Moving Dumpster Rental: Declutter Before You Move
Moving is the perfect time to declutter — why pay to move things you don't need? A dumpster rental lets you purge years of accumulated stuff before the moving truck arrives.
10-20 yard dumpster
Peak: Summer (peak moving season)
Moving & Decluttering Dumpster Rental Quick Facts
- Recommended sizes: 10 yard, 15 yard, 20 yard
- Price range: $250-400 to $300-500
- Peak season: Summer (peak moving season)
- Order the dumpster 2-3 weeks before moving day for thorough decluttering
- Use the "box test" — if it's been in a box for years, you probably don't need it
Why Moving Reveals So Much Clutter
- Packing forces you to touch every item — exposing what you actually use
- Moving costs are based on weight and volume — less stuff = lower costs
- New home may have less storage or different layout than current space
- Starting fresh in a new place motivates letting go of old items
- No one wants to unpack boxes they haven't opened in years
Best Dumpster Size for Moving & Decluttering
10-20 yard dumpster for pre-move purging
| Size | Capacity | Best For | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Yard | 3-4 pickup loads | Apartment or light decluttering | $250-400 |
| 15 Yard | 4-5 pickup loads | House with moderate accumulation | $275-450 |
| 20 Yard | 6-8 pickup loads | Large home or aggressive purging | $300-500 |
DIY vs Hiring a Junk Removal Service
DIY with Dumpster Rental
- Dumpster gives you time to sort through belongings thoughtfully
- More economical than paying movers to transport junk
- Combine with garage sales or donation drives
- Control what goes — no rushed decisions
Hire Professionals
- Moving companies offer decluttering services
- Junk removal services can handle heavy items quickly
- Less stress during an already stressful transition
- Some services include donation drop-off
Moving & Decluttering Tips & Best Practices
- 1Order the dumpster 2-3 weeks before moving day for thorough decluttering
- 2Use the "box test" — if it's been in a box for years, you probably don't need it
- 3Sell valuable items online while you still have time before the move
- 4Schedule donation pickups early — charities get busy during peak moving season
- 5Measure furniture for the new space — don't move pieces that won't fit
Moving & Decluttering FAQ
When should I rent a dumpster for moving?
Ideally 2-3 weeks before moving day. This gives you time to sort room by room without rushing. Schedule delivery after you've identified what's going.
Is it cheaper to declutter or pay movers to move everything?
Decluttering almost always saves money. Movers charge by weight/volume. A $300 dumpster rental can easily save $500+ in moving costs by reducing what gets loaded.
What if I change my mind about something I tossed?
Create a "maybe" pile during sorting and revisit it before the dumpster is picked up. Once it's hauled, items go to the landfill and can't be recovered.