Bedroom Renovation

Bedroom Renovation Dumpster Size Guide: Complete Remodel Planning

Bedroom renovations range from simple cosmetic updates to complete gut jobs. Learn how to choose the right dumpster size based on your renovation scope, room size, and debris types.

January 20, 20257 min readBedroom Renovation

Bedroom Renovation Quick Sizing

10 Yard
Cosmetic Updates
Paint, carpet, trim work
15 Yard
Standard Renovation
Flooring, drywall, fixtures
20 Yard
Complete Gut Job
Everything down to studs

Types of Bedroom Renovation Projects

Cosmetic Updates

  • Paint & trim: Minimal debris generation
  • Carpet replacement: Old carpet and padding
  • Light fixtures: Small electrical updates
  • Window treatments: Blinds, curtains, hardware
  • Closet organization: Shelving and organizers

Standard Renovations

  • Flooring replacement: Hardwood, tile, or laminate
  • Drywall work: Repairs or partial replacement
  • Built-ins removal: Old closets or furniture
  • Electrical updates: Outlet and switch work
  • Window replacement: New windows and trim

Complete Gut Renovations

What Gets Removed:

  • All drywall and ceiling materials
  • Complete flooring system
  • All electrical and plumbing fixtures
  • Insulation and vapor barriers
  • Trim, moldings, and baseboards

Special Considerations:

  • Load-bearing wall modifications
  • HVAC system changes
  • Structural repairs or updates
  • Complete rewiring and replumbing
  • Ceiling height modifications

Dumpster Sizing by Renovation Scope

10-Yard: Cosmetic Updates & Light Renovations

Perfect For:

  • Carpet and padding removal
  • Paint prep and trim replacement
  • Light fixture and ceiling fan updates
  • Closet organization systems
  • Master bedroom (up to 400 sq ft)

Typical Debris Volume:

  • 300-400 sq ft of carpet: 3-4 cubic yards
  • Trim and moldings: 1-2 cubic yards
  • Misc renovation debris: 2-3 cubic yards
  • Total capacity used: 6-9 cubic yards

Estimated cost: $280-$420 | Best for: Single bedroom projects with minimal structural changes

15-Yard: Standard Bedroom Renovations

Perfect For:

  • Hardwood or tile floor replacement
  • Partial drywall replacement
  • Built-in furniture removal
  • Window and door replacement
  • Large bedroom (400-600 sq ft)

Typical Debris Volume:

  • 500 sq ft flooring: 4-5 cubic yards
  • Partial drywall: 3-4 cubic yards
  • Built-ins and fixtures: 2-3 cubic yards
  • Total capacity used: 9-12 cubic yards

Estimated cost: $380-$580 | Best for: Most bedroom renovation projects

20-Yard: Complete Gut Renovations

Perfect For:

  • Complete drywall and ceiling removal
  • Structural modifications
  • Master suite with bathroom
  • Multiple bedroom projects
  • Historic renovation projects

Typical Debris Volume:

  • Complete drywall: 6-8 cubic yards
  • All flooring materials: 4-6 cubic yards
  • Insulation and misc: 3-4 cubic yards
  • Total capacity used: 13-18 cubic yards

Estimated cost: $480-$680 | Best for: Complete renovations or multiple rooms

Room Size Impact on Dumpster Choice

Bedroom SizeSquare FootageCosmetic UpdatesStandard RenovationComplete Gut
Small/Guest100-200 sq ft10 yard10-15 yard15 yard
Standard200-300 sq ft10 yard15 yard15-20 yard
Large/Master300-500 sq ft10 yard15 yard20 yard
Master Suite500+ sq ft10-15 yard15-20 yard20 yard

Multiple Room Considerations

Renovating multiple bedrooms? Add 60-70% of the first room's requirements for each additional room. Consider timing: you may save money with one larger dumpster vs. multiple smaller ones, but factor in work schedule and access limitations.

Common Bedroom Renovation Debris

Flooring Materials

Carpet & Padding
400 sq ft = 3-4 cubic yards
Lightweight but bulky
Hardwood Flooring
400 sq ft = 4-5 cubic yards
Dense but manageable weight
Tile & Underlayment
400 sq ft = 2-3 cubic yards
Heavy - watch weight limits

Wall & Ceiling Materials

Drywall
4 walls = 4-6 cubic yards
Heavy when wet from removal
Plaster & Lath
4 walls = 6-8 cubic yards
Very heavy and dusty
Insulation
Standard room = 2-3 cubic yards
Lightweight but voluminous

Built-ins & Fixtures

Closet Systems

  • • Wire shelving: 1-2 cubic yards
  • • Wood built-ins: 3-5 cubic yards
  • • Custom wardrobes: 4-6 cubic yards

Windows & Doors

  • • Standard window: 0.5 cubic yards
  • • Interior door: 0.3 cubic yards
  • • Sliding closet doors: 1-2 cubic yards

Built-in Furniture

  • • Window seat: 2-3 cubic yards
  • • Built-in desk: 3-4 cubic yards
  • • Wall units: 4-6 cubic yards

Special Considerations for Bedroom Renovations

Access & Logistics

Upper Floor Challenges:

  • Debris must be carried downstairs
  • Protect stairs and lower floors
  • Consider debris chutes for large projects
  • Allow extra time for debris removal
  • May need smaller, more frequent loads

Dumpster Placement:

  • Position near main entrance
  • Consider driveway protection
  • Check HOA or permit requirements
  • Plan route from bedroom to dumpster
  • Account for landscaping protection

Hazardous Materials in Older Homes

Pre-1980s Homes May Contain:

  • Asbestos in drywall compounds
  • Lead paint on walls and trim
  • Asbestos insulation around pipes
  • Lead in window glazing compounds

Required Actions:

  • Professional testing before renovation
  • Special disposal for hazardous materials
  • Cannot go in regular dumpsters
  • Licensed contractor requirements

Cost Optimization Strategies

Money-Saving Tips

  • Donate usable items before demo
  • Sell valuable fixtures (vintage, antique)
  • Separate recyclable materials (metal, wood)
  • Time rental to match work schedule
  • Load efficiently to maximize space
  • Bundle multiple room projects
  • Coordinate with other home improvements

When to Spend More

  • Extended rental for phased projects
  • Larger size to avoid weight issues
  • Multiple smaller hauls for access issues
  • Professional disposal for hazardous materials
  • Expedited service for tight schedules
  • Protection services for delicate areas

Timeline Planning

Bedroom renovations have unique timing considerations:

Demo Phase (Days 1-2):

  • • Remove all furniture and belongings
  • • Complete demolition work
  • • Fill dumpster with debris

Construction Phase (Days 3-14):

  • • Minimal additional debris
  • • May need extended rental
  • • Plan pickup before final cleanup

Real Project Examples

Case Study: Master Bedroom Carpet to Hardwood

Project: 350 sq ft master bedroom, carpet removal, paint, trim update

Materials Removed:

  • • 350 sq ft carpet and padding
  • • All baseboard and quarter round
  • • Closet wire shelving system
  • • Old paint prep debris

Result:

  • • 10-yard dumpster used
  • • 70% capacity utilized
  • • Total cost: $325
  • • 3-day rental period

Case Study: Complete Guest Room Renovation

Project: 200 sq ft guest room, partial drywall replacement, new flooring

Materials Removed:

  • • Old laminate flooring and underlayment
  • • 50% of drywall (water damage)
  • • Built-in desk and shelving
  • • Window and trim replacement

Result:

  • • 15-yard dumpster used
  • • 85% capacity utilized
  • • Total cost: $445
  • • 5-day rental period

Case Study: Historic Home Master Suite Gut

Project: 450 sq ft master bedroom, complete gut to studs, plaster walls

Materials Removed:

  • • All plaster and lath walls
  • • Original hardwood floors
  • • Complete electrical system
  • • Built-in wardrobes and trim

Result:

  • • 20-yard dumpster used
  • • 95% capacity utilized
  • • Total cost: $625
  • • 7-day rental period

Bedroom Renovation Checklist

Before Ordering Your Dumpster

✅ Project Planning:

  • Measured room dimensions accurately
  • Identified all materials to be removed
  • Checked for hazardous materials (pre-1980 homes)
  • Planned debris removal route
  • Coordinated with renovation timeline

✅ Logistics & Safety:

  • Confirmed dumpster placement location
  • Checked permit requirements
  • Protected floors and pathways
  • Arranged for valuable item removal
  • Confirmed rental period length

Conclusion

Bedroom renovations offer excellent opportunities to improve your home's comfort and value. The key to successful debris management is accurately assessing your project scope and choosing the appropriate dumpster size for your specific renovation type.

For most standard bedroom renovations, a 15-yard dumpster provides the perfect balance of capacity and cost. Simple cosmetic updates can often be handled with a 10-yard container, while complete gut renovations or large master suites may require a 20-yard dumpster.

Remember: Factor in access challenges for upper floor bedrooms, plan for hazardous material disposal in older homes, and coordinate your dumpster rental timing with your renovation schedule for optimal efficiency and cost savings.

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Last updated: January 20, 2025 | Written by the Dumpster Calculator Team