the full article here: https://valortechnicalcleaning.com/blog/clutter-vs-hoarding/

Did you know that roughly two to six percent of the population has a hoarding disorder? And yet despite hoarding being a common condition, very few people know exactly how to define it. For instance, what’s the difference between being a hoarder versus having a cluttered space?

The first step to correctly diagnosing hoarding and to start on the path to recovery is to understand the nuances that separate it from simply being disorganized. With that in mind, we’ve put together this quick guide to clutter vs hoarding, so you can identify signs early on and take action to protect the people at risk.

What is Clutter?

When a space is cluttered, it’s generally untidy, with several of the same items filling the areas. Alternatively, a cluttered space can be one that simply hasn’t been organized yet—for instance, think of when you’ve just moved into a house and need to unpack or put things away.

Examples of clutter could be a pile of clothes, unfinished artwork, open books, and or boxes that haven’t been unpacked like in the above example. In a cluttered space, it can be harder to find items but there is typically still room to move around easily. Interestingly, according to studies, removing clutter could get rid of up to 40% of housework.

In short, clutter is a nuisance but it isn’t considered harmful.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is a consistent inability to discard or part with belongings, whatever their value. Compared to clutter, hoarding is more extreme, with sufferers holding on to excessive amounts of items.

Hoarding behavior can develop because of a mental illness such as depression or anxiety,  or it can be triggered by a traumatic event. People who struggle to control how much they buy are already prone to hoarding, as the more they accumulate, the more they may believe that things have a sentimental value. Likewise, people who have grown up in hoarding environments, or who live with hoarders, are more likely to become hoarders themselves.

Some of the most commonly hoarded items are newspapers, junk mail, bills, household supplies, and containers. Food waste can also be hoarded. Unlike clutter, hoarding can be dangerous, as items can become hazards, and mold or bacteria can grow in unhygienic conditions.

Impact on Mental and Physical Health

Both clutter and hoarding affect how individuals think and feel. That said, hoarding is a compulsive disorder and requires medical attention.

People who hoard often report feeling stressed and anxious, and sometimes physically limited because of the lack of space. The severity of hoarding can range, but it’s worthwhile to contact a medical professional to intervene if you suspect someone of hoarding.

A mental health specialist can support people who hoard, or in extreme cases, housing agencies, protective services, elder services, and animal control may need to get involved to protect the individual.

Clutter, although not as serious as hoarding, takes a toll in different ways. One study found that too much visual stimulation alters concentration and how your brain processes information. Clutter has equally been linked to unhealthy habits, with another experiment discovering that people overeat snacks due to stress in disorganized environments.

Every person, at some point in their life, will likely make clutter or deal with clutter. But clutter is a temporary situation that can be restored in a small amount of time. Hoarding, on the other hand, is more complex and time-consuming to address. Beyond having help to tidy the physical space, people who hoard should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.

CleanStart Property Service offers some biohazard clean-up services, extreme cleaning services, as well as junk removal and hoarding support in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. We are often asked how to dispose of hazardous waste products, and our friends at Junk Ninja wrote this great article that answer a lot of those questions, you can find the full article here: https://junkninja.ca/how-to-dispose-of-hazardous-waste-in-ottawa/

When we hear the term “hazardous waste,” the image of large containers with big, yellow caution signs appears in our minds. Many people have the misconception that  hazardous waste can only be found in factories or specialized facilities, and that’s all thanks to the entertainment industry. Although hazardous waste can indeed be found in those large containers, you can surely find hazardous material in your own home. All homes have at least one item that can be considered dangerous, which leads us to the question of the day “ What is considered hazardous and how can we dispose of it safely?”

What Qualifies as Hazardous Waste?

Before getting into what qualifies as hazardous waste, you must understand what hazardous waste is. In the simplest terms, hazardous waste is waste with properties that make it dangerous and is capable of having a harmful effect on human health and the environment. Such waste is created from many sources and can come in liquid, solid, or gas forms. Hazardous waste is identified based on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Using these properties, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came up with four characteristics that can help you identify hazardous waste: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity.

Ignitable waste burns at low temperatures, causing an immediate fire hazard. This type of waste comes in three forms: materials that burn at a low temperature, solids that spontaneously combust, and oxidizers and compressed gas. Some examples include alcohol, gasoline, and aerosol cans.

Corrosive wastes include strong acidic or alkaline substances. Any liquid that has a pH of under 2 is considered corrosive and can eat through containers, causing leakage of harmful matter. Battery acid, which is found in every household, is considered corrosive, which is why dead batteries should be disposed of safely.

Reactive waste is waste that is chemically unstable and reacts violently with air or water, causing explosions or the formation of toxic vapors. Any waste containing sulfide is considered hazardous because of how violently it reacts with oxygen. Toxic waste is poisonous and can cause severe illness, even if a person is exposed to trace amounts. This is the most common form of hazardous material that can be found in your home, some examples being solvent-based paints, cleaning chemicals, and garden pesticides.

There are symbols placed on hazardous materials that indicate whether they are reactive, corrosive, flammable, or toxic.

How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste

After living in a home for a few years, people are bound to collect a variety of materials that you don’t necessarily need anymore, some of those materials being hazardous.

Unlike the things you can simply put in a trash bin, hazardous waste disposal is slightly more complicated. If not disposed of properly, hazardous waste can be a great danger to people, animals, and the environment. Read the labels of the hazardous products. Along with the appropriate danger symbol, there may be instructions on how to dispose of the item, or at least what they can and cannot come in contact with.

After determining what you can and cannot dispose of yourself, contact your local waste management company and schedule a pickup for your hazardous material.

You will be provided with instructions on how to sort and store the items until the date of the pickup.

If at-home pick-up is not possible for you, then hazardous waste drop-off sites are also available. There is a set schedule that outlines certain days and times of the month you can come and drop off your waste.

Be sure to call ahead of time to learn the specifics and if there is certain material that is not allowed to be dropped off.

Some materials, like paint, can be donated to someone who needs them. Charities and organizations like Habitat for Humanity accept these materials and use them in their remodeling projects. Other items like fertilizer and motor oil can also be donated.

CleanStart Property Services has over 10 years of experience in junk removal and hoarding support in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. We often receive inquiries for tips on de-cluttering extreme spaces. Our friends at Aspen Clean offer some great tips! You can find the full article here: https://www.aspenclean.com/en-ca/blogs/cleaning-tips/how-to-declutter-your-home-and-stop-hoarding

Hoarding is a compulsive mental disorder associated with a pattern of behavior that makes it extremely difficult for an individual to discard their possessions. It’s often emphasized by the excessive gathering of things, and a strong unwillingness to give them up, even when living spaces are filled to the brim. This commonly results in stress, impairment, and even personal safety can become a real issue. Compulsive hoarding is also considered a feature of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

A good example of this habit is the popular television program Hoarders, wherein we’re continually shown the negative effects of the disorder on people’s lives, including how it contributes to family strife and tension, and the development of isolation and hermit-like qualities. Believe it or not, people can become prisoners in their own homes as a result of hoarding. While hoarding may stem from a number of psychological conditions and other societal and familial factors, the condition can be combated with the love and support of one’s family unit, as well as friends and support groups. Continue reading “5 De-Cluttering Tips for Hoarders”