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What Size Dumpster Do I Need for My Cleanup Project?

Cleanup projects come in all shapes and sizes. It might be a garage that’s been filling up with unwanted junk, or a backyard shed that you’ve been using to collect items you no longer need. It might be a spring-cleaning project that’s larger than usual, or a DIY home renovation that’s producing a lot of waste. There is a virtually endless number of situations in which a rented dumpster will come in handy, but even after the decision has been made, there are some logistical things to think about.

For instance, is the company who will rent you the dumpster prepared to conduct business in a highly professional way? Do they have years of experience in renting dumpsters to clients for various needs? Do they dispose of everything thoroughly and responsibly after they take it away? These are all relevant questions to ask.

And here’s another big question: What are the company’s safety standards? Do they have the proper technology to deliver and place dumpsters in the desired location without causing damage to property? People often don’t think about this until it’s too late; but unprofessional or unqualified dumpster rental companies can easily cause damage while trying to navigate through your property to deposit the dumpster where you want it – and if they’re not licensed and insured, that could be a big problem.

All of this points to the need for professionalism and experience. You might not think these qualities matter much when researching something like dumpster rental, but countless people who have been through the experience will assure you otherwise!

This is all fine and good, but there’s still a very important (and as yet unanswered) question when it comes to dumpster rental: What size dumpster should you go for? This is another thing that people tend not to think about in advance – but it’s important. Why? Because you can easily pay far too much for a lot of dumpster space that you don’t actually use. On the other hand, you can end up with a dumpster that’s too small to meet you needs, and you end up having to rent another one in order to clear everything away. Neither of these situations are ideal. Choosing the right sized dumpster is about optimizing your cleanup project and maximizing your budget.

Most reputable dumpster rental companies will have at least three or four sizes to choose from, and the size usually ranges from 12 to 30 yards long. Heights can range from 3 to 7 feet, and widths usually run anywhere from 7.5 to 8 feet.

It might be hard to judge at a glance how much stuff you actually have to throw away, and for that reason, erring on the side of a larger dumpster is often the approach people take. After all, you’d rather have too much space than not enough. But you’d be surprised how knowledgeable a good contractor can be, in terms of helping you make the right choice and getting you the best possible deal. Good luck with your cleanup projects!