Moving and downsizing
A dumpster for moving or downsizing
Moving day goes better when the things you aren't taking are already gone. Work backward from the date you hand over the keys.
Phones answered Mon–Sat 8 am–8 pm, Sun 8 am–1 pm (Eastern)
A simple timeline
- 1
Three to four weeks out
Walk through each room and mark what goes, what is sold and what is donated. Book the container now.
- 2
Two weeks out
Container arrives. Clear the basement, garage and storage areas first: they hold the most.
- 3
The last week
Fill the rest as rooms empty. Ask for pickup a few days before closing or move-out.
Renting? Ask first
If you rent, check with the landlord or property manager before booking. Many apartment and townhouse lots have no room for a roll-off, and some leases say where trash containers can go.
Landlords clearing a unit after a tenant leaves face the same question in reverse: is there a driveway or a lot space the container can sit on without blocking other tenants' parking?
What to keep out
Mattresses, appliances and electronics are the items most likely to be refused or charged extra, so mention them on the call. TVs go to a county electronics drop-off. A working dresser or table in decent shape will often find a new home quicker than it fills a dumpster.
For one or two big pieces and nothing else, the city's bulk pickup may be enough. For a whole house of leftovers, a 20 or 30 yard roll-off is the usual choice.
Ready to book a roll-off?
Have the address, the project and a rough idea of how much is going in. The company on the phone quotes the size, the drop-off date and the price.
Phones answered Mon–Sat 8 am–8 pm, Sun 8 am–1 pm (Eastern)