What Size Dumpster Do I Need for a Basement Cleanout?

A basement cleanout often starts with good intentions but can quickly turn overwhelming. Old furniture, forgotten boxes, broken appliances, holiday decorations, outdated electronics, and years of storage all add up fast. Basements tend to become the “catch-all” space in a home, which means cleanouts usually involve more volume and heavier items than expected. That’s why renting a dumpster is one of the easiest ways to handle cleaning out your basement safely and efficiently.

If this is your first time cleaning out a basement or renting a dumpster, you’re probably asking yourself:

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

Below is a clear, practical breakdown of the most common dumpster sizes for this type of project, what each can realistically hold, and how to choose the right one for your basement cleanout, without paying for space you’ll never use.

The Best Dumpster Sizes for a Basement Cleanout

10 Yard Dumpster: Best for Small or Light Basement Cleanouts

A 10 yard dumpster can work well for smaller basements or partial cleanouts where clutter is limited.

A 10 yard dumpster works well for:

Small basements or finished basements with minimal storage

• Boxed household items
• Old decorations, books, or small furniture
• Light debris from minor basement updates

Typical capacity: 50-70 contractor bags

Who it’s best for: Homeowners doing a light declutter or cleaning out only part of the basement

15 Yard Dumpster: Best All-Around Option for Average Basements

A 15 yard dumpster is one of the most popular sizes for basement cleanouts because it balances space and cost without being oversized.

Great for:

• Most standard basement cleanouts
• Mixed household junk and storage items
• Medium furniture (chairs, shelving, small couches)
• Boxes accumulated over several years

Typical capacity: 80-100 contractor bags

Who it’s for: Homeowners who want a safe middle-ground size that can handle most basement projects

20 Yard Dumpster: Best for Full or Heavily Packed Basements

If your basement is wall-to-wall storage, hasn’t been touched in years, or includes bulky or heavy items, a 20 yard dumpster is usually the safest choice.

Perfect for:

• Full basement cleanouts
• Large furniture
• Old appliances or exercise equipment
• Shelving units and bulky storage items

Typical capacity: 110-130+ contractor bags

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

How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size for Your Basement

Ask yourself these questions before booking:

How full is your basement?

Partially full → 10-15 yard

Completely packed → 20 yard

Are you getting rid of furniture or appliances?

Yes → 15-20 yard

No → 10 yard

Do you have heavy items?

Basement cleanouts often include weighty items like old furniture, appliances, or gym equipment. Heavier debris fills dumpsters faster and counts toward weight limits.

A 20 yard dumpster gives you extra breathing room and typically includes a higher weight allowance, often 3-5 tons (6,000-10,000 lbs).

Do you want everything gone in one haul?

If yes, choose the next size up.

It’s almost always cheaper to get a slightly larger dumpster than to order a second one later.

Why a Dumpster Is the Easiest Way to Clean Out a Basement

You could hire a local junk removal company or haul everything to donation centers and landfills yourself, but for most homeowners, a dumpster is the simplest and most cost-effective solution.

Dumpsters are ideal for basement cleanouts because:

• No repeated trips to the landfill
• Load at your own pace
• Easy disposal of bulky or awkward items
• Flat-rate pricing with no surprises
• Keeps the project organized and efficient

Having a dumpster on-site also makes it easier to sort items into donation, recycling, and trash piles without feeling rushed.

What You Get with a Local Dumpster Provider

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

Search local haulers on Hometown that offer 10 yard, 15 yard, and 20 yard dumpsters so you can choose the size that fits your basement cleanout perfectly.