Cleaning up an older coastal home ahead of hurricane season may be larger than you imagined. You find a loose fence board, and there are rotted boards behind it. You discover a stain in your garage, and the drywall is wet. Next thing you know, old boxes, broken lawn equipment, and old leaves take up all of the space in your driveway.
A dumpster rental service in Southport, NC can help. It takes a whole weekend, but at least it is a full weekend you have to spend cleaning up. Once you figure out what you want to clean up, how to separate it, and where to place the dumpster, things go smoothly.
Begin With Materials That Could Become Storm Hazards
Anything a storm could toss around or damage should go first. You’ll find things like storm-damaged boards, broken furniture, old fencing, and cut trees. If possible, you should pull out any exposed nails or lay the boards flat so you can save space inside the dumpster.
Any damaged drywall, wet wood, and damaged items in the home should also be moved right away. They get worse over time, especially if another rainstorm hits.
A good cleaning order looks like this:
- Damaged boards and fences that have been knocked over.
- Wet drywall and household materials damaged by water.
- Cut tree limbs and leaves.
- Old items stored in your garage.
By starting with these items, you can make room to do further cleaning.
Divide the Waste Before the Dumpster Arrives
Some items require special treatment. If you have paint, gasoline, oil, chemicals, or any kind of hazardous waste (as you can see at epa.gov/hw), you should dispose of them separately. You shouldn’t include them in the same container as other trash. In some cases, large appliances, electronics, tires, or building debris will also need special treatment.
If you plan on clearing out your yard, check on the type of waste allowed. Some dumpsters allow grass and leaves, while others have a separate pile for it. It is best to check with your rental service, the team at Priority Waste Inc., ahead of time.
One important note: Damp materials are very heavy. Even a few pieces of damp drywall can weigh a lot. You may also need to account for a lot of wet wood or fencing. Be sure you select a dumpster that can handle your garbage.
Place the Container on Your Driveway Carefully
Some Southport homes have narrow driveways, low-hanging trees, soft ground, or difficult approaches. Make sure you can place the container safely and that the truck can get in and out.
Make sure you place the container somewhere it won’t interfere with traffic or sidewalks, block off your garage or your neighbors’ driveway, or sit under a tree. Some companies require wood underneath the dumpster. Also, make sure you have room to open the door to load stuff in. This may mean moving a few items around.
Timing Is Critical When Preparing for Hurricanes
Coastal weather changes rapidly (browse this site). If you’re not careful, your containers could be loaded with wet trash and then blown around during a storm. Try to keep the dumpster below the fill line and inquire about covering it.
There could also be timing issues with your community. Check if there are HOA restrictions, street parking issues, neighborhood restrictions, or local rules regarding dumpsters. Make sure you check on these before you set up your rental, or you might waste a day doing cleanup instead of preparing. Also, be flexible if you need to adjust your delivery date due to weather. Don’t try to squeeze in too much cleanup for your rental window.
Older homes might have materials that shouldn’t be disturbed as part of a quick clean-up. Trim, siding, floor tile, pipe wrap, and textured wall coverings could be painted with lead-based paint or insulated with asbestos. If you don’t know how old the material is, or when it was last repaired, don’t cut, sand, or break it up.
A professional inspector can determine if these materials are hazardous and advise whether you need to hire a licensed contractor for removal. Notify your Southport, NC dumpster rental company about what kinds of renovation waste you’ll have when they deliver the container because disposal requirements may vary. Leave questionable materials in place, minimize dust, and keep children and pets out of the area.
Maximize Your Time
Taking the time to properly prepare your home before hurricane season ensures that you won’t have to deal with storm damage or loose items flying through the air. Separating the waste, choosing the right location, and allowing enough time for your rental ensures you won’t have to deal with problems during hurricane season. A dumpster rental service in Southport, NC can ensure you have a successful hurricane season.
