Garage Organization Tips

Nick Dragonetti • March 31, 2021

Do you wish your garage was clean, organized and used for more than miscellaneous storage? Many homeowners want to improve their current garage space. A majority of Americans spend a few hours each week in their garage engaging in activities but for many others, clutter and excess storage prevent them from using their garage to its full potential.

D.B. Containers is the trusted dumpster rental service for New York City residents to organize and discard the clutter that's been stored in their garage for too long. We realize that cleaning and organizing even the smallest garages can be a huge undertaking which is why we've gathered a list of tips that will help you thoroughly clean and organize your garage while suggesting ways to keep your clutter to a minimum.

When Is the Best Time to Clean and Organize Your Garage?

Cleaning and organizing your garage is a significant job, whether you are completing this task as one part of a larger renovation for your home or as a separate project in itself. Depending on the size of the space, the items within and the goals you want to accomplish, you could spend more than a single afternoon decluttering, discarding and reorganizing your garage. When is the perfect time to clean and organize your garage?

  • When the weather is consistent: Unless you have a patio with an awning, a four seasons room or a covered area to temporarily store your belongings, snow, rain and variable weather conditions can quickly interfere with your organization plans. Of course, unpredictable weather can happen at any time but choosing a day in the late spring or early fall will allow you to use your lawn and driveway as you unpack and reorganize your garage.
  • When you have the space available: If your garage or driveway is regularly used for parking, exercising, hobbies or any other activity, you'll need to choose a time that's convenient for everyone in your family who uses the garage. Even if you plan on working in small sections, make sure that you have the space available to work safely and efficiently.
  • When you can dedicate the time to finish the job correctly: Cleaning out excess storage or reorganizing your garage to increase space for activities or parking could take more time than you expect, especially if you have boxes and bins to sift through. Rushing any home project is never a good idea. Make sure you have ample time to clean out your garage, go through your possessions and reorganize the space so it's functional and safe for your family.

Garage Organization Planning Tips

Before you roll the door up and unload your garage into your driveway, take a look at these five planning tips that will help you organize and declutter like a pro:

  • Preplan before you unpack: Cleaning out your garage is not as easy as cleaning out your pantry. This undertaking could last the entire day, if not the full weekend, which means you need to prepare for this project by creating a plan. Block off enough time so you can complete the project the way you want. Draw out ideas for where you want your new storage to go and block off areas for any hobbies, activities or parking space you'll need.
  • Designate piles for items: You could toss all of your items into "keep" or "do not keep" piles but we encourage you to consider adding in "donate" and "sell" piles. There are many items you can donate to families in need. Other items, like landscaping or lawn care equipment, could also be sold if they're in good condition. "Donate" and "sell" piles are great ways to help your neighbor and make a little extra money while you declutter your garage.
  • Find an extra set of hands: This is one home project that you don't want to tackle alone. Enlist the help of your family and friends so they can help you stick to your plan and finish the job correctly.
  • Don't purchase organizational tools too early: The thought of having all of the loose possessions in your garage neatly packed and stacked in clean bins and cabinets is exciting enough to make you run out and buy those new containers you've had your eye on. However, waiting until after you've cleaned out your garage is a smarter choice. When you finish, you'll know exactly how many bins you need and of which size and shape. Buying too many or too little beforehand could actually increase your clutter that's leftover.
  • Consider having a garage sale: When you've got everything sorted into your four distinct piles, take a look at how much is in your "sell" pile. Items such as furniture, baby supplies, tools, recreational and lawn equipment are enough to host a garage sale. If you're reorganizing your garage as part of a whole-home cleaning project, your yard sale can include other pieces of clutter you aim to get rid of including clothes, toys, books and decor.

How to Declutter and Organize Your Garage

Homeowners wondering how to organize a messy garage might feel overwhelmed at first — and for good reason. Many homeowners throughout the country believe that they have too much stuff in their homes that increases their stress but struggle with getting rid of the clutter. Use these three tips to help you identify the clutter in your home and dispose of it properly.

  • Be realistic with your "keep" pile: Your "keep" pile can grow out of control if you let it. Look at every item in this group and ask yourself why you should keep it. If you use that item for a specific reason, for instance, to decorate your house for an annual holiday, then give it a home in your garage. However, if you've held onto a "just-in-case" item for several years without actually ever using it, now is the time to get rid of it.
  • Don't let your emotions get the best of you: Not all clutter is functional clutter. Plenty of families have heirlooms or other objects passed down from family members that clutter up their homes. If these items don't bring you happiness or provide any use, consider giving them away. Many antiques and collectibles can be appraised and sold to owners who will not let them gather dust in a garage.
  • Dispose of items properly: Your "do not keep" pile may be destined for destruction, but be wary about which items you throw in the trash. Old cans of paint, motor oil, electronics, lawn chemicals and other items commonly stored in the garage are illegal to toss in a dumpster or with your curbside trash. Go through each item in this pile and either research its proper disposal method or call the NYC Department of Sanitation for assistance.

How to Organize a Messy Garage

Now that you've gotten all of the clutter out of your garage, the next step is to find convenient places to put the remaining items without creating more clutter. Although the possibilities are endless for storing your possessions in functional and attractive ways, remember to follow the plan that you created before you cleaned out the space. You want to make sure your finished project affords you the room you need for storage plus any hobbies, activities or parking space your family requires.



  • Use basic storage tools: Shelving is simple yet effective for storage. Whether you decide to use empty milk cartons, containers with lids or other bags and boxes, organizing your items across floor-to-ceiling shelving is a great way to find a home for all of your possessions in a place that is quick and convenient to access.
  • Create dedicated sections: Put your plan into motion and section off the areas of your garage that you will use for storage. If you don't already have a storage order, create dedicated sections for each item category. For instance, block off a column of your shelving to store home goods. Place the boxes you use least, like holiday decorations, on the top shelves and put the items you need most, like spare light bulbs and air filters, on the bottom shelves.
  • Make use of vertical space: Don't limit your storage options to shelving when there is plenty of extra space throughout the garage to work with. The areas of the ceiling that are not along the garage door's track are perfect spaces to hang sporting equipment like bicycles, kayaks and surfboards. You can also use all of your open wall space to store tools, lawn care equipment and miscellaneous supplies you might need at a moment's notice like nails and screws, tape and pencils, reusable shopping bags and travel items.
  • Create your own storage solutions: You can literally think outside the box by storing your garage items in unique ways. PVC piping screwed into the walls makes for a convenient storage solution for items like brooms, shovels and rakes. Pegboards or wire racks can also be configured in several ways to safely and visibly contain items like tools and cleaning supplies.
  • Don't feel like you need to fill every space: Remember that the primary goal is to cut down on clutter. It is acceptable if your shelving unit is not packed with storage. The extra space helps you keep all of your items visible and is available for additional storage that you may need in the future.

How to Clean Out Your Garage

Organizing your garage is one job — cleaning it is another. Adding your garage to your annual or biannual home to-do list is a smart move, but you don't have to wait for spring to roll around to give the space a thorough cleaning. In fact, taking an afternoon to deep-clean the garage is a great way to help you keep the space organized while preventing clutter from building. You'll never have a garage full of junk if you contain the mess before it multiplies.

  • Clear out your garage as much as possible: Even though you may not intend to reorganize or get rid of any of your items, by removing everything stored in the space, you'll have room to thoroughly clean every corner and cranny. With an empty space to work, you can start by dusting shelving and fixtures from top to bottom with a damp cloth. After you dust, vacuum and wash the floor, making sure to get all dust and debris from the edges and corners.
  • Clean and return each item: Dust the outside of containers like bins and boxes or consider wiping them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or mold. Clean off your lawn care equipment as well so you're not bringing grass clippings, mud or insects back into your clean garage. When you're cleaning, consider how many of these items you use, need or wish to keep.
  • Discard what you don't use: Tools, landscaping equipment and holiday decorations are good to have on hand even if you only use them a few times throughout the year. However, other items like sporting equipment, furniture and duplicate appliances may be collecting dust and taking up space. If you have an extra fridge that is typically empty, an old couch trapped beneath a stack of boxes or a kayak that never touches water, take this opportunity to toss it and reorganize what you need to keep.

How to Choose a Dumpster

Whether you're simply removing excess clutter from your garage or helping your in-laws turn their garage into a climate-controlled den with a complete renovation, a dumpster is a valuable resource you can't do without. NYC Department of Sanitation won't accept many large items during their weekly pickup and transporting your bulk of garbage will cost you time and energy that will unnecessarily extend your project's completion. Instead of adding this hassle to your to-do list, consider renting a dumpster as a convenient and affordable solution.

Unsure of which size dumpster is ideal for your garage project? Consider these four dumpster options available from D.B. Containers to help you determine which size would be best for your garage clean out, decluttering or renovation. Keep in mind that hazardous materials such as household trash, propane tanks and paint cannot legally be placed in the dumpster, so do not account for these items when estimating how much dumpster space you will need.

1. 10-Yard Dumpster

Do you have a single or two car garage full of clutter that is destined for the dump? A 10-yard dumpster is a perfect size. At 8 feet wide by 12 feet long, this size dumpster will easily accommodate the boxes, knickknacks and other small to medium sized items you wish to discard. Its 4-foot height makes it easy for people of all ages to effortlessly toss the garage contents over the lip of the dumpster.

2. 15-Yard Dumpster

A step up from the 10-yard dumpster, the 15-yard dumpster is ideal for those who have larger garages packed corner to corner with everything your home can do without. Although it has an extended length, its height only measures 3.5 feet. This lower height is convenient for loading furniture and appliances into the dumpster while its extended length ensures that these bulky items are not taking up too much space. It will also accommodate debris from small renovations such as converting a garage into an additional living space.

3. 20-Yard Dumpster

Although your home's garage may be organized, there may come a time where you need to help a family member clean out theirs. Whether you're assisting your parents as they downsize or if you're helping a relative with their estate sale, a 20-yard dumpster will afford you the space needed to remove anything and everything from the garage and additional spaces. Furniture, appliances and clutter of all shapes and sizes can be loaded and whisked away in a single trip with a 20-yard dumpster.

4. 30-Yard Dumpster

Let's face it — the garage isn't the only area of your home that you have big plans for. If you've decided to knock out a few other home improvement projects as you complete your garage deep clean, a 30-yard dumpster will provide you with all of the room you need for construction material and debris alongside all of the furniture, appliances and trash that stacks up during these extensive projects.

NYC Dumpster Rental From D.B. Container Service

D.B. Container Service has helped customers throughout the boroughs of New York City reclaim their garages by providing them with quality, reliable dumpster rentals since 2001. We know that your discard pile can quickly grow with appliances, furniture, boxes and other items you no longer need. Instead of worrying how you're going to haul these items off to the dump, let D.B. Containers take care of your clutter for you. We'll help you secure the perfect size dumpster as you clean out your garage.

Let us help you free up space in your garage for hobbies, activities or simply to maximize room for two cars to park. Speak with a team member today to learn more about which of our dumpster options will meet your needs. Our professional staff will give you honest advice and help you choose an affordable solution. Contact us today to request a quote from D.B. Container Service — the dumpster rental service that homeowners throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx have trusted for years.

How to Fill a Dumpster

By Nick Dragonetti • April 9, 2021
Every construction project has one thing in common: waste. Whether you're doing renovations on your home or business, or you're clearing out a basement or another space, there's going to be a lot of trash you have to deal with. There's a high chance you're going to be needing a roll-off dumpster to contain all that garbage — but there is a right and wrong way to fill it. Renting a dumpster is convenient because the company delivers it and picks it up. All you have to do is fill it. Loading a dumpster correctly can save you time and money, so make sure you know your gameplan before you rent one.

How to Choose the Best Dumpster Size

By Nick Dragonetti • March 11, 2021
If you undertake a significant home improvement project, whether it's a remodel or demolition, you'll quickly realize you need a way to dispose of all the resulting debris. You'll either have to use hundreds of trash bags — which may not even accommodate larger pieces of debris — or you can rent a large, sturdy dumpster that can easily be hauled away once your project is finished. While renting a dumpster may be a no-brainer for your situation, figuring out the size of the dumpster you need is not always as easy. In the guide below, we'll discuss the most common sizes for dumpsters and provide some tips on how to pick the best one for your project. 

12 Things You Can't Put Into a Dumpster

By Nick Dragonetti • January 27, 2021
Many people tend to treat a dumpster like a garbage disposal — anything that isn't going to break it is going into it. In 2017, the United States generated 267 million pounds of municipal solid waste, including garbage, recycling and compost. Though much of that waste comes from household garbage, a lot comes from residential, commercial and contractors' dumpsters as well. But many items are prohibited in roll off dumpsters — or if they are not banned outright, they are accepted only with the payment of additional fees. What cannot go in a dumpster? The answer likely varies depending on where you live and your city's local regulations. But a few items are generally prohibited in all dumpsters, and it's important to be aware of these. Below, we'll discuss why some items cannot be thrown away in dumpsters, list some common items that cannot go into dumpsters, and answer some common questions about what is not allowed in a dumpster, what you can put in a dumpster, and what may be allowed for an extra fee. Why Should Some Items Not Go Into Dumpsters?

What Can I Recycle?

By Nick Dragonetti • August 31, 2020
What Can I Recycle? Making the most of materials through recycling is a noble practice, but are you putting the right items into your bin? Many people are unaware of the specifications for recycling, which leads to mishaps and setbacks for facilities — not to mention bad news for the environment. Misplaced items in recycling bins are a widespread problem. The average contamination rate — how many non-recyclables taint recycling batches — for communities and businesses is approximately 25 percent . Mistakes in recycling are easy to make, but they're also easy to fix with a helpful guide. If you've been wondering, "What can I recycle and what doesn't meet the standards?" this resource can give you an answer. Benefits of Recycling Your thoughts on recycling are probably different from those of some of your friends and family members, as most Americans have differing opinions about it. These Americans also have different influences and levels of access. For every 10 Americans, about three of them say their community strongly encourages recycling. There are significant, real advantages to recycling and re-using that everyone should know so that the number can reach 10. In the long run, recycling is a beneficial endeavor that can transform your community and the earth. Check out these reasons that you should get involved in recycling. 1. Reduce Landfill Buildup Unwanted materials have been thrown away in remote spots for centuries, but the space for landfills is quickly diminishing. Unfortunately, land isn't unlimited, and the capacity of existing landfills is shrinking.

How to Reduce Household Waste

By Nick Dragonetti • August 31, 2020
The United States generates unbelievable quantities of municipal waste every year. The latest figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that the United States generates 267.8 million tons of municipal solid waste a year, or about 4.5 pounds of waste per person every day. And of course, all those tons of solid waste can have a devastating effect on the environment. Municipal solid waste landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions — which contribute to the greenhouse effect — in the United States, accounting for 16% of such emissions. Pollution, fossil fuel burning and other greenhouse gas emissions are associated with excess waste as well. What are some ways to reduce the amount of waste in your home? Fortunately, households have a variety of options — the familiar injunction to "reduce, reuse, recycle" is excellent advice to start with. Below, we'll elaborate on some ways to reduce household waste and how to get started incorporating those strategies into your daily life. Benefits of Reducing Your Household Waste

Planning a Home Renovation Project

By Nick Dragonetti • August 24, 2020
Whether you're renovating a room or your whole home, you should plan your steps to remodeling a house before you begin. Creating a home renovation checklist can be exciting as long as you remember to be flexible and patient during any surprises or delays. Use this guide to learn how to plan your home renovation. Build a Project Plan Before you start your project, you need a plan on how to renovate the house. Since a remodel is a complex undertaking, be patient and take several months to consider all the details so you can create one that works for you and your family. Lay out how you want your house to look on a simple piece of paper or blueprints. Ask yourself these questions to help you brainstorm: What do I want to change? After you've lived in your house for several years, you probably have some elements you'd love to change. Design is a crucial component of remodeling your home, and you might need to be a little creative. While thinking about what you want, consider the comfort, privacy and visual appeal of your living space. What do I need to update? Besides the aesthetic design or convenience of your home, you also should consider the safety and functionality features of the space. Knowing what you want and need will help determine where you can save money and splurge. What am I allowed to do? You'll need permits to renovate your house so your project will be up to code according to the zoning regulations in your area. What will my life look like in the next 10 years? Your new bathroom or kitchen could last you several decades before you need to update it. During that time, your family could expand or change. Consider your future as you think about how to plan your home renovation. Do I want to sell the house? If you want to sell your house soon, focus on attracting prospective buyers instead of accommodating your design and comfort preferences. Consider which projects and details would increase your property's resale value. Create a Renovation Project Budget After you've decided what you want to do, you can create a realistic budget. You should make sure you're able to afford your home renovation before you take on the project so you don't run out of money. Decide on a number you're willing to spend and try to stick to it as you order materials and hire a contractor. Consider these factors when creating your budget: The source of the money: You could either pay for the renovation with cash, take out a loan from the bank or use a credit card. Keep in mind that contractors often charge fees if you choose to finance. Where your money is going: When you hire a professional, they order the permits, install your building materials and complete the details of your remodel. They might also dispose of the waste from your previous home components and use specialized equipment to make your living space look updated and clean. Unexpected costs: You often run into surprises when you renovate a house, especially if you live in an old house. If your contractor finds problems in the area, you'll have to pay extra money to fix them. Put a buffer in your budget for these unanticipated expenses.

Post-Construction Cleanup Tips

By Nick Dragonetti • July 15, 2020
Both indoor and outdoor construction jobs can leave behind a lot of waste. Common site waste includes wood, nails, plaster, stone, dirt, brush and hazardous materials like paint stripper and some types of insulation. While post-construction cleaning might seem like a daunting task, there are some tips you can follow to make the process go quickly. Tips for Cleaning up After Construction Projects The key to safe and efficient construction site cleanup is to separate the project into individual tasks and take them one at a time. Remember to wear gloves, face masks, goggles and closed-toe footwear while cleaning to minimize the chance of injury. If you're cleaning up after a large-scale project, you may need to clean some things more than once to ensure the desired level of sanitation. Here are some post-construction cleaning tips to help you break things down into manageable tasks: 1. Clean the Air Purifying the air at your construction site is essential for your health and well-being. Construction site dust is filled with hazardous debris, including crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is a natural mineral substance created from crushing stone, rock, bricks, concrete and similar materials. When inhaled, crystalline silica can lead to lung and kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cancer. The best way to protect yourself from these particles is to wear protective gear, purify the air with an air purifier and promptly change all indoor air filters. Make sure air vents are clear of any debris, dust and obstructions. 2. Sweep and Vacuum the Floors

Dumpster Rental Tips

By Nick Dragonetti • February 21, 2020
If you have decided to rent a dumpster for your home project or contracting or commercial needs, you may feel overwhelmed with questions. How do you rent a dumpster? When should you rent one? How big of a dumpster do you need? Our team of hardworking experts is here to help. Read on to learn the answers to these questions and get some helpful tips for renting a dumpster. How to Rent a Dumpster Use the following guide to navigate through the dumpster rental process: Determine the scope of your project and calculate the needed size of your dumpster rental. Contact a reputable container service with positive customer testimonials and proven success. Clear the space needed for your dumpster rental. Create a plan for filling your container. Load carefully and with purpose — stick to the plan. This will keep you safe and help the process go smoothly. Contact your container company if your dumpster needs emptied and brought back, or when you are finished using it. Tips for Renting a Dumpster Now that you know the steps needed for successful dumpster rental, here are a few tips to keep in mind: Place your dumpster on level ground. Use a ramp when necessary. You can construct one using plywood and cinder blocks. Avoid overfilling your dumpster. This is a safety hazard and could result in additional fees. Use a wheelbarrow to make the loading process faster and safer. Recycle materials when you can . This is good for the environment and economy and can give you more space in your dumpster container for non-recyclable materials. Making the Most of Your Dumpster Rental Plan how you will fill your dumpster . You will find you have much more space to work with — and a much easier time loading — if you figure out your gameplan ahead of time. Understand how to layer the items in your dumpster for maximum efficiency. Set aside things that cannot be thrown away. Decide the exact location you will place your dumpster container and let your neighbors know to expect its arrival if necessary. Decide if more than one emptying trip will be needed. Sometimes, you end up needing to haul away more than you anticipated. Keep an eye on the level of your dumpster and make adjustments as needed. Keep your dumpster's weight limit in mind as well as the length of the rental period. This information will be provided to you. Keeping these numbers in mind will help you avoid incurring additional costs. If possible, have your materials prepared for throw-away before your rental shows up. This way, the process can go as quickly and efficiently as possible and you have a clear picture of the amount of space you will use. Prepare your space for the dumpster before its arrival. This includes measuring the distance from the debris to the dumpster. Plan to place your dumpster on level ground as close to your waste as possible to minimize trips back and forth. As a courtesy — and to avoid having to move your dumpster more than once — be sure your dumpster is not blocking any parked cars, traffic or entrances to homes or businesses. Common Dumpster Rental Questions Have a question about dumpster rental? Keep reading to find answers to some commonly asked questions. What Size Dumpster Do I Need? D.B. Container Service offers 10, 15, 20 and 30-yard dumpster rental options . These dumpster sizes are ideal for the following kinds of projects: 10-yard dumpster rentals: Our 10-yard containers are the ideal size for cleaning out a one-car garage, a small room remodeling project or general spring cleaning around your home. 15-yard dumpster rentals: These can handle the contents of a two-car garage, a large room interior or exterior remodeling project or items from basement decluttering. 20-yard dumpster rentals: 20-yard rentals are suitable for roofing debris, siding, deck removal or basement renovation. 30-yard dumpster rentals: These are best for new construction projects, whole house renovations, commercial clean up and more. If you are still unsure of what size dumpster your project or business needs, give our experts a call at 718-257-2300. We are happy to help you make the best choice. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster?

Spring Cleaning List

By Nick Dragonetti • January 9, 2020
It won’t be long until warmer weather brings back new buds, green grass and birds singing in the trees, so it's time to consider when to start your spring cleaning. It’s wise to start thinking about your spring-cleaning checklist now because a spring clean is different than the usual tidying up you do regularly. A spring clean results in a deep-cleaned house which makes that routine cleaning easier and more efficient. A spring clean means going room by room cleaning and de-cluttering so that our homes are fresher and more organized. When to Start Spring Cleaning The first early days of warm weather are the best time to start spring cleaning. It's essential you air out rooms that have been closed up throughout the winter. As part of your cleaning efforts, you want to bring in fresh air into your home to refresh things like your mattresses, your laundry room and your bathroom. In the New York City area, spring normally starts towards the end of March and early April , when the Yankees and Mets begin playing baseball. In fact, the start of baseball season is a great time to start spring cleaning. Days may still be a bit cool, but they are warmer. We all have a little more energy when spring comes, so it’s a great time to grab your spring-cleaning tools and get to work. To do a thorough spring cleaning, don’t try to do it all in one weekend. You will only get tired and frustrated. Our spring-cleaning checklist stretches over four weekends with each weekend dedicated to a particular section of your home. Focusing all your energy and time on doing that cleaning one day on the weekend will give you both the satisfaction of a job well done and the impetus to move on to the next area the following weekend. Before we get started, here are a couple of quick tips to use in every room of your house: Clean from top to bottom so that you won’t be knocking dust and dirt on a surface that you’ve already cleaned. Work from left to right. So what you want to do is work on one section of each room, starting at the top left and working to the bottom right. This will help you keep track of the areas that you’ve already cleaned. First Weekend: Spring Clean the Kitchen

Can Wrapping Paper Be Recycled?

By Nick Dragonetti • January 8, 2020
For most of us, recycling around the holidays is almost second nature. Recycling as much as we can is environmentally and socially responsible. The holiday season is about giving back to our friends, family and community, and recycling discarded materials and objects is a way to "give back" to the environment. Unfortunately, while our intentions are good, recycling holiday materials is not as simple as it sounds. In fact, many of us do more harm than good when we stuff our festive wrapping paper and curling ribbons into a blue bin. Every year, Americans unintentionally wreak havoc on local and international recycling centers by putting un-recyclable items in their blue bins. Since Americans produce 25 percent more waste than normal between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, this leaves a lot of room for mistakes. Poor recycling habits affect more than our local recycling centers — the United States ships much of its recycling overseas for repurposing, and these countries are increasingly wary of accepting our materials due to bad quality. This holiday season, be informed about your recycling. Whether you are dealing with glittery bows, foil wrapping paper or regal Christmas trees, this guide will help you know which decorations to recycle, which to reuse and which to toss in the trash. Holiday Recycling Tips