Four Tips To Make Your Dumpster Rental Go Smoothly
Whether you're cleaning out an attic or undertaking a major renovation project, roll-off dumpster rentals are a convenient way to deal with large amounts of trash. If you haven't rented a dumpster before, however, it's easy to underestimate the amount of planning that's required for a smooth rental. It's worth spending the extra time to fully plan out your dumpster rental so that it does not add an extra point of stress to your home project. These four tips will help you to both pick out the right dumpster and make the most of it.
Understand Dumpster Sizing
Dumpsters are typically sized by cubic yards, but this doesn't tell the whole story. This single measurement is a useful shorthand for determining how much stuff you can fit in the dumpster. It is not, however, the only dimension that you should look at. Most dumpsters have standard sizes, but it still pays to check with the rental company that you are using to find the exterior and interior dimensions of each dumpster. If you are disposing of particularly large objects, you may find that smaller cubic yardage dumpsters are too small to fit your refuse. If the items cannot be broken up, then it may be wise to step up a size even if you will not fill the dumpster's entire volume.
Leave Yourself Some Extra Room
Most people are concerned with renting a dumpster that's too large and spending too much money, but renting a dumpster that's too small can be an even larger disaster. If you fill your dumpster, you will likely have to have it hauled away and replaced with another one. Even worse, if you were only off by a small amount then you may end up renting a second dumpster that you will leave mostly empty. To avoid this, add 10-15% to your cubic yardage estimate. If this pushes you up to the next dumpster size, then it will most likely be worth stepping up. It is almost always cheaper to move up one size and rental a single dumpster than it is to rent two smaller dumpsters.
Consider Location and Safety
A common issue faced by first-time dumpster renters is choosing a poor location for the dumpster. There are two major issues to consider when deciding on where to place your dumpster:
- Can the location support the dumpster safely?
- Is it close enough to be useful?
Remember that the dumpster will have to be delivered by truck to its final location on your property. This means that a truck must be able to safely maneuver to the location and the ground must be able to support the weight of the truck and the dumpster. If the path goes across your lawn or sidewalk there is serious potential for property damage as the dumpster is delivered.
The second point is important to consider as well. If you will be moving a large number of heavy objects into the dumpster, then placing it on the far end of your property may seriously slow down your project. Once you have identified safe locations for the dumpster, it is equally important to choose one that is close enough to be convenient and useful.
Plan for Time
Size isn't the only thing that matters when planning your rental: time is important as well. How long will you be renting the dumpster for? Can you extend the rental if necessary? Many people are so focused on the size of their dumpster that they don't consider whether they will actually have time to fill it. It's worth considering potential delays as well. If you lose a day to rain or other inclement weather, will you still have enough time to complete your project? Be sure that you have clear answers to these questions so that you don't end up spending extra money to extend your rental or, even worse, schedule a second rental.
As with any other aspect of a project, making the most of your dumpster rental is all about planning and preparation. With a good feel for the scope of your project, you should have no problem coming up with the estimates you need to have a smooth and successful rental experience.
Reach out to a company like Horizon Disposal Services Inc. to learn more.
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