What Size Dumpster is Suitable for a Garage Cleanout?
If you live in the Portland Metro area, you know that a garage is never just a place to park a car. It’s a workshop, a seasonal storage unit, and often a "landing zone" for items that don't have a home yet. When the clutter finally hits a breaking point, the first question is always: "How much space do I actually need to get rid of this?"
At OJB Solutions, we provide driveway-friendly trailer dumpsters. Choosing the right size is the difference between finishing your project in one afternoon or being stuck with an overflow pile on your lawn.
The Quick Guide to Garage Cleanout Sizes
1. The 7-Yard Dumpster: The "Weekend Warrior"
Best for: Small, 1-car garage decluttering or "seasonal purges."
Capacity: Roughly 3–4 pickup truck loads.
What fits: About 40–50 large trash bags, small hand tools, old camping gear, and a few small pieces of furniture (like a desk or shelving unit).
Why choose this: If you still want to park one car in the garage while you work, this compact size is perfect.
2. The 15-Yard Dumpster: The "Standard Choice"
Best for: Most average 2-car garage cleanouts.
Capacity: Roughly 6–7 pickup truck loads.
What fits: This is our most popular size for Portland homeowners. It easily swallows old appliances (washers/dryers), workbenches, bicycles, tires, and those stacks of "mystery boxes" that have been sitting for a decade.
Why choose this: It offers enough "breathing room" so you don't have to break down every single box to make it fit.
3. The 20-Yard Dumpster: The "Total Reset"
Best for: Deep estate cleanouts, hoarded garages, or combined garage and attic projects.
Capacity: Roughly 8–10 pickup truck loads.
What fits: Large sectional sofas, refrigerators, renovation debris (drywall/lumber), and heavy shelving.
Why choose this: If your garage is "packed to the rafters" and you can't see the floor, don't risk a smaller size. A 20-yard ensures you only have to load it once.
Why OJB Solutions Trailer Dumpsters are Different
National dumpster companies often drop heavy, steel-wheeled "roll-off" bins that can crack your concrete or leave rust stains on your driveway. OJB Solutions uses rubber-tired trailer dumpsters.
No Driveway Damage: Our trailers sit on actual tires, making them safe for asphalt, pavers, and concrete.
Tight Space Access: We can maneuver into tighter driveways in neighborhoods like West Linn or the West Hills where a massive roll-off truck might not fit.
The "One Team" Advantage: Not in the mood to do the heavy lifting yourself? We can provide the labor too. We don't just drop the bin; we can help you empty the garage.
3 Tips to Maximize Your Dumpster Space
Flat Items First: Lay down old plywood, tabletops, or broken-down cardboard at the bottom to create a flat base.
The "Tetris" Method: Load large, heavy items (like appliances) toward the front (hitch side) and fill the gaps around them with smaller bags.
Watch for "Prohibited" Items: In Oregon, things like wet paint, hazardous chemicals, and certain electronics require special handling. (Check our What We Take checklist for details!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can I keep the dumpster? A: We offer flexible rental periods. Most garage cleanouts are completed within 3–7 days, but we can accommodate your specific project timeline.
Q: Will a 15-yard dumpster fit in a standard Portland driveway? A: Yes! Our 15-yard trailers are roughly the size of a large SUV, leaving you plenty of room to walk around it.
Q: What if I overfill the dumpster? A: For safety and legal reasons, we cannot transport trailers with debris overflowing the top. If you have more junk than expected, give us a call—we can often swap a full bin for an empty one the same day.
Ready to get your garage back?
Don't let the "pile" win. Whether you need a 7-yard trailer for a quick refresh or a 20-yard monster for a total overhaul, OJB Solutions is ready to help.
Call or Text OJB Solutions at 503-882-0704 for a flat-rate quote. Serving Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, and the surrounding Metro area.
