Planning timeline
- Day 0: Safety sweep: lines down, gas smell, structural damage — pros first
- Day 1: Photograph everything before touching it — the adjuster needs it
- Day 2: Book the can; storm weeks fill routes fast
- Days 2–5: Vegetation first, then wet materials out of the house within 48–72 hrs
- Ongoing: Swaps as the gut-out proceeds; keep receipts for the claim
Safety reminders
- Assume every downed line is live — period
- Generators outside only, far from windows
- Chainsaw + storm debris is the ER's busiest combo: no solo cutting
- Mold starts in 48 hours; wet drywall and carpet come out fast
Dumpster sizing
Vegetation and fencing fill a 20 fast; a flooded-room gut-out (drywall, flooring, furniture) runs a 30 with swaps. Separate green waste from construction debris — they're different loads. Not sure? Take the 60-second size quiz or see the full comparison chart.
Tips from the pros
- Document, then demolish — never the reverse
- Cut limbs below the fill line so every load hauls legally
- We prioritize storm response — call and tell us what happened
- Wet debris is heavy debris; don't mound it
Recycling suggestions
- Undamaged fencing and lumber: neighbors rebuilding will take it
- Metal roofing pieces: scrap value, dump fee waived
- Green waste: some counties open free storm-debris drops — use them for overflow
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hauling debris before the adjuster's photos exist
- Piling wet carpet in the garage 'to dry'
- Mixing tree debris with house debris in one can
- Waiting a week to book while every can in three counties gets rented