This time of year, when many of us are cooped up inside, we start purging the basement, attic, closets, and any place else in the house that seems cluttered. If you fall into this category, you want to have a plan so that you can avoid some common pitfalls and get the job done efficiently. Many people find that renting a dumpster for a winter home cleanout allows them to safely and quickly dispose of the items they don’t want.

Let’s look at 5 mistakes to avoid to make the cleanout process go smoothly.

5 Mistakes People Make When Doing a Home Cleanout

Not Organizing

No matter where you are cleaning, you are bound to find all types of items…many of which you probably didn’t even know you had! To make the process go faster, organize your items into three different piles:

• Things you’re going to keep
• Things to sell
• Things to throw away

Doing this will help to decrease the clutter and make the most out of the space you have. Also, this will give you a better idea of what size dumpster you’ll have to rent to get rid of the things you don’t want. Without doing this, you may spend more on a dumpster you don’t need or not have enough room for the things you need to get rid of. 

Procrastinating

Procrastinating is probably what got you to this point. Don’t wait any longer! By procrastinating, you’re just letting more items pile up, making the process longer and more tedious. Have a plan and set a deadline. Try breaking the project up into smaller tasks so that you can accomplish things and not feel as overwhelmed.

Wanting to Keep Everything

It can be hard to part with items you’ve had for a long time. But, if you don’t need them anymore or you don’t want them, it’s time to send them on their way. While sentimental items are things you’ll want to keep, clothes you haven’t worn, or toys your kids haven’t played with, are not. Look at each item to determine its worth. Many times, we just don’t want to part with material items, but they have no value and really shouldn’t be kept. 

Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have

If you’ve lived in your home for several years, you may be surprised at just how much stuff you have. Take a close look at all the areas you plan to clean out before you get started. You may be surprised at just how much there is!

Neglecting Safety Precautions

While you’re cleaning, you want to be sure to do it safely. Cleaning can involve lifting heavy objects and discovering potentially hazardous materials. Neglecting safety procedures can lead to accidents and injuries. Be sure to wear gloves and even safety goggles if necessary. Don’t try to lift objects that are too heavy because you may injure yourself. Also, be careful when disposing of chemicals, paints, and electronics. These can require special disposal instructions.

Are you Cleaning Out Your Home? Call Eastern Waste for a Dumpster Rental

If your home cleanout is a big one, you’re going to want to rent a dumpster from Eastern Waste. When you call us, our team can help you determine what size dumpster you need for your house cleanout. Our dumpster rentals come in sizes ranging from 10-30 yards. 

Just let us know when you need your dumpster for your winter home cleanout, and we will deliver it to your property and place it in a safe location. When you’re done, call us to schedule a convenient pick-up time. For more information, contact us today at 401-294-2969.