Planning timeline
- 2 weeks out: Confirm demo date with your contractor or crew
- 1 week out: Book the dumpster for demo-day morning
- Demo day: Counters and tile in first, spread level; cabinets knocked flat next
- Day 2–3: Drywall, trim, and flooring fill the gaps
- Wrap: One call for pickup when the last load lands
Safety reminders
- Shut off water, gas, and electric before demo begins
- Cut countertops into carryable sections — stone is brutally heavy
- Mask up for tile and mortar dust
- Two people minimum on appliance moves
Dumpster sizing
A 20-yard handles a full kitchen gut with room to spare. Adding adjacent flooring or a bathroom to the scope? That's the classic 30-yard project. Not sure? Take the 60-second size quiz or see the full comparison chart.
Tips from the pros
- Knock cabinet boxes flat — air is money
- Walk everything in through the rear doors with a dolly
- Keep the appliance path clear before demo starts
- Stone-heavy demo? Tell us at booking so the load type is set right
Recycling suggestions
- Working appliances: donation centers pick up free
- Cabinets in decent shape: garage-sale or restore-store gold
- Metal sinks and fixtures: scrap value, dump fee waived with a metal load
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting the fridge ride — refrigerant units need special handling first
- Tenting cement board instead of stacking it flat
- Booking delivery days before demo and burning rental time
- Mixing kitchen junk drawers (household) into the C&D load
Want the deeper read? See the full blog guide on this project.