Do it Yourself Home Restoration Cleanout in Baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore is full of old Victorian and colonial homes, and you may be eyeing one yourself that needs to be restored; but you worry the job will be too big. You are afraid that the biggest problem will be getting rid of unwanted junk and trash that have accumulated inside the house for decades.  You may be wary of making multiple trips back and forth to the dump and you wonder allowed “where is the landfill near me?” That is one aspect of a cleanout that you don’t have to be concerned about. Dumpstermaxx can rent a roll off dumpster in the size you need to complete the job, and then our trash hauling service will take it away when you are done.  We can help with all your waste management needs.

There are several things to consider when undertaking a home restoration cleanout, this is going to be different than a spring cleaning and the key will be attention to detail. One thing it is vital to distinguish is the difference between trash and fragments of the original home. With that in mind it is vital to keep pieces of tile, marble and stone that belong to the interior (or possibly exterior) of the home.  Try and sort fragments out by type and place them in a box marked for its contents. Later on- you, or a contractor you have hired, will have to assemble the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle to restore something like a mantle over a fireplace or a tile bathroom floor. In some cases you will have pieces missing, those can be replaced with materials of a similar type and color.  Be sure to look in old jars, cans, and containers before you throw them out, some of the missing pieces you need to restore something may be inside.

There may be hideous furniture from the 1970s in the home and you may be eager to get rid of those eyesores, and ugly furniture from subsequent decades, but you need to find out their value. What may be a monstrosity to you may be a work of art to someone else. Check eBay or with a local collectibles dealer before disposing of anything. Once you have determined that the furniture has no value, then you can place them in your rental dumpster with glee. Make sure that when throwing out unwanted items and junk you are not throwing out something essential to the inner workings of the house. Old keys to windows may not resemble a key in the traditional sense. Pipes, valves and knobs all may be part of the house that you may need. Of course if you have a boiler or furnace in the basement, chances are you will want to dispose of it and forego your restoration efforts in order to provide a more modern method of heating.  Keep in mind that these wieldy objects will most likely have to be disassembled to be removed and thrown out. Wear mask and goggles when removing the boiler or furnace; substances like asbestos and lead could become airborne.

Wood is tricky when it comes to a restoration. Termites may have done damage over time, or just plain old rot may have done its evil work on your two-hundred year old balustrade.  Try and save as much of it as you can before disposing of the bad parts in your dumpster. Taking photos to give to a contractor who specializes in restoration can help to accurately re-create the staircase and restore its former glory.

If the home you have purchased is historically protected, make sure to follow guidelines for a restoration that is compliance.

Call Dumpstermaxx today or fill out our online contact form, we can help you with all your restoration bulk trash needs. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you.

This blog is originally posted here: https://dumpstermaxx.wordpress.com/2018/10/20/do-it-yourself-home-restoration-cleanout-in-baltimore-maryland/

The Importance of a Fall Cleanout in Denver

With the arrival of autumn comes time to prepare for winter in Denver. People who have lived in the greater Denver area for some time know that September is the last month with no snow, which is why it is imperative to perform a fall cleanout and yard clean up before October. Dumpster Maxx can aid you in your fall home cleanout.  Whatever your waste container needs may be we can deliver a roll off dumpster or dumpster bag in the sizes you need right to your driveway. With a fall cleanout you will need a sufficient trash bin for your junk removal and bulk trash needs. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can assist with all your dumpster rental needs. There are crucial tasks to consider with your fall cleanout, let’s review them.

Your garage is the first place that you should cleanout. You will want to be able to pull your car inside in the dead of winter, and if you decide to make more space in your house during those frigid months, the garage is a good place for temporary storage. Old rags that could combust should be first to be removed. Many house fires have been caused by old oil soaked rags in a corner combusting. Next, stacks of newspapers and magazines should be disposed of in your rental dumpster. Check old boxes for important documents, family photographs, and keepsakes. Consolidate everything you want to keep to one or two boxes and dispose of the rest for our trash hauling service. Next get rid of any unwanted exercise equipment and bicycles to give the garage more space. Another consideration is to toss your old hot water heater into the dumpster and install a tankless water heater. Not only does a tankless water heater give you instant hot water while using less energy, it gives you more space. Remember any household projects that need to be done in freezing temps will most likely be done in the garage.

Next on the list, but no less important is winterizing your roof, this includes making repairs prior to the first snowfall. You will want to remove and replace any damaged shingles on the roof. It is best to have an experienced roofer or handyman inspect the roof and perform repairs. In Colorado, the weight of snow and ice on a roof can sometimes cause it to warp or crack, installing an attic ventilation system will regulate temperatures on the roof and greatly reduce the amount of snow and ice that will accumulate. If you plan on removing snow yourself during the winter make sure to install anchors on your roof. These anchors are the same type that mountain climbers use to secure their ropes, in this way you will also be ensuring you don’t slip and fall off of your roof.

The next thing on your checklist should be the yard. You can remove items from inside your home after the first snowfall, but attending to your lawn, shrubs, and trees can’t wait. You need to do a front yard cleanout and a back yard cleanout right away. Cut back large limbs from your home that could break and fall under the weight of ice. Next remove and dispose of all junk, debris, and branches from your lawn. Rake and bag all leaves that have fallen and place them in the dumpster or dumpster bag. Next mow grass to a height of two inches, this will ensure its survival until the spring.  Make sure that your sprinkler system is drained and off.  Make sure you have installed frost proof spigots and turn them off for the winter.  Keep your thermostats above fifty-five degrees to guard against your indoor pipes bursting.

Finally, clean out any unwanted furniture, or unwanted items to create space in your home. You will be indoors most of the winter and additional space will fight claustrophobia and cabin fever.

If you live in the greater Denver area, don’t haul trash to your local landfill, call or fill out our online contact form today. Dumpster Maxx can help you be ready for winter.

This blog is originally posted here: https://dumpstermaxx.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/the-importance-of-a-fall-cleanout-in-denver/

Warehouse Clean Out in Phoenix, Arizona

Your company was able to procure a foreclosed warehouse in Phoenix at an auction and you are ready to make use of it, but before you can you have to inspect. Once you find out what is on the inside you will need to determine how many types and sizes of waste containers you will need. Whether it is a roll off dumpster or dumpster bag, Dumpstermaxx can supply all of your dumpster rental needs. We can bring as many dumpsters or dumpster bags as are needed right to your warehouse. This is not a spring cleaning, it is much more involved. The good news is you don’t have to haul your bulk trash to a landfill near you, Dumpstermaxx’s trash hauling service will remove it for you.

Now, its time to begin your large warehouse cleanout.  What you dispose of from inside should be prioritized, let’s look at some ideas for cleaning out your warehouse.

The warehouse you acquired could have been used for storing anything from machine parts to chemicals. Before you start your warehouse cleanout it is vital you know what was stored inside and if anything hazardous was left behind. Chemicals and bio hazards should be removed by environmental specialist and the area where they were stored extensively cleaned. Once you are have removed any bio or chemical hazards, you should remove anything that is stacked and could fall over. Tires, rotten wood, rusted metal containers, stacks of yellowed paper, or any type of potential hazard that could topple over should be disposed of in your rental dumpster. Similarly, any old shelving that is warping and still holds wooden crates or other heavy items should be treated with care. Heavy items should be removed from shelving first and of those, unwanted items should be disposed of in your dumpster. Next carefully disassemble the warped shelving. If it extends to the ceiling of the warehouse make sure that a safety harness is used when raising someone on a forklift to take it apart. If a ladder is used, make sure it is not bent or damaged in any way.  Next all unwanted items, trash and debris should be gathered and thrown in your rental trash receptacles.

Pay particular attention to the warehouse floor for any hazards. Broken glass, old nails, splinted wood shavings or anything sharp should be swept up and double bagged before being thrown away. Check flooring for any slip hazards such as an oily area or algae that has grown as a result of a leaky roof. Areas with slip hazards should be pressure washed to thoroughly clean them. OSHA recommends polishing concrete flooring which makes it stronger and easier to clean up chemical spills.

 Next throw away any additional inventory left behind that cannot be salvaged. You may want to cut up useless inventory to help fit it into your roll off dumpster, but Dumpstermaxx can always provide additional dumpsters if needed. Be sure to check the market value for any scrap before you dispose of it, in a warehouse there may be enough to recoup part of its acquisition cost. You may be able to salvage old furniture with a thorough cleaning, but is it worth the time and effort? New furniture for the warehouse may be a better solution when the cost employee labor is factored into the restoration process.

Once you have finished your warehouse cleanout, you will have a facility that will allow for unimpeded work flow and general efficiency.

If you are in the greater Phoenix area, and are looking at dumpster rental costs, you can’t beat Dumpstermaxx’s rates. From small dumpsters to large dumpsters we will provide you with a price that won’t break your budget. Call or fill out Dumpstermaxx’s free online contact form, we will promptly contact you and support your warehouse cleanout needs.

This blog is originally posted here: https://dumpstermaxx.wordpress.com/2018/10/03/warehouse-clean-out-in-phoenix-arizona/

Flood Damage Clean Out in Omaha, Nebraska.

If you live within one of Omaha’s flood zones chances are you will have to eventually deal with a flood, if you have not already. It’s a disheartening experience to see your home sitting in chest high water, not knowing what condition it will be in when you return. You may have placed some objects in the top of a closet or upstairs, but it is likely there will be a large amount of furniture and goods that are unsalvageable. There is hope though, with a quick reaction and hard work your home can be saved. Here are some things that you can do yourself to improve the situation in your home after it has been flooded.

 

First contact us at Dumpstermaxx, you will need a roll off dumpster to dispose of furniture and other items that could not be saved. After you have inspected your home and have an idea of how much waste your flood clean out will produce. This is going to be much harder than a spring clean out, it is likely you are going to have an entire home clean out as well as a yard clean out. We can tell you how many rental dumpsters you will need to finish the job. Waiting on waste services can mean weeks or months of debris in front of your house providing a home for wildlife and posing a threat to children. Don’t wait for anyone else, get the trash and debris out of your yard as soon as possible.

The first thing you will need to do when you return home after a flood is to start the drying process. You will need to open windows and doors to get air flowing to aid evaporation. If you have power, use floor fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Carpet and upholstered furniture will be a complete loss and should removed immediately, they will be a continued source of moisture and will develop mold and mildew. Damp objects left in the home after a flood make it harder to dry walls out and will increase the likelihood mold will develop in the walls.  A wet and dry vacuum will help you to remove all the water standing in your home. If wallpaper was submerged, it should be removed from the walls and thrown out, wallpaper can act like a seal and keep moisture inside the walls.

Your yard may be filled with debris from the flood, some of which may be your neighbor’s possessions. When possible, save photo albums, awards, and keepsakes and make an effort to return them to their owners. Make sure to wear heavy boots and gloves when removing debris from the yard. You may come across wood or shingles with nails still in them. Gather up all loose debris such as the aforementioned wood and shingles along with trash, tree limbs and vegetation, or any other items which may have come to a rest in your yard. Once you have removed all debris from your yard it will allow you to inspect your home for damage. Make repairs when you are able, for more complicated repairs a professional should be engaged.

It takes long hours and backbreaking work to save your home from further damage after a flood, but it can be done. We can help you by providing additional dumpsters if you decide to remodel, or if Demolition of the home is the only choice. Contact Dumpstermaxx for rates and availability on our dumpsters and waste receptacles. Let us help in your waste disposal efforts after a flood.

This blog is originally posted here: https://dumpstermaxx.wordpress.com/2018/09/22/flood-damage-clean-out-in-omaha-nebraska/

Storage Unit Clean Out in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Storage units can be deceptively large, and can, over time, become packed so full that nothing else can fit into them. You may have your own storage unit, it may be one that you inherited from a relative, or your business may have several storage units. Whatever the reason you have a storage unit, cleaning it out can be a complicated process. If you live in the greater Oklahoma City area, Dumpstermaxx can help you through this process. We will partner with you to make your storage unit clean out successful.

First you need to find out what the dimensions of your storage unit (or units) are. We can then make a determination of how many and what size roll off dumpsters you will need. Once you have found out how much waste your storage unit clean out will produce, we can drop your rental dumpster right at your location. There is likely to be more waste than you expect when cleaning out your storage unit. There will be nearly as much trash as a home clean out or spring clean out, perhaps more if there are multiple storage units involved. Be sure to proceed carefully when you begin to clean out the units. Stacks of papers or other items can topple over on someone while they are cleaning out the unit. To prevent an accident anything that is a possible hazard should be removed first, while using an abundance of caution. Once you are sure you have removed anything that could potentially cause an accident, then you need to decide what has value and what does not. If there are records for a business being stored in the unit, decide if the papers have been scanned or not. Scanned items do not need to be retained, nor do papers that are decades old unless mandated by law. If it you inherited a relative’s storage unit, go through boxes to see if anything in them has value. Books, jewelry, paintings, old clocks, sculptures all may have value, if you are unsure, have an expert come to the storage locker to appraise the worth of the items. If nothing has value, you must decide if they have value to you or not, don’t dispose of a heirloom that you may regret at a later date. Any unwanted items should be disposed of in your dumpster. Some of the items that you are disposing of may be quite heavy, be sure to wear support devices and use proper lifting techniques when carrying weighty objects. Smaller items should be removed first in order to clear a path for the more substantial things that need to be thrown out. When possible, two or more people should be involved in moving heavy objects.  When disposing of furniture like bedroom dressers, or things from an office like a file cabinet, check all drawers to ensure nothing valuable is left inside and inadvertently thrown out.  Be sure to be diligent when inspecting home and office furniture, someone may have taped an important document to the bottom back, or sides of the items. Some desks have hidden compartments where something could be concealed, carefully inspect them before disposal.

It can take days or weeks to completely clean out your storage locker, patience is key when performing a storage unit clean out to prevent injury or loss of valuable items. Contact Dumpstermaxx for rates and availability on our dumpsters and waste receptacles. Let us help in cleaning out your overfilled storage unit.

This blog is originally posted here: https://dumpstermaxx.wordpress.com/2018/09/15/storage-unit-clean-out-in-oklahoma-city-oklahoma/

Renovation Clean Out in Denver, Colorado.

Denver is well known for its historic properties. The thin air and low humidity allow buildings and homes to last longer than in more humid climates. If you have purchased one of those historic properties, or have one you are planning to sell, there are some things you should be mindful about.

When renovating your property, it is going to require waste containers, contact us at Dumpster Maxx and we can advise you on what size of roll off dumpster you may need and how many. Both construction and a demolition can produce masses of debris, so you need to plan accordingly. Once that determination has been made we will deliver your rental dumpsters right to the renovation location. This may be a home clean out along with a back yard clean up, or it may be a warehouse clean out three times the size of any spring clean out you have ever done. Some of the historic homes and business in the area have accumulated well over a century’s worth of junk and trash, making it a challenge to remove it all.  It may be an intimidating job to remove it all yourself, but a little planning can make all the difference.

A top to bottom inspection of your historic property must be made in order to move forward. Make sure to wear protective clothing, safety goggles and where construction is going on, hard hats. In any renovation you need to know what has value and what does not.  Scrap metal laying around like copper or stainless steel can be sold to be recycled and make a tidy profit. It is especially important to remember if the local utility is installing new phone lines, don’t let them walk away with the old copper ones.  Rusted metal and tin have no value and should be disposed. You also need to know in a renovation what can be saved and what cannot. It may be your desire to keep as much of the original structure as possible in your historic home or building, but it is not always possible. A mahogany staircase and balustrade may show little signs of wear, even if they were made in the Victorian era, but termite damage is not always obvious. Have old wood structures inspected for termite damage. In some cases, it may be possible to save old staircases and ornate support columns, but if the damage is too expensive they must be removed and thrown out. When you know where you structure is sound and where it is not, it is time to look at its contents.

Perishables, old furniture too damaged to salvage, and unwanted junk should be removed from the home to allow further inspection. Be careful not to throw out anything that might be considered collectable or antique furniture that might fetch a hefty profit at auction. Comic Books, baseball cards, paintings, and first edition books should be put aside to be assessed.  Broken fixtures, should be thrown in the dumpster, it is unlikely they are the original fixtures in homes and business over one-hundred years old.  Obsolete fixtures like gas sconces may be considered collectable or may even be used in some of the historic gas light districts around the country.  Old carpet should be rolled up and thrown away, it is a possible source of mold and dust mites.  Old toilets should be thrown out and replaced, keep in mind that if the home was built before 1900 it is unlikely it originally had any indoor toilets like we have today.

After you have cleared all the debris, junk, and damaged items you, or a contractor, can get a good look at your historical building and determine the extent of renovation needed.

Call or Email Dumpstermaxx today and let us help you with your renovation disposal needs.

This blog is originally posted here: https://dumpstermaxx.wordpress.com/2018/09/08/renovation-clean-out-in-denver-colorado/

Vacant Lot Clean Ups in Phoenix, Arizona.

That property you have on the edge of Phoenix has not been sold and now the code enforcement is receiving complaints about it. You have fenced it in with a high chain link fence, but somehow tumbleweeds have made their way inside and are piling up. Along with the tumbleweeds are high grass and an assortment of litter accumulated when passing cars decide your lot looked like a suitable trash can.  Debris from the old motel that was demolished there still needs to be removed and you think there may be a homeless camp in the historic building you plan to remodel on the other side of your property. You have received quotes from cleaning crews and they are just too expensive. What can you do about cleaning up that vacant lot? Dumpstermaxx can help you.  Here are ideas for a vacant lot clean out.

First you need to tour your vacant lot. Make sure to wear thick long pants and work boots when you examine the lot. Broken glass, rusty nails, and even angry rattlesnakes may be on your property, so it is best to use an abundance of caution. After you have determined how much waste you have to get rid of, contact us at Dumpstermaxx for all your dumpster rental needs.  We will deliver as many roll off dumpsters as you need to complete your vacant lot clean up.

After receiving the dumpsters, you need to design a plan of attack. Cleaning up a large vacant lot near a busy roadway is different than a yard clean up, and that old historic building is not going to be a simple spring clean out or a home clean out. There needs to be careful thought before proceeding. In addition to thick long pants and work boots, you will need safety goggles, thick work gloves, and depending on the condition of the historic building, a hard hat.

The fist thing that needs to be removed are the tumbleweeds or any large pieces of trash that may have blown into the lot.  They are hiding other trash and debris beneath them. Remember to step carefully when removing the tumbleweeds one the things they may hide are boards with nails in them and shards of broken glass.

Once you have removed tumbleweeds and trash, you need to remove all litter from the grounds. This may reveal many unexpected items that need to be disposed of, from old tires to furniture. Vacant lots are often popular dumping grounds, and having the property fenced in won’t preclude dumping from occurring. A vacant lot with no fence will require frequent dumping clean outs.  Once you have removed all visible items you may want to take the additional step of using a metal detector to find any screws or nails that might be just below the surface which can be stepped on, or become projectiles when the property is mowed.

Once you have cleared the lot of litter, attend to landscaping if there is any, and mow grass to prevent it from becoming overgrown. This will give you a path to both the demolished motel on your property and the historic building that needs to be inspected.

Debris from the motel demolition should be disposed of, again being careful of old screws and nails. Some things like long metal poles and copper wire can possibly be sold for scrap, so separate those accordingly. Once you have made your way to the historic building you will want to proceed with cation in case there are holes in the floorboard or loose fixtures. Remove any unwanted items and you will have it ready for renovation.

This blog is originally posted here: https://dumpstermaxx.wordpress.com/2018/09/03/vacant-lot-clean-ups-in-phoenix-arizona/