A Complete Skip Size Guide

Posted 3 weeks ago

When it comes to managing waste efficiently, choosing the right skip size can make a big difference, this is why we have created this comprehensive skip size guide for you. Whether you’re clearing out your garden, renovating a home, or tackling a major construction project, the skip you select plays a key role in keeping your project running smoothly and legally. Opt for one that’s too small, and you risk delays, extra hires, and potential fines. Go too big, and you could be throwing money away on unused space.

This skip size guide is here to help you avoid those common pitfalls. We’ll break down the different skip hire sizes available, explain what they’re best used for, and help you work out exactly what size skip you need – whether it’s for a garden clearance, house renovation, or general waste disposal.

Common skip hire sizes

Skips come in a variety of sizes to suit different types of projects. For most home and garden jobs, 4, 6, and 8 yard skips are ideal. Larger projects, like full house clearances or commercial work – often need a 10 or 12 yard skip.

At Hurleys, we offer skips ranging from 4 yards all the way up to 40 yards, so there’s a size to match every project. Keep reading to find out which skip size is right for your needs.

What skip size for garden clearance?

If you’ve ever tackled a garden project, you’ll know just how quickly the waste piles up – grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, piles of soil, old turf… it all adds up faster than you think! 

So, what size skip for garden clearance should you go for?

Skip size guide: Our go-to garden skip sizes

For smaller garden jobs – like clearing grass, trimming hedges, or digging out a few flower beds, a 4 yard skip is usually spot on. It holds around 30–40 bin bags’ worth of waste and is small enough to fit easily on most driveways.

If you’re digging up heavy stuff like soil or bricks, or your garden project is a bit bigger than planned (we’ve all been there), then a 6 yard skip is your best bet. It’s the largest skip hire size suitable for heavy materials and gives you space for around 50–60 bin bags.

Planning something major – like cutting down trees or pulling down a shed? You might want to size up to an 8 yard skip, often called a builder’s skip, just to be on the safe side.

A few things to keep in mind  

The right skip for depends on how much waste you’ll have, but going a size bigger is usually cheaper than ordering a second skip later. Garden waste can be bulky, especially in larger gardens or when dealing with turf and rubble, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Can you put garden waste in a skip? Skip hire tips for garden clearance:

Yes. Skips are a great way to get rid of garden waste like:

• Grass cuttings
• Leaves and branches
• Hedge trimmings and small plants

Just keep in mind there are a few things you can’t throw in, such as:

• Large tree trunks
• Anything with asbestos (like old shed roofing)
• Electrical items such as lawnmowers or outdoor lighting

If you’re unsure, check with your local authority by visiting the local council website before loading up your skip.

Tips for loading your garden skip

Want to make the most of your space and avoid the need for a second skip? Here’s how:

• Break down big items like branches before loading
• Put heavier stuff at the bottom for a solid base
• Fill gaps with smaller items like twigs and leaves
• Don’t overfill – your waste should sit level with the top of the skip

Picking the right skip hire size and loading it properly makes clearing your garden easier, faster, and far less stressful. If you’re still wondering what size skip for garden clearance is best for you, we’re always here to help!

What size skip for house clearance?

When it comes to clearing out your home, choosing the right skip size can make a big difference. Whether you’re tackling a single room, renovating your kitchen, or emptying an entire property, selecting the right option will help you save time, money, and stress. So, what size skip for house clearance is the best fit?

Skip size guides for house clearance projects

The size of skip you need really depends on how much waste you’re dealing with. Here’s a quick guide to help:

6 Yard Skip: Great for clearing out a single room or disposing of bulky items like a sofa or wardrobe. It holds around 50–60 bin bags and is the largest skip suitable for heavy materials like rubble or bricks if you’re doing any structural work too.

8 Yard Skip: A popular choice for general house clearances, especially if you’re getting rid of old furniture, white goods, or larger volumes of waste. It fits 60–80 bin bags and is commonly referred to as a builder’s skip.

12 Yard Skip: Ideal for full-house clearances or if you’re throwing out a lot of lightweight, bulky items such as mattresses, furniture, and packaging. This size can hold approximately 100–120 bin bags, but keep in mind it’s not suitable for heavy waste like soil or hardcore due to weight restrictions.

16 Yard Skip: Best for larger residential jobs, like full renovations or moving out of a long-term family home. It can hold 140–160 bin bags and is suitable for lighter construction waste (wood, metal, plastic), but again, not for heavy debris.

What to consider when choosing a skip

Every house clearance is different, but here are a few key things to think about:

House Size: A one-bed flat will produce far less waste than a four-bedroom family home.

Clearance Type: Are you clearing a single room, decluttering the loft, or clearing out after tenants?

Furniture & Fixtures: Bulky items like beds, wardrobes, and white goods take up a lot of space.

Renovation Work: If you’re also doing DIY or construction work, you’ll need space for materials like tiles, bricks, or plasterboard. In that case, look at builder’s skips (6–8 yard) for heavy waste or larger skip hire sizes for lighter loads.

Estimating the right skip hire sizes for your home

Still not sure what size skip for house clearance is right? Here’s a rough estimate based on typical house sizes:

• Single room or light declutter: 4 to 6 yard skip
• One or two-bed flat: 6 or 8 yard skip
• Three-bed house: 8 to 12 yard skip
• Larger properties or full renovations: 12 to 16 yard skip

When in doubt, it’s often best to go one size up – you’ll avoid the need for a second skip and make the whole process that much smoother.

Tips for choosing the right skip hire size

When choosing the right skip hire size, it’s important not to guess too high or too low. Think about the type of waste you’re getting rid of – heavy stuff like rubble or soil will need a larger skip, while lighter materials like wood or packaging can be handled by a smaller one. Also, consider the space you have available for the skip. Make sure there’s enough room for it to be delivered and that it’s accessible for easy loading and safe disposal. Don’t forget to check if you need any permits, especially if the skip will be on public land or in the way of pedestrians. If your project is going to last a while, you might find that more waste piles up over time, which could mean needing a bigger skip or a couple of smaller ones. But if your project is short-term, a smaller skip might be just right. By thinking through these things, you’ll be able to pick the perfect skip size without any headaches.

Still unsure? 

Choosing the right skip hire size is key to making sure your project goes off without a hitch. We know it can be tricky to figure out whether to go bigger or smaller, but with a little thought and the right advice, you can avoid wasting money on a skip that’s too big or having to deal with the hassle of hiring another one because your skip was too small. 

If you’re not sure which skip size is best for your project, don’t worry – the team here at Hurleys Skip Hire is here to help. Whether you’re clearing out your garden, tackling a home renovation, or working on a bigger construction job, we’ve got the experience to guide you to the perfect skip size. For a full breakdown of available skip hire sizes get in touch with us today for advice that’s tailored to your specific needs. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible!

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