Size isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to your dumpster rental. Knowing how to make the most of your space is just as important, especially when an unexpectedly full dumpster means another expensive and time-consuming pickup. The following shows how you can efficiently fill your dumpster and cut down on any extra trips to the dump.

Discard Flat Items First

If you have anything flat, long and thin to dispose of, it should go into the dumpster before anything else. This includes drywall sheets, wooden beams and old baseboards. Discarding these items first will help free up space for other, bulkier items and keep you from figuring out how to fit those items in once your dumpster is near capacity.

Try lining the bottom of the dumpster with some of the longer, flat pieces and arrange shorter, smaller pieces off to one side so other items can be easily loaded.

Bag Up Your Debris

Old tiles, molding and other items with a tendency to crumble and break apart can be bagged up instead of being dumped directly in the dumpster. Bagging up your smaller, looser debris not only saves space, but it also keeps down dust and prevents flying debris from being a problem as you load up your dumpster.

Just remember to poke a couple of holes in the tops of your tied bags. This will help eliminate air pockets and make the bags easier to compress and stack.

Break Down Those Bulky Items

If you have any furniture you're throwing away, then chances are it can be broken down before being tossed in the dumpster. Most modern furniture can be disassembled using a long screwdriver and a little patience.

Furniture that's been glued or stapled together may need to be broken down with a few swift blows of a sturdy sledgehammer or a little time spent with a pry bar.

Don't forget to wear your safety goggles and take other safety precautions when using brute force to break down furniture and other bulky items.

Make the Most of Empty Voids

Inevitably, you'll start seeing empty pockets of space as you fill up your dumpster. Fortunately, you can make the most of these voids by filling them with whatever small items you didn't get a chance to dump. For instance, you can use the debris you bagged earlier to fill in those spaces.

If you're throwing away furniture, don't forget you can stuff smaller debris inside of the drawers and cabinets you haven't been able to break down. It's a great way to use that nifty storage space one last time.

See If Some of Your Items Can Be Reused or Recycled

During a large-scale renovation project, you're bound to run across valuable scrap metal and even some precious metals. Instead of tossing these materials into the dumpster, you can set these items aside and turn them in at your nearest scrapyard for cash. It'll keep your dumpster free for other, less valuable debris and you'll get to put a few extra bucks in your pocket.

Newspaper, glass and recyclable plastics should go in the nearest recycle bin instead of the dumpster. Think of it as a service to the environment, as plastics and other non-biodegradable products can have adverse effects on flora and fauna.

Don't forget that you can repurpose a lot of potentially reusable goods. For instance, you can create a one-of-a-kind message board out of an old screen door, craft an ottoman out of old milk crates or even create a farmhouse cabinet out of an old window.

With the above tips, you'll be able to get the most from your dumpster and not waste time and money on extra pickups.

For more options and advice, talk with your local dumpster rental company, such as Parks & Sons of Sun City, Inc..