What Size Dumpster Do I Need for a Garage Cleanout?

Cleaning out a garage sounds simple until you start pulling everything out and realizing just how much junk has piled up over the years. Old furniture, broken tools, boxes from years ago, yard waste, sports equipment...it adds up fast. That’s why most homeowners end up renting a dumpster to make the cleanout quick, safe, and stress-free.

If you’re tackling your first cleanout, you’re probably asking the same question everyone does:

“What size dumpster do I need for a garage cleanout?”

Below is a complete breakdown of the best dumpster sizes, what fits in each one, and how to choose the right option for your project, especially if you want to avoid paying for more space than you need.

The Best Dumpster Sizes for a Garage Cleanout

10 Yard Dumpster: Best for Small, Light Cleanouts

A 10 yard dumpster is a great option for all types of smaller cleanups.

A 10 yard dumpster works well for:

• A small garage or one with limited clutter
• Bagged trash and small household items
• Light debris like boxes, toys, or renovation debris leftovers
• Minimal furniture

Typical capacity: 50-70 contractor bags

Who it’s best for: Homeowners doing a quick declutter or emptying a garage that’s only partially full

15 Yard Dumpster: Best All-Around for an Average Garage

A 15 yard dumpster is one of the most popular picks because it handles a typical garage cleanout without being oversized.

Great for:

• Most 1-car or 2-car garage cleanouts
• Mixed household junk
• Medium furniture pieces
• Old lawn equipment

Typical capacity: 80-100 contractor bags

Who it’s for: Anyone wanting a safe “middle ground” size

20 Yard Dumpster: Best for Full, Packed Garages

If your garage is wall-to-wall clutter, or you truly don’t know what’s buried in there, a 20 yard dumpster is usually the safest bet.

Perfect for:

• Full garage cleanouts
• Bulky items
• Large furniture
• Heavy items like old exercise equipment

Typical capacity: 110-130+ contractor bags

Who it’s for: Homeowners who want to clear everything out in one load without worrying about running out of space

How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size

Ask yourself these questions:

How full is your garage: partially or completely packed?

• Partially full → 10–15 yard
• Completely packed → 20 yard

Do you have bulky items like furniture or equipment?

• Yes → 15–20 yard
• No → 10 yard

Are you getting rid of heavy or awkward items?

Heavy items means you may need more space than you think, so sizing up to allow for a greater weight allowance is often the smart choice.

A 20 yard gives you breathing room, with an average weight limit of 3-5 tons (6,000-10,000 lbs).

Do you want everything gone in one load?

If the answer is yes, choose the next size up.

Getting a bigger dumpster is always cheaper than booking a second one.

Why a Dumpster Is the Easiest Way to Clean Out Your Garage

You have multiple disposal options available, like hiring a junk removal company to remove the items for you or hauling the items to a local charity or landfill yourself, but a dumpster is by far the easiest way to get a garage cleanout done.

Dumpsters are great for garage cleanouts because:

• No trips to the landfill
• Load as you go
• Safe disposal of bulky items
• Flat-rate pricing (no surprises)
• Speeds up the entire project
• A dumpster on-site helps keep the project organized, especially if you’re sorting donations, recycling, and trash.

What You Get with a Local Provider:

• Faster delivery
• Fair, upfront pricing
• Better customer service
• Knowledge of disposal rules

Search local haulers on Hometown that offer 10 yard dumpsters, 15 yard dumpsters, and/or 20 yard dumpsters so you can match the right size to your cleanout.