Garage Cleanout: The Dumpster Size You Actually Need
Everyone says 'get a 20-yard' for a garage. They're wrong most of the time. Here's how to pick the right size based on what's actually in yours.
Garage Cleanout: The Dumpster Size You Actually Need
Every generic dumpster article on the internet tells you to get a 20-yard for a garage cleanout. For most garages, that's overkill — and overkill means you paid for empty space.
I've done three garage cleanouts of my own and watched four friends do theirs. Here's the real sizing guide.
The Honest Truth
Most single-car garages need a 10-yard. Most two-car garages need a 15-yard. A 20-yard is for garages that haven't been touched in 20+ years.
Now let me back that up.
What Fits in Each Size
10-Yard Dumpster
- Dimensions: ~12 ft long, 8 ft wide, 3.5 ft high
- Capacity: 10 cubic yards (roughly 3 pickup truck loads)
- Weight limit: Usually 2 tons included
Price: $300–$450
15-Yard Dumpster
- Dimensions: ~16 ft long, 8 ft wide, 4 ft high
- Capacity: 15 cubic yards (about 4.5 pickup loads)
- Weight limit: 2–3 tons included
Price: $380–$500
20-Yard Dumpster
- Dimensions: ~22 ft long, 8 ft wide, 4.5 ft high
- Capacity: 20 cubic yards (about 6 pickup loads)
- Weight limit: 3 tons included
Price: $440–$580
How to Estimate Your Load
Walk through your garage and count these:
- Large furniture items (couches, desks, cabinets): Each = ~1 cubic yard
- Appliances (fridge, washer, dryer): Each = ~1.5 cubic yards + weight
- Bicycles: 4 bikes = ~1 cubic yard
- Boxes of stuff: Ten medium boxes = ~1 cubic yard
- Yard equipment (mower, trimmers): Lawnmower = ~1 cubic yard
- Tool chest/workbench contents: ~2 cubic yards
Real Example: My Own Garage
Two-car garage, 15 years of accumulation. My inventory:
- Old couch (from the basement)
- Broken lawnmower
- 3 bikes (two kids' size)
- A dead refrigerator
- Dead washing machine (waiting on a haul-away that never came)
- 12 boxes of "stuff I might need"
- A workbench worth of junk
- Scrap wood pile
When You Actually Need a 20+ Yard
- Full hoarder-level clutter (see my [hoarder cleanout guide](/blog/hoarder-cleanout-guide))
- You're also clearing an attic or basement
- Heavy construction debris is mixed in
- You've got big old furniture — sectional, entertainment center, pool table
- The garage has visible stacks you can't see over
Watch the Weight, Not Just the Volume
Garage cleanouts are usually volume-limited, not weight-limited. But if you're tossing:
- A dead fridge or washer (200+ lbs each)
- Old paint cans (heavier than you think)
- Bags of concrete, tile, or sand
- Engine parts or car batteries
Prohibited Items to Expect
Your garage almost certainly has items the dumpster company won't take:
- Paint cans — take to household hazardous waste
- Car batteries — auto parts store will take them free
- Tires — $3–$15 each at tire shops
- Propane tanks — exchange or drop off at hardware store
- Motor oil — auto parts store
- Fluorescent bulbs — hardware store or HHW site
My Recommendation
Start with a 10-yard for single-car garages and a 15-yard for two-car garages. Upgrade only if you can genuinely see more than a quarter-truckload of big stuff that needs to go.
Overpaying by $100 for an unnecessarily large dumpster is common. Don't fall for the "just size up to be safe" trap — most haulers want you to size up.
Bottom Line
Inventory your garage honestly, add 30%, and pick accordingly. Use my [dumpster calculator](/calculator) to compare sizes and prices in your zip code, then book the smallest one that'll realistically handle your load.
A cleaner garage is worth it. Just don't pay for air you won't use.