Moving Cleanout Dumpster: Declutter Before You Move

Moving is expensive — why pay to move stuff you don't want? A pre-move dumpster rental lets you declutter, downsize, and start fresh in your new home. Here's how to do it right.

Dumpster Size for Moving Cleanouts

• Light decluttering (1-2 rooms): 10-yard
• Moderate cleanout (whole house): 15-yard
• Major downsizing: 20-yard
• Estate or hoarder situation: 20-30 yard

Moving from a large home to a smaller one? Size up. You'll have more to purge than you expect.

When to Get the Dumpster

Timing strategy:

• 4-6 weeks before move: Order dumpster for 7-10 day rental
• 3-4 weeks before: Complete decluttering, dumpster picked up
• 2-3 weeks before: Pack what's left
• Moving week: Only essentials remain

Don't wait until the last minute — you want the clutter gone BEFORE the moving truck arrives.

What to Toss Before a Move

Prime candidates for the dumpster:

• Broken furniture and worn-out items
• Clothes you haven't worn in 2+ years
• Old magazines, newspapers, catalogs
• Duplicate kitchen items
• Outdated electronics
• Expired pantry items
• Kids' outgrown toys and clothes
• "Someday" project supplies you'll never use

Donate vs. Dump

Donate (still usable):

• Gently used furniture and clothing
• Working appliances and electronics
• Books, toys, sporting goods
• Kitchen items in good condition

Dump (not worth donating):

• Stained, torn, or broken items
• Outdated or non-functional electronics
• Worn-out mattresses
• Anything that's been in the garage for years untouched

Tip: Schedule donation pickups for the same week as your dumpster — clear everything at once.

The Math on Moving Less

Moving costs are often based on weight or volume. By decluttering first:

• Fewer boxes to pack = less packing time
• Less weight = lower moving costs (especially long-distance)
• Smaller load = potentially smaller truck needed
• Faster unloading at your new home

A $300-400 dumpster rental often saves more than that in moving costs.

Moving Dumpster Costs

• 10-yard: $250-400
• 15-yard: $300-450
• 20-yard: $350-500

Most rentals include 7-10 days — plenty of time for a thorough pre-move purge.