Ditch the Storage Unit: Clean Out Your Attic, Basement or Storage Space With a Dumpster

Homeowner lifting cardboard boxes while cleaning out an attic or storage room

Quick math. A 10×10 storage unit in the Tulsa area typically runs about $70 to $100 a month, depending on the facility. That’s $840 to $1,200 a year to keep a treadmill, three boxes labeled “misc,” and a lamp you hate. If you’ve been paying rent on your junk, this one’s for you.

The Case for Ditching the Storage Unit

Most storage units start with good intentions (“just until we sort things out”) and quietly turn into a very expensive closet. Ask yourself: when’s the last time you opened it? If the answer is “the last time I paid for it,” it’s time for a cleanout.

The same goes for attics, basements, and that closet you don’t open without bracing yourself. Clearing out one of these spaces is one of the fastest ways to reclaim your home, and one of the cheapest, especially compared with paying storage rent for years.

Why a Dumpster Makes This Easy

  • You keep going. Cleanouts never end at “just one more box.” A dumpster in the driveway means everything you decide to toss goes straight in.
  • No repeated trips. No loading the truck, driving to the dump, and doing it all again. Our standard rental is 5 days, so you can take your time.
  • It costs less than a year of storage. Our 15-yard starts at $295 and our 20-yard starts at $350.

Durco Dumpsters blue roll-off dumpster parked beside a brick home

How to Do a Storage Unit Cleanout Without Losing Your Mind

  1. Make three piles. Keep, donate, toss. If you haven’t touched it in years, it’s probably not a “keep.”
  2. Donate first. Furniture, clothes, and working household items can find a second life. Take those before the dumpster arrives.
  3. Schedule the delivery. Book the dumpster for the day you start, and read our delivery prep guide so the driveway is ready.
  4. Load smart. Break down boxes and furniture, and put heavy items on the bottom. Our loading tips will help you fit more in.
  5. Check the banned list. Old paint, gas cans, propane tanks, batteries, and tires can’t go in a dumpster. See our prohibited items list before you toss the mystery cans.

Which Size Do You Need?

A single attic or basement usually fits in a 15-yard. If you’re emptying a full storage unit, an attic and a basement, or clearing a garage too, step up to a 20. Not sure? Our size guide helps, and so does a quick call. Working on the garage as well? See our garage cleanout guide.

If you only have a few bulky items, you may be better off with city pickup. We compared the options in our post on bulk trash pickup vs. a dumpster rental.

Ready to Cancel That Storage Unit?

Durco is a locally owned Broken Arrow company serving Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Glenpool, Owasso, Sand Springs, and Sapulpa, with same-day and next-day delivery for most addresses. Call or text (918) 508-8370 or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a storage unit cost in Tulsa?
A 10×10 unit typically runs about $70 to $100 per month, though prices vary by facility and features like climate control.

What size dumpster do I need for an attic or basement cleanout?
A 15-yard fits most single-space cleanouts. Choose a 20-yard for larger jobs or several spaces at once.

How long can I keep the dumpster?
Our standard rental is 5 days, and extra days are $25 each.

What should I do with items I want to donate?
Set them aside before the dumpster arrives, so nothing worth saving ends up in the load.

Locally owned in Broken Arrow, serving the Tulsa metro. (918) 508-8370 | Mattd@durcodumpsters.com

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