Move It Or Lose It Blog

How to Reduce the Hazard of Hazardous Waste in Asheville

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:10:16 GMT

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The junk removal industry often relies on quick, standard disposal methods -- an approach that can unintentionally cause significant harm to the environment. Many companies mix hazardous materials such as paint thinners, cleaning chemicals, and electronics in with regular trash. These items release toxic chemicals into the soil, water, and air if not handled correctly.

Unfortunately, your average landfill is not designed for hazardous waste , so adding these materials to our already massive trash mountain only magnifies the environmental damage. Hazardous waste should never end up in the ground -- it can and should be recycled whenever possible.

How Move It or Lose It Does It Differently

Instead of taking shortcuts, Move It or Lose It uses an eco-friendly process for hazardous waste disposal by utilizing local hazardous waste recycling facilities.

We go above and beyond the "minimum requirements" -- even if it takes more time and effort. Proper hazardous waste disposal isn’t just a service we offer; it’s a commitment to sustainability. We also ensure furniture and other reusable items are refurbished, donated, or repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill.

Why Hazardous Waste Disposal Is So Important in Asheville

With Asheville’s growing population, the amount of junk and waste is increasing, and our landfills are becoming more crowded. Many junk removal companies don't take the environment into account when it comes to disposal, which makes the responsible handling of hazardous materials more important than ever.

At Move It or Lose It , we believe every piece of waste can go to a better place. Hazardous waste recycling keeps dangerous chemicals out of the ecosystem, and reduces long-term damage to our community’s land and water.

How to Safely Recycle Your Hazardous Waste in Buncombe County

The Buncombe County Landfill hosts household hazardous waste recycling events once a month, and twice a month during the summer. Here’s how to participate:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Collect all household hazardous materials such as leftover paint, cleaning products, solvents, and electronics.
Check the Buncombe County website for accepted items, quantity limits, and any associated fees.

Step 2: Drop Them Off

Bring your items to the Buncombe County Landfill at 81 Panther Branch Road, Alexander, NC 28701 .
Pay any required fees and follow staff instructions for proper drop-off.

Step 3: Feel Good About Your Impact!

Leave knowing you’ve done the right thing for the environment, just like we do when we handle hazardous waste for our clients!

Step 4: Call for Help if You Need It

If you’re unsure how to dispose of items properly, you can contact Move It or Lose It at (828) 231-1983 for help!
Our trained team can handle hazardous waste disposal, junk removal, and eco-friendly recycling for you — safely, responsibly, and stress-free.

Ensuring that hazardous waste gets disposed of properly is a great way to help protect our environment. By keeping these materials out of the landfill, we help build a cleaner, healthier future for Asheville and beyond!

Move It or Lose It founder Amalia featured on Asheville Area Favorites Podcast!

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:51:17 GMT

Asheville Moving Company Founder Shares Sustainability, Community, and Small Business Stories on Asheville Area Favorites Podcast

Sometimes you meet someone, and within 30 seconds you’re swapping stories like you’ve known each other for years. That’s exactly what it felt like talking with Laura Jergens for her podcast, Asheville Area Favorites .

Our conversation wandered through the worlds of small business ownership, sustainable moving practices, and the messy, beautiful intersections of work and real life. We laughed, got reflective, and dug into what it really means to run a people-centered Asheville moving company in a world that doesn’t always reward that approach.

Why This Podcast Matters to Me

When I started Move It Or Lose It in Asheville, my goal wasn’t just to move people’s stuff — it was to move people . Emotionally and experientially, I want our clients to feel supported, cared for, and respected during what can often be one of life’s most stressful events.

Laura’s thoughtful questions gave me space to share why we brand our trucks with a rainbow raccoon, what’s actually fun about owning a moving company, and why community connection and sustainability mean more to me than profitability.

Key Topics We Covered

The origin story of Move It Or Lose It — and how it was almost a food truck before becoming an Asheville moving company.
What makes us sustainable and emotionally intelligent movers — and how that changes the moving experience for our clients.
Our love for Asheville and the unique character of the Western North Carolina community we serve.
Why humor, kindness, and levity are essential tools for movers.
How relationship-building has fueled our growth as a local small business.

Why You Should Listen

Whether you’re a fellow Asheville entrepreneur, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about what goes into running a community-driven moving company, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at local business and local mindset.

For us, it’s about more than moving — it’s about making connections.

�� Listen to the Full Episode: Click here to listen on Asheville Area Favorites

THE BLOX! MIOLI Owner Featured on Entrepreneur Reality Show

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:26:54 GMT

"the blox" reality show featurES amalia grannis, move it or lose it ceo

Amalia Grannis never expected to find herself in the spotlight of a national entrepreneurship reality show. Yet, on September 1, 2024, she’ll be featured on "The Blox," a unique competition designed to test the grit, innovation, and business savvy of small business owners from across the country

Amalia founded Move It Or Lose It, a moving and junk removal company that serves the Asheville area. With a quirky rainbow raccoon emblazoned on its trucks and the slogan “Moving Without the Macho,” the company embodies the spirit of Asheville—an eclectic mix of creativity, inclusivity, and community. But behind this playful branding lies a serious dedication to changing the moving industry, one that caught the attention of the producers of "The Blox."

“I felt supported from the moment I signed up,” Amalia shares, reflecting on her time on the show. “This was by far the most friendly competition I’ve ever seen or witnessed.” Her initial doubts about whether she deserved to be there, surrounded by more experienced entrepreneurs, quickly faded. “By day three, my doubt was starting to wash away. I was no longer invested in winning, but I thought I’d already won.”

This shift in perspective allowed Amalia to focus on what she values most—community and connection. “The biggest standout was the friendships I made there,” she says. “I have meaningful friendships with entrepreneurs across the country. Our markets are different, but our challenges are similar. It was really effective in combating the loneliness that comes with entrepreneurship.”

That sense of community was a welcome contrast to the isolation that often accompanies running a small business. For Amalia, who started Move It Or Lose It in 2021 with just $800 and a truck she acquired after a breakup, the journey to legitimacy has been anything but traditional. “I didn’t have a polished business plan or a loan—I just put one foot in front of each other,” she recalls.

Her participation in "The Blox" was a way to solidify her business, to prove to herself and others that she was “good enough.” The experience was not just about business growth but also personal growth. “I realized while I was there that we needed to change things. I had an instant implementation moment—I called up my office from the casino floor and offered my admin assistant a clearer job description and more hours on the spot.”

Each day on "The Blox" was a learning experience, with classes and challenges designed to push contestants to their limits. “Before each challenge, we had a class. In every class, I felt like I had an a-ha moment. I could see how each lesson could apply to me.” One challenge in particular stood out for Amalia—putting their empathy to the test. Contestants had 15 minutes to prepare a three-minute presentation from their customer’s perspective. Amalia chose to embody Earl, an imaginary character from the rural outskirts of Asheville, giving a voice to the people she serves every day.

Despite the friendly atmosphere, there were moments of frustration. “I’ve been waxing poetic about how friendly it was, but there were some days that I was pissed and confused that I didn’t get on the day’s final stage,” Amalia admits. “I would look at specific competitors and say, ‘How did they beat me?’” But these challenges were part of the learning process. “Learning to navigate the frustration of stuff not going the way you want is part of the small business journey.”

While Amalia didn’t win the competition, she left with a renewed sense of pride and purpose. “I’m so proud of the people who did win—they were lovely people and fierce competitors. While I didn’t win, I hope I made my city proud by staying consistent and positive throughout.” She credits much of her growth to Wes Bergmann, the creator of "The Blox," who designed the series to be impactful for entrepreneurs at any stage. “I want to tip my hat to Wes. He managed to put together a series of lessons that’s impactful to a limitless series of entrepreneurs.”

Amalia’s story is a testament to the resilience and creativity that define Asheville. “I feel like my business is a good representation of Asheville,” she says. “Leaning into the levity and silliness and community is a good representation of WNC, and I brought this to filming, even if we were at a strange casino in Oklahoma.”

As she prepares to watch the show air, Amalia is eager to see what key points she missed and how they can help her continue to grow as an entrepreneur. She knows that the lessons she’s learned and the connections she’s made will continue to shape her journey. From the unplanned beginnings of her business to the national stage of "The Blox," Amalia Grannis has proven that with determination, creativity, and a supportive community, anything is possible.

Watch Amalia on "The Blox" for free on Facebook

Move It Or Lose It: A Taurus At Heart

acc_6319llx5v9qjz ( Move It or Lose It, LLC Account) — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:22:08 GMT

Move It Or Lose It AVL: A Taurus at Heart

When someone asked me what Move It Or Lose It's zodiac sign was, I was delighted. This question gave me a chance to reflect on the essence of our company and how it aligns with the characteristics of a Taurus. Move It Or Lose It AVL (MOLI) was officially born in early May of 2021, making her a Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac and the first earth sign.

A Warm and Welcoming Moving Experience

One of the key traits of a Taurus is their ability to create a comfortable atmosphere with their charm, voice, and presence. This is a perfect description of what we strive to bring to the moving experience. Moving is often associated with stress, anxiety, and difficulty, but at MOLI, we infuse the process with levity and peace. Our playful charm and warm demeanor set us apart from other companies in our industry, making the experience enjoyable and less daunting for our clients.

Practicality

Taurus individuals are known for their practical nature, balancing their love of luxury with down-to-earth practicality. In the world of moving, there's nothing more practical than the art of picking things up and putting them down again. Our team embodies this practicality, ensuring that every move is efficient and seamless, without unnecessary complications or extravagance. We focus on what truly matters: getting your belongings safely and efficiently from point A to point B.

Relationship-Oriented

Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, Taurus values friendships and partnerships, seeking consistency, stability, and kindness. MOLI's success story is a testament to this trait. We have grown rapidly, not through expensive Google or social media ads, but through earnest relationship building. Our reputation and success are built on the trust and connections we've fostered with our clients and partners. This relationship-oriented approach has been the cornerstone of our business, allowing us to thrive in a competitive market.

Reliability

Dependability and loyalty are hallmarks of Taurus individuals, making them excellent sources of advice. At MOLI, we pride ourselves on being reliable and trustworthy. Our clients know they can count on us not only to show up and move their belongings but also to provide valuable advice on moving strategies and decisions about what to keep and what to let go. We help find good homes for items our clients are ready to part with, ensuring a smooth and considerate transition.

Stubbornness

While stubbornness can sometimes be seen as a negative trait, for Taureans, it signifies groundedness and resilience. In our case, stubbornness is a virtue. It's what drives us to keep trying and evolving our strategies to tackle the most challenging items and landscapes. No matter how difficult the task, we are committed to getting it done. Our persistence ensures that every item gets to where it's going, no matter the obstacles.

Embracing our Taurus nature has been a wonderful way to reflect on the qualities that make Move It Or Lose It AVL unique. Our warmth, practicality, relationship-focused approach, reliability, and yes, even our stubbornness, all contribute to the exceptional service we provide. So next time you think about moving, remember that MOLI is not just a company; she's a Taurus, ready to bring comfort, efficiency, and dependability to your moving experience.

Ten Decluttering Tips Before Your Move

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:57:30 GMT

Top 10 Tips for Decluttering Before a Move

Decluttering before a move can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation. Here are ten practical tips to help you sort and let go of items effectively.

1. Start Early

Begin the decluttering process as soon as you know you’re moving. This gives you ample time to go through each room and make thoughtful decisions without feeling rushed.

2. Set Decluttering Goals

Break down the task into manageable goals. Tackle one room or area at a time, and set specific goals for what you want to achieve, such as clearing out your closet or organizing the garage.

3. Use the Four-Box Method

Label four boxes as "Keep," "Donate," "Sell," and "Trash." As you go through your belongings, place each item into one of these categories. This method helps you stay organized and make clear decisions.

4. Ask Yourself Key Questions

When deciding whether to keep an item, ask yourself:

Have I used this in the last year?

Does it hold significant sentimental value?

Is it in good condition?

Would it be expensive or difficult to replace?

If you answer "no" to these questions, it’s probably time to let it go.

5. Declutter by Category

Instead of tackling an entire room, declutter by category. For example, start with clothes, then move on to books, then kitchen items. This approach helps you stay focused and organized.

6. Be Honest About Sentimental Items

Sentimental items can be the hardest to part with. Keep only those that truly bring you joy or hold significant meaning. Consider taking photos of items you want to remember but don’t need to keep physically.

7. Use a "Maybe" Box

For items you’re unsure about, create a "Maybe" box. Seal the box and write the date on it. If you haven’t needed or thought about the items in six months, it’s a sign you can let them go.

8. Involve the Whole Family

Get everyone involved in the decluttering process. Assign tasks to each family member and encourage them to sort through their belongings. This not only lightens your load but also teaches valuable organizing skills.

9. Donate and Sell Items

Donating or selling items can make the decluttering process feel more rewarding. Find local charities to donate gently used items or use online platforms to sell items you no longer need.

10. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions

Decluttering is an ongoing process. Schedule regular sessions to go through your belongings, even after you move. This habit will help you maintain an organized and clutter-free home.

By following these practical tips, you can streamline your moving process and ensure that you only take what you truly need and love to your new home. Happy decluttering!

Move It or Lose It, LLC Company FAQ

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:31:30 GMT

It's okay if you don't have all the answers. Neither do we! Except, of course, about our business services. Check it out!

Who are you and what is Move it or lose it, llc?

We’re Move It Or Lose It! We are a moving and junk removal service based out of Asheville, North Carolina. Our business reflects our values: Be good to people and the planet!

We love to pick things up and put them down again, and ride around in our rainbow raccoon trucks, and pick through the trash for goodies!

Do you work weekends?

We do moves on Saturdays but not on Sundays (with few exceptions). Admin support for scheduling and answering questions is not always available on the weekends.

How much do you charge for moving?

Pricing can vary depending on the needs of our clients. Here is our base pricing:

Labor is $70/hour per mover. This includes moving, junk removal, packing, and organizing services.
$80/day truck fee for each truck used. If we need to rent a larger truck for your move, a larger fee may apply.
Fuel & mileage is $1.50/mile starting at our headquarters. The first 10 miles are are on us!
Travel fees are per mover, per day & include drives over 2 hours:
2.25–4 Hrs: $155
3.75–8 Hrs: $275
7.75–12 Hrs $450
11.75+ Hours: $650
Lodging & equipment rentals are subject to market pricing.
Long distance moves are sometimes subject to other fees, especially in the case of overnight trips.
Pianos:
$300 minimum for Upright pianos
$400 minimum for Grand and Baby Grand pianos (Includes disassembly. Additional $100 for reassembly.)
$50 for every 5 stairs

How much do you charge for Junk Removal?

The same base rates as our moving services apply, plus cost of disposal where applicable.

We charge a minimum $25 processing fee for all junk removal. Larger volumes of material may incur a larger processing fee. Items that must go to the landfill are billed at $60/ton . Certain items are considered “special” or “hazardous” waste, and carry additional charges to dispose of responsibly.

Examples include but are not limited to:

Mattresses & Box Springs ($25/each)
TVs, screens, & monitors ($15 - $30 depending on size)
Pesticides & Herbicides ($5/gallon)
E-waste, electronics, printers, etc ($10 - $30 depending on size)
Paints & Stains ($5/gallon)
Accelerants & Automotive Fluids ($5/gallon)
Tires ($15/each)
Fluorescent Bulbs ($5/each)
Organic Debris ($10/cubic yard)
Carboard, Paper, Metal ($0)
Usable items ($25 minimum processing fee, scales up based on volume)
Biohazardous Material is priced on a case by case basis

I need help TOMORROW ! Can you fit me in?

We will do our best! We usually recommend that you book at least two weeks in advance (more if you're moving long-distance). But life is unpredictable and we try to accommodate every request that we receive. Please note that a Priority Scheduling fee may be applied for short-notice bookings, especially during peak times:

4-6 days in advance: $50
1-3 days in advance: $100
Same-or-Next Day: $150

Do you have a minimum?

Yes, we have a very accessible 30-minute minimum at $150 .

This includes the truck fee and 2 movers. For jobs that don't require a truck (example: moving a piece of furniture from one room to another in the same house), the $150 minimum covers up to one hour of labor.

I only need one or two things moved - $150 seems expensive. Why?

We hear this a lot—and we get it! If you’re only moving a single item, $150+ can feel like a hefty price tag. But even for small jobs, we still need to dispatch a truck and crew, cover fuel and insurance, and carve out time in our schedule.

Our base costs are the same whether we’re moving one couch or an entire house. Distance can also be a factor. When single items need to travel across counties or over 30+ minutes one way, a big part of what you're paying for is time and equipment—not just the item itself. Our trucks, ramps, dollies, and lifting straps don’t scale down just because the load is small.

That said, we do want you to get the most bang for your buck. If you have other tasks—like rearranging furniture, bringing items to storage, or even removing a few junk items—let us know! Adding on something like light junk removal usually only adds just a little bit to your cost, and you get a lot more value out of the trip. We’re always happy to help you make the most of your time with us, and we’re grateful when folks choose to support a local crew doing ethical, skilled labor with integrity.

Do you charge a deposit?

Yes. In most instances we ask for a deposit to confirm your booking with us. We ask for a deposit of $150 , or 20% of the estimated total cost (whichever is greater). This includes jobs that fall under our $150 minimum.

What is your cancellation policy?

In order to receive a refund on your deposit, you must notify us of any cancellation or rescheduling at least 24 hours in advance . If your move requires accommodations or rental equipment to be booked, more notice may be required. Failure to provide adequate notice will result in the loss of your deposit, and you will need to pay another deposit in order to reschedule.

Are you insured?

Yes! Our insurance policy is brokered through a local company, MATH insurance. We have liability, commercial auto, worker's compensation, and cargo coverage. Feel free to request certificates of our latest policies if needed.

Who painted your truck?!

Jerry Cahill, best known for the cat mural at Biscuit Head’s West Asheville location, and the mural work at Elevated Kava West. He works out of the RAD and is an amazing artist. He painted both of our trucks and will be the go to artist to mural up the brick and mortar location we aspire to open. Jerry also owns Rad Printworks printing and design company. Follow him on instagram @jerrycahillart or find him on the web at www.jerrycahill.art

Do you move people far away, like across state lines? How much does that cost?

Yes, we do! Out of state moves almost never cost less than $2000. (There are a few exceptions for neighboring states if it doesn’t require an overnight.) If you saw an ad online advertising $1,500 interstate moves, please beware! Those ads are misleading and inaccurate. They will absolutely be adding extra fees which will likely total more than our final invoice would. We tell the truth up front . We are happy to take on out of state projects. Please request an estimate through our online portal as these costs are highly variable depending on the client's individual needs. We offer fully transparent pricing, so we will break it down for you ahead of time and work with you to the best of our ability.

Who built your website?

My friends Cat and Zan over at Petit Bourgeois Marketing & Automations digitized the logo and built the site! You can check them out at PBMA.io

What happens to the junk you remove?

The landfill is always our last resort!

We have many funnels for the various types of material people dispose of:

Paper, cardboard and the like are recycled locally at Asheville Waste Paper .

Habitat for Humanity: Move It Or Lose It has been donating the vast majority of their salvageable items to this organization since we began. The owner worked for Habitat before starting their own company. The revenue from selling donated items helps support their affordable home ownership program.

ABCCM: We donate the majority of our clothing items to this organization. They run several local shelters for unhoused people, and clothing and shoes go directly to people in need.

Children’s items: We donate kids books, clothing, toys, etc to B.E.A.R Closet , and Eliada Home .

BIMCO: Biltmore Iron and Metal Company are our favorite local metal recyclers. We frequent this establishment to ensure that the metal components of our client’s debris are given another life. We are also able to generate a small amount of revenue this way.

Asheville Metal Recyclers: This is our back up location for recycling metal.

Feed Me Foam: For recycling expanded polystyrene.(AKA styrofoam)

Direct Donation: Sometimes one of our staff members or someone we know needs just that thing we picked up today, and we bring it straight to them for low or no cost. Sometimes we post things online for free and allow people to get them. We aspire to one day open a brick and mortar store with a FREE section where people can help themselves to usable items that they might need.

Resale: We have a booth at Sweeten Creek Antiques. Items that we can repair, refurbish, or that are particularly valuable are sold to generate revenue for the company. We aspire to open a brick and mortar thrift store one day!

Other organizations we love working with and donating to: BeLoved , Asheville Survival Program , and more!

Is there a payment plan option?

We no longer accept in-house payment plans. However, we have recently partnered with Affirm , a third-party service that provides installment plans for eligible clients! In order to take advantage of this program, we'll need to get you set up to apply through Affirm before your move can be officially booked. Eligibility is subject to approval by Affirm.

Can I trust you to be discreet?

We take the safety and privacy of our clients extremely seriously . We do not share any of our clients' personal information with any outside party without the client's explicit consent.

If there are any extenuating circumstances surrounding your move, or there is anything you need us to be aware of in order to keep you and your family safe, please let us know so we can plan accordingly. We are happy to correspond with social workers and legal counsel as needed, with your permission.

*Note that in certain cases that require more complex administrative involvement, additional administrative fees may apply. We will communicate these fees in advance if applicable.

If you move trash and also move nice things, is your truck dirty inside?

The interior of the truck is thoroughly cleaned between clients.

Do you pack for people?

We offer packing services tailored to your needs. For budget and eco conscious clients we have various resources for recycled moving supplies, provided at no cost to you. Some clients supply their own packing materials, and just need support with the labor. Some folks prefer brand new materials and a full service!

$70/hour per packer , plus the cost of materials, if needed.