We all have that one space in the house that just accumulates stuff and clutter like no other. For most homeowners, this space is the basement. Throughout the years, clutter builds up slowly until you don’t even know what’s down there anymore.
This is how you know it’s time for a basement cleanout.
However, while cleaning out the basement may seem like a manageable weekend project, it often involves hidden risks and unexpected hazards. Your basement could contain mold, pest droppings, or chemicals you forgot about that must be disposed of properly.
Basement cleanouts can quickly spiral into something much more complex, so before you tackle the task, consider these hidden risks and why hiring a professional junk removal service may be your best option.
Unexpected Finds of a DIY Basement Cleanout
Mold and Mildew
Basements are notorious for being damp with little air flow. This makes them the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially if your home has had flooding in the past.
Moving moldy boxes or furniture can easily release spores into the air, causing health concerns like breathing issues, allergies, and even serious illness. This is why homeowners should be careful and wear masks if attempting a DIY cleanout.
Asbestos or Lead Paint
Many homes built before the 1980s may still have asbestos or lead in the insulation, tile, or paint. These materials are extremely dangerous and hazardous to your health.
If your home was built before this time, your best option for handling them properly would be to work with professional services such as Mitten Junk Removal in Howell. We have the experience, protective gear and training, to address issues like these.
Pests and Droppings
You may not know you have a rodent or pest infestation in your home until you find their droppings littered across your basement floor. There is no telling the kinds of diseases these droppings may carry. In addition, it is not uncommon for basements to also contain insect infestations or even snakes.
Heavy Lifting
Beyond potential illness, basement cleanouts can also lead to injury. Most basements end up as the dumping ground for items we need to store for a while or don’t know what to do with, like furniture, old workout equipment, appliances, and more.
Many of these items can be quite heavy and attempting to lift or move them without the proper equipment could cause serious injury.
Old Chemicals or Paint Cans
In addition to heavy items, basements also tend to be the storage unit for old or expired chemicals or paint cans. While these may not be hazardous if they are still sealed tight in their containers, there is the potential that these containers have ruptured, leaking dangerous chemicals onto your stuff.
Even if the containers are still intact, how do you dispose of them without leaking these chemicals into a landfill, damaging the environment?
Although a junk removal service may not dispose of hazardous materials, they will properly set them aside and tell you where to take them in your area or they will do it for you.
How a Junk Removal Service Can Help
Contrary to popular belief, junk removal services do not just throw all of your stuff and clutter into the trash to be dumped into a landfill later. At Mitten, our professional team is trained in the safe removal and disposal of all types of items and materials.
We will separate your items into four categories before removing them from your property properly: recyclables, donation, trash, and hazardous disposal. As sustainability is our priority, we make sure that each item is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Not only does a junk removal service dispose of your items correctly, but we also have the tools and experience to remove heavy items without causing damage to your home.
There is no longer a need to worry about mold exposure, lifting injuries, or what to do with old or damaged items. Our goal is to take the stress out of cleanouts and restore your basement to a perfectly useable space.
Ready to Clear the Clutter? Safe and Efficient Junk Removal Services
While basement cleanouts may seem like a simple chore, they always lead to more hassle and risk than homeowners expect. Instead of taking the risk on yourself, let our experienced Brighton area junk removal team do the heavy lifting while you sit back and enjoy a clutter-free space.
Connect with us online to let us know what your haul away needs are and Get a Free Estimate