While most people rent a dumpster in the spring, summer, or fall, sometimes you have to rent a roll-off dumpster in the winter – you’re relocating for a job, putting your house on the market, clearing out a loved one’s home so they can move to assisted living, or putting the house on the market after a death are just some of the scenarios.
Or you might be doing a DIY home renovation project. Regardless of the reason you’re planning to schedule a residential dumpster rental, renting in the winter brings some extra considerations. Read our tips below for the smoothest rental experience.
Tip #1: Think About Where to Place Your Roll-Off Dumpster
Think carefully about where you want the roll-off dumpster to go. The closer to your house the better, when it comes to the winter months. Placing it in the street is possible, but will make your work tougher.
For most projects and cleanouts, placing the dumpster in the driveway close to the garage door is ideal. But if you’re renovating a second-floor bathroom or an area on the back side of the house, you may want the dumpster closer to that location.
Keep in mind that we need about 40ft. In length for the truck and container for placement, and 10ft. wide to fit through gates. Let us know when you call if this might be an issue. Read our dumpster rental FAQs page for more basic questions and answers.
Tip #2: Think About Tree Branches
If you have trees overhanging your driveway or other planned location to set your roll-off dumpster rental, think about trimming low-hanging branches before delivery day. Some dumpster rental companies won’t place the dumpster where you want it if trees are in the way.
Here at JRs, with your permission, we will trim back branches so you can have the dumpster exactly where you want it.
Came out the same day I called, and made the process super easy. He trimmed some branches back that were low hanging in the driveway for ease of access as a courtesy, where other companies would have just denied the drop-off. Thanks, JR! – Michelle Martinez
We were so pleased with JR’s hauling service. They were very communicative, came on time, went above and beyond to get the dumpster to the location we wanted: There were branches in the way, and they trimmed them to secure the passage.
I would recommend them and will definitely go with them if I need hauling service again. -Monia
Tip #3: Be Prepared for Snow
Ideally, you can schedule your winter residential dumpster rental for when the skies will be clear. But if you have a specific period that you absolutely have to have a dumpster for your project, keep an eye on the forecast.
If snow, rain, or ice are predicted on delivery day, shovel or brush snow out of the way. If it’s forecasted for after delivery, cover your dumpster with one or more tarps to keep the weather out. This is especially important if heavy snow is on the way.
Tip #4: De-ice, De-ice, De-ice
If snow, sleet, ice, or rain falls, be sure to shovel a path around your dumpster and use a de-icing agent to keep the pathway safe. If temperatures warm up during the day to create puddles, those puddles will likely freeze overnight, creating a hazard.
Tip #5: Dress for the Weather
Finally, be sure to dress appropriately as you load your dumpster in potentially below-freezing temperatures. Dress in layers so that you can remove a heavy coat if you get too warm.
Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. The last thing you want to do is touch the icy cold metal of the roll-off dumpster with a bare hand. Wear shoes or boots with lug soles to give you extra traction.
