Start with the material, not the number.
A sofa and a stack of broken tiles can use a container very differently. The sofa is bulky. The tiles are dense. Make a list of what you plan to discard before comparing cubic-yard capacities.
Think through the entire project.
Walk through every room or work area. Include the cabinets, flooring, packaging and stored items that may join the load. If a contractor is doing the work, ask what debris the job will produce and whether they will handle any of it separately.
Compare the five options.
A 10- or 15-yard container can be worth discussing for a smaller clearout or room update. A 20-yard container offers more volume for medium projects. A 30- or 40-yard container may suit a larger cleanout. These are starting points; the actual load and access determine the recommendation.
Check space and weight together.
Ask for the dimensions of the available container and the delivery clearance needed. Then confirm which materials are approved, the included weight and how overages are calculated. Never assume a larger bin permits an unlimited load.
Get the complete quote.
Before confirming, ask about the rental period, delivery, pickup, disposal allowance and extra charges. Tell the team about dense material or special items. A clear scope at the start helps you compare the available options.