October Newsletter 2023
Getting Ready for Winter
It happened again.
We got our first snow before Halloween. Here we thought that maybe our late spring and truncated summer would lead us through a gorgeous fall and into a mild winter. Not to be, it seems.
In that spirit, we wanted to help get everyone in the mindset of being ready this winter.
We start with “sustainable decluttering” from our friend and guest writer Zoe Houston at starterhometour.com. She provides some great tips on decluttering your home responsibly, which we are big supporters of. See below for more info.
Beyond that, how can we make the transition into winter as smooth as possible?
We have just the resources for you.
Some of the more obvious things to focus on include gutter cleaning, pipe insulation, and furnace and chimney service. Of course, outdoor faucets need to be turned off too, along with having your sprinkler system blown out if you haven’t already done so.
You haven’t lived until you have had a pipe burst, and while that may cost you a few hundred or even thousands to repair, the water that comes out of it is typically a much bigger problem.
If you have concerns about frozen pipes and water damage, we love Flo by Moen. It costs a little money to have it professionally installed, but it will track and alert you to any anomalies in your water flow, which could save you thousands. It will even automatically shut off if it detects a problem. Cool technology indeed, and many insurance companies are helping offset the cost of the system.
Finally, a good list from Farmer’s Almanac that we enjoyed as well and it can be found here.
As always, we will be chugging along through winter and doing our best to get to you when the next inevitable snowstorm hits. For service updates on snowy days, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (x) at @denverconcierge for real-time updates.
Stay warm and safe this winter, we hope you enjoy the tips and this month’s newsletter!
In the meantime, Happy Halloween!!!!!!
Rats!
We are sure many of you have traveled to New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other big cities around the U.S.
If you are like us, we have seen plenty of rats (some huge) roaming the streets there during our visits, mainly at night.
Of course, COVID changed the landscape for all of us, but also for rats, as they struggled to find food as we were all sheltered in place.
How does this affect me, you may be asking, and why are we writing about rats?
Well, when we saw that Orkin had published its annual list of the top 50 rattiest cities, we were eager to see our fine city listed near the bottom.
Not the case, unfortunately.
While Chicago is the king of rats, “winning” this list 9 years in a row, our city finished in 8th place, in ignominious distinction for sure.
The only cities worse than Denver for rats? The three listed in the opening along with Washington D.C, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
Seems we have made our way onto another list we could do without.
The complete list of rat cities and the methodology can be found here.
The article also includes some great tips on signs to look for if you are worried about rats, as well as mitigation strategies.
At least we don’t have a commemorative t-shirt.
Sustainable Home Decluttering
By Guest Writer Zoe Houston
starterhometour.com
In a world striving for sustainability, decluttering your home can be an opportunity to adopt eco-friendly practices. This article from Denver Concierge offers practical insights on decluttering while minimizing your environmental impact. From recycling large items to repurposing furniture, you’ll discover ways to create a cleaner and greener living space.
Proper Recycling for Large Items
When decluttering your home, it’s essential to dispose of large items responsibly. Items like electronics, furniture, and appliances can often be recycled instead of ending up in a landfill. Research local recycling centers or collection events that specialize in these items to ensure they’re recycled appropriately. This not only prevents these items from polluting the environment but also contributes to the circular economy by reusing valuable materials.
Digitize Documents to Reduce Paper Clutter
To adapt to our digital era, one can avoid being overwhelmed by paper accumulation. Embrace technology in order to use a PDF scanner, and transform hard copies into digital formats. This transition not only minimizes paper consumption but also streamlines file management effectively. Opting for digital archives not only conserves home space, but also plays a role in preserving trees and lessening one’s environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Ensuring a tidy living space remains crucial, without necessitating harm to the planet. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products incorporating natural, biodegradable components—click here to explore options. These choices benefit both the environment and personal well-being, as they refrain from emitting detrimental substances into the atmosphere or water supplies. To make informed decisions and maintain an immaculate home aligned with eco-conscious principles, seek out online references with expert evaluations of sustainable cleaning alternatives you can check denverconcierge.com.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals
Enhancing your home’s organization is further enriched by connecting with individuals who echo your commitment to eco-friendliness. Explore online forums and communities dedicated to sustainable living and effective decluttering, and consider hiring a green house cleaning company, Denver Concierge, for professional help. Participate actively in conversations, sharing insights, advice, and anecdotes concerning waste reduction and mindful decision-making. These platforms not only furnish valuable information but also foster a sense of unity and encouragement in upholding an environmentally aware way of life.
Sell or Swap Unwanted Items
One person’s clutter might be another person’s treasure. Instead of discarding items you no longer need, consider selling them through online platforms or swapping with others. This reduces waste and encourages the reuse of goods, extending the lifecycle of items and reducing the demand for new products. By participating in the second-hand market, you contribute to a more sustainable economy and help divert items from landfills.
Repurpose and Upcycle Furniture
Furniture often takes up significant space and can be challenging to dispose of responsibly. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, get creative with furniture by repurposing or upcycling items to fit your changing needs. Transform old pieces into something new, giving them a fresh lease of life while minimizing waste. Whether you’re refurbishing a dresser or turning wooden pallets into stylish shelves, upcycling furniture adds a unique touch to your home while reducing your environmental footprint.
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be wasteful. By following these eco-friendly tips, you can not only create a more organized living space but also contribute to a greener planet. From recycling responsibly to embracing digital solutions and fostering connections within sustainable communities, each step you take brings you closer to a more harmonious and eco-conscious lifestyle. As you embark on your decluttering journey, remember that your actions have the power to inspire positive change, both within your home and the broader global community.
Are We Safe?
It seems like every month we run across a new study that puts Denver in a less-than-favorable light.
Between homelessness, car thefts, and rats (in case you missed it, or the photo above scared you away), Denver has its fair share of things to work on.
Most notably and recently, safety.
As most of you know, we have been a part of the Denver community for a very long time.
For many years, Denver felt safe to us, and we had little to no concern about wandering the wonderful restaurants and sights in our fair city.
We don’t feel that way anymore and the data backs it up.
St. Louis took the honors of the least safe city, only 13 spots worse than Denver. Way too close for our comfort.
As a state, Colorado came in at 43 out of 50, and had the worst ranking for personal and residential safety.
WalletHub defined personal and residence safety as the number of assaults, thefts, murders, and mass shootings per capita in the state.
We also tend to kill each other here more than in most places.
For years, we raved about our city, how safe and beautiful it was, and just how envious other cities must have been.
That seems like ages ago, and we certainly hope that our leadership can help restore Denver to the city it needs to be.
It starts with us, however, and we need to make sure we are firstly aware of the issues and secondly ready to voice our displeasure about things.
Sadly, it usually takes something personal to happen to us to get us to take action, and based on the numbers above that is just a matter of time.
Be safe and vigilant folks, it’s a jungle out there.
Don’t Throw that Away!
Since we are in the winterizing and decluttering mood this month, we wanted to elaborate on exactly what you can and cannot throw away in Colorado.
This is one of those things you can learn the “hard way”, as the law provides for up to $1000 fines and a year in jail for sending the wrong items to a landfill.
This goes back to 2013 and the Electronic Recycling Jobs Act, which expressly prohibits things such as TVs, computers, tablets and even kitchen appliances from being included in your normal trash takeout.
It is also illegal to dispose of ammunition and/or explosives (this one seemed obvious). Also, no needles/sharps and/or used bandages may be thrown away as they are considered medical and bio waste.
We found a cute list from KIX Country that lists another 14 items that you should never throw away, including fire extinguishers, bear spray, and medicine of all kinds.
Basically, there are tons of things that we are not allowed to dispose of in our regular garbage.
Fortunately, there are some retailers, such as Best Buy which will assist in recycling your electronics.
There are also events such as this one that assist in the process.
The takeaway here? Be careful about what you put in your garbage. If you are in doubt, you can always reach out to CHDPE for clarification.
Monthly Award Winners
Our monthly award winners for September were Maria Zapata, Mary Moreno, Gabriela Barrancas, Aurora Dominguez, and Haydee Espinosa.
In the Team Leader ranks, it was Brenda Garcia and Isela Mendoza.
We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.
We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.
Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of September.
Queen Bee Corner
by Angela
There are nearly 65,000 house cleaners currently employed in the United States. The estimate for growth in the coming year is 6%. Those numbers create a large possibility of clients and employees switching companies frequently. We are not concerned.
With all due humility, Denver Concierge’s record for retention of both clients and employees is outstanding.
Our very first Team Leader from 1999 is now our General Manager. Many of our clients have been with us for over 20 years. This was not just luck. We had a plan from the beginning.
Rather than rapid and rampant growth, our main focus over the years has been to build a solid balance between satisfied clients and satisfied employees.
This means accepting only clients who will treat our employees with the respect and kindness they deserve for doing a tough job. It means hiring only employees who are trustworthy and considerate of client homes and environment.
Our tortoise versus hare approach has brought its own rewards. With just the right balance we have become a successful and enduring member of the Denver business community.
For that we are grateful.
Bee