Moving is an exciting yet often overwhelming life event. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a different state, the process can be daunting, with packing, organizing, and cleaning creating a mountain of tasks.
One of the most challenging aspects of moving is figuring out what to do with all the unwanted items and debris you uncover along the way. 50% of Americans have at least one unsalvageable room in their home due to clutter, according to Talker Research (study done by The Container Store).
This is where a small dumpster rental can make a significant difference. Often overlooked as a moving solution, small roll-off dumpsters are an efficient, convenient, and cost-effective way to declutter and simplify your move.
This guide will walk you through how renting a small dumpster can help you maximize efficiency and make your moving experience smoother and less stressful.
Why Consider a Small Dumpster Rental When Moving?
When preparing to move, you often face piles of stuff that you no longer want or need. From broken furniture to old paperwork, unused appliances, and clothing that has been sitting in storage for years, moving is a natural time to take stock and declutter. However, traditional disposal methods-like making multiple trips to a local landfill or relying on curbside trash collection-can be time-consuming and inefficient.
A small dumpster rental offers the following key benefits:
Convenience
Dumpsters can be delivered directly to your driveway, allowing you to dispose of unwanted items as you pack. No more loading your car with bags of trash or waiting for special pickup days.
Cost-Efficiency
Smaller dumpsters are more affordable than larger ones. This makes them a budget-friendly solution for people moving from apartments, condos, or small homes.
Declutter With Ease
Renting a dumpster forces you to make quick decisions about what to keep, donate, or toss. This helps you streamline the decluttering process.
Time-Saving
Instead of spending hours coordinating donation drop-offs or hauling junk, you can simply toss items into the dumpster and move on with your packing. This ensures you don’t waste any precious time.
What Is a Small Dumpster Rental?
Small dumpsters, typically 10-yard roll-off containers, are compact yet spacious enough to accommodate a significant amount of waste. They’re roughly the size of a mid-sized car and are perfect for projects like moving or small-scale renovations.
- Dimensions: Approximately 10 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 3.5 feet high
- Capacity: Can hold about 50-70 trash bags or 2-3 pickup truck loads of waste
Because of their size, small dumpsters are ideal for residential use and fit comfortably in most driveways, eliminating the need for street placement or permits.
How to Use a Small Dumpster Rental for Moving
Maximizing efficiency is important when moving. Follow these steps when incorporating a small dumpster rental into your moving process.
1. Declutter Early
Start the decluttering process as soon as you know you’ll be moving. Go room by room and separate items into three categories: keep, donate, and toss. Place all the “toss” items directly into the dumpster.
2. Tackle Forgotten Spaces
Basements, attics, garages, and storage sheds often become dumping grounds for forgotten or unused items. Use your small dumpster to clear out these spaces efficiently.
3. Sort as You Pack
As you pack your belongings, be honest about what you truly need or want to take to your new home. If an item hasn’t been used in over a year or doesn’t bring you joy, it’s likely a candidate for the dumpster.
4. Dispose of Broken or Unusable Items
Moving is not the time to bring broken furniture, old electronics, or damaged items into your new home. A dumpster allows you to part with these items quickly without worrying about curbside restrictions.
5. Use It for Post-Move Cleanup
Once you’ve loaded your moving truck, there’s often a mess left behind-scraps of packing materials, old carpeting, or junk you forgot to sort through. Use the dumpster to clean up your old space before handing over the keys.
What Can You Put in a Small Dumpster?
Small dumpsters are incredibly versatile and can handle most household waste. However, it’s essential to know what’s allowed and what isn’t to avoid extra fees or fines.
Acceptable Items:
- Furniture (couches, chairs, tables)
- Electronics (with local regulations permitting)
- Appliances (check with your rental company about refrigerants)
- General household waste
- Old clothing and linens
- Construction debris (wood, drywall, tiles)
- Yard waste (branches, leaves, soil)
Prohibited Items:
- Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires
- Large amounts of concrete or heavy debris (could exceed weight limits)
- Medical waste
Always confirm acceptable items with your dumpster rental provider to ensure compliance.
Cost of Renting a Compact Dumpster
The cost of a small dumpster rental varies depending on your location, rental period, and the waste disposal company you choose. Here are some factors that can influence the price.
- Weight Limits: Most rentals include a weight allowance (typically 1-2 tons)
- Rental Period: Extending your rental period can increase costs
- Delivery Distance: If you live in a remote area, delivery fees may be higher
- Disposal Fees: Some companies charge extra for certain materials, like electronics or appliances
Tips for Maximizing Your Small Dumpster Rental
There are many things you can do to maximize your small dumpster rental and save time and money. Here are some tips.
- Plan ahead (don’t waste time unnecessarily)
- Break down bulky items (save space in your dumpster)
- Recycle and donate first (don’t move useless items)
- Avoid overfilling (dumpsters have fill lines for a reason)
Residential Dumpster Rentals – Choose Small For Your Moving Day
When moving home, you already have a lot to think about. That’s why choosing a small dumpster rental can be one way to alleviate tension and stress on this important day.
WRS Dumpster Rental has been in the dumpster rental business for 25 years and is ready to make moving day a cinch for you by providing fast, easy, and affordable small dumpster rental. We take care of it all for you from delivery to pick up.
Contact our team to learn more about our services or to rent a small dumpster today.