Bin There Dump That: One Man's Trash Blog

“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.”

It’s okay to not like Murphy’s Law. Honestly, I don’t know anyone who does. That’s because it makes us think about the worst case scenario. And no one ever really wants to think about worst case scenarios — especially when home renovations are involved. It just sounds costly and dangerous.

For some peace of mind, Bin There Dump That likes to inform our customers that we’re a licensed, bonded and insured dumpster rental company. And anytime you invite a skilled laborer onto your property — roofers, plumbers, electricians, etc. — it’s wise to hire only those that are licensed, bonded and insured, as well.

“Is there anything that can’t go into the dumpster?” and “What is considered household hazardous waste?” are two frequently asked questions many of our Bin There Dump That customers ask us.

For home renovations, spring cleaning and even failed yard sales, residential dumpster rental can be the best way to go when you have a lot of “stuff” to get rid of. And while drywall, scrap wood, that rusted out trampoline and those boxes full of newspapers from the 1980s will feel right at home in a Bin There Dump That bin, it’s important to know that household hazardous waste cannot go into the dumpster.

With that said, let me take this opportunity to explain what waste is considered hazardous — and what options you have to dispose of it.

Generally speaking, the relationship we have with our bathrooms can be a bit rushed and, at times, inconvenient. When we’re home, it’s the kitchen, bedroom and family room that tend to get most of our attention. And that’s totally normal, but maybe not for much longer.

As many post-recession homeowners continue to invest in their homes rather than pack them up and look elsewhere, the bathroom is one room in the house getting some spa-like attention after all and topping remodel lists for 2015.

2015 is a big year for you and your home. It’s the year you turn that nursery back into a guest room or finally finish the basement – think of all that rec room potential. No matter the size of the project, it always helps to get a little free help and inspiration to get the ball rolling.

Enter the Internet.

Interested in knocking down the dining room wall to open up the kitchen? There’s a website for that. Ready to turn that third floor attic into a home office? There’s a blog for that. From before-and-after photos to how-to videos, home renovation websites are abundant, but where do you start?

So you’ve decided to clean house. Get rid of everything. Maybe you’re flipping a property or just decided it’s time to downsize. Either way, “rent a dumpster” is next on your to-do list before the big purge. Great idea!

Have you considered a roll off dumpster from Bin There Dump That? They’re safe and residential-friendly. Of course, I realize that once we drop off one of our dumpsters, how it’s used is completely up to you.

Remember when you first moved into your home and it was empty? A blank canvas full of possibilities. Then came the clutter. And your blank canvas — a clutter free home — became more crowded and cramped with each passing year. Where did all that space go?

Did you know, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, 32 percent of people with two-car garages are only able to park one car inside due to clutter? And the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) says 80 percent of what we keep we never actually use.

A new job. Returning home to be near family. There are many reasons people choose or are required to relocate. No matter the reason, packing up and moving across town or across country is stressful and challenging.

One way to make the process easier is to lighten your load by selling, donating or throwing away as much as you can. Sure, there’s some stuff you need to keep: important documents, family heirlooms, children. But you’ll also have to make some tough choices.

Here’s some advice for deciding what to keep, what to sell, and what to throw away (or donate).

A home renovation can be one of the most rewarding and frustrating experiences any family can go through. Combining work, school, pets and kids with dirt, noise, workers and rooms that can’t be used — and you’ve got a recipe for family discord, stress and even temporary mental breakdowns.

Our best advice: Visit an all-inclusive resort for the duration of the project. All right, that might get a bit expensive. If you don’t have a wealthy relative willing to share a wing of his or her mansion, then you’re going to need to figure out how to live in a construction zone. It won’t be easy, but with the right attitude and well-thought-out strategies, you can make the experience more pleasant.

The kids are gone, off to college where they can gain an education, get a great high-paying job and take care of you in your old age. In the meantime, you’ve got some work to do. The nest is empty.

If this were a movie script, the argument would be over turning their vacant bedrooms into a sewing room, an exercise space or a place to meditate on the meaning of life. But before that debate can be settled, the rooms have to be cleaned. We’re not talking about running a vacuum, and it’s far more than just the bedrooms that need work.

Here’s a look at how to declutter five spaces throughout your home, and spruce up that empty nest.

The leaves are turning and are beginning to fall. Soon, it will be snowflakes floating lazily down, beautiful at first and then — after months of white — agonizing. Most of us in northern climates spend a great deal more time inside at home during the winter. (That, too, can become agonizing over time!)

To make the experience as pleasant as possible, there are several things you need to do, including getting your Netflix queue up to date and stockpiling the microwave popcorn.

But there’s more to getting your home ready before the snow starts flying — and it’s a crucial process that will help keep you safe and warm.

Here are 12 steps to take as you prepare your home for winter.