Skip Hire for House Clearance
The right skip size for every property type — plus what to do with items that cannot go in a skip.
For a full house clearance: 1-bed = 6 yard skip, 2–3 bed = 8–10 yard skip, full estate (4+ bed with outbuildings) = 12 yard skip or multiple loads. Always go one size up if there is heavy waste or a large amount of furniture.
For example, house clearances generate more waste than people typically expect. Furniture, carpets, kitchen items, clothing, garden waste and general household clutter add up quickly — and a skip that is too small on collection day is an expensive mistake. This guide helps you choose the right skip size and plan your clearance efficiently. See our full skip hire prices before booking.
Skip Size by Property Type
| Property Type | Recommended Skip Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bed flat | 6 Yard Skip | Furniture, kitchen items, general waste |
| 2–3 bedroom house | 8 Yard Skip | Full household clearance including loft |
| 3–4 bedroom house (with garden) | 10 Yard Skip | Large furniture volume plus garden items |
| 4+ bed or estate clearance | 12 Yard Skip or 2 loads | Large volumes, outbuildings, garages |
| Partial clearance (1–2 rooms only) | 4–6 Yard Skip | Single-room clear-out or bedroom only |
Sizing for Different Property Sizes
1-Bedroom Properties
A studio or 1-bedroom flat clearance typically generates 40–60 bin bags of mixed waste including clothing, small furniture, kitchen equipment and general rubbish. A 6 yard skip holds 50–60 bags and is usually the right fit. If there are large items like a sofa, double bed or white goods (which cannot go in the skip), you may still need the full 6 yards for general waste after those items are removed separately.
2–3 Bedroom Houses
A full clearance of a 2–3 bedroom house, including the loft and all rooms, generates 60–90 bags of waste. An 8 yard skip holds 60–80 bags and is the most common choice. However, if the property has a large loft, garage or significant garden waste, consider a 10 yard skip. Booking slightly too large is far cheaper than hiring a second skip after an unexpected overrun.
4+ Bedroom or Estate Clearances
Large houses and estate clearances — particularly when clearing the property of a deceased estate or a long-term hoarder's home — often require 12 yards or two separate skip loads. A 12 yard skip holds 100–120 bags, while two 8 yard loads give you 160 bags of total capacity. Planning collections in two phases lets you sort, donate and clear systematically without rushing.
Items That Cannot Go in a Skip
However, several common household items are banned from skips by law and require separate disposal. During house clearances you are likely to encounter some of these:
White Goods (WEEE)
Fridges, freezers, washing machines and tumble dryers contain refrigerants or require specialist recycling. Take to your local HWRC, book a council collection, or arrange pickup by a white goods dealer.
Televisions & Monitors
CRT televisions and computer monitors cannot go in standard skips. Take to any HWRC or a certified WEEE recycling facility. Flat-screen TVs are increasingly accepted at some transfer stations — check with your provider.
Paint and Chemicals
Liquid paint, solvents and household chemicals are hazardous waste. Take to your HWRC hazardous waste bay. Dried, empty paint tins can go in the skip.
Charity-Suitable Items
Before filling your skip, sort through items that charities will collect — furniture in good condition, clothing, books, working appliances. This reduces your waste volume and benefits others.
For a complete list of what is and is not accepted, see our guide to what you can put in a skip.
Estate Clearance: 5 Practical Tips
- 1 Sort before you skip. Walk through every room and separate items into: keep, donate, sell, recycle, and skip. This prevents valuable items going in a skip by mistake.
- 2 Contact charities first. Many major charities (BHF, YMCA, Emmaus) collect furniture and white goods directly from properties.
- 3 Plan two skip loads for large estates. The first load clears rooms, the second clears the loft, garage and garden.
- 4 Remove prohibited items before the skip arrives. Set aside paint, chemicals, batteries and WEEE separately so they don't accidentally end up in the skip.
- 5 Book early. If you need a road permit it takes 5–7 working days. For estate clearances with a deadline, book at least 2 weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skip size do I need for a 3-bedroom house clearance?
For a full 3-bedroom house clearance including furniture, general household waste and garden items, an 8–10 yard skip is usually needed. If the property has a large loft or outbuildings, or significant amounts of heavy waste like tiles or rubble, opt for a 10–12 yard skip. When in doubt, book one size up — the cost difference is small compared to hiring a second skip.
Can I put a mattress in a skip during a house clearance?
Yes — mattresses are accepted in standard skips. However, some skip companies charge a small surcharge (£5–15 per mattress) because mattresses are bulky and cannot be easily compacted. If you are clearing multiple mattresses, ask about any additional charges when booking. Alternatively, some councils offer free bulky waste collection for mattresses with advance booking.
What should I do with items that cannot go in a skip during a house clearance?
For items that cannot go in a skip — fridges, freezers, TVs, paint, batteries — you have several options. Your local household waste recycling centre (HWRC) accepts most of these for free. Fridges and freezers can also be collected by council waste teams or retailers. Charities may collect reusable furniture and white goods if they are in working order.
How quickly can I get a skip delivered for a house clearance?
We can usually deliver a skip within 24–48 hours of booking in most areas. For same-day delivery, contact us directly. If the skip is going on a public road, remember that a permit is required from the council and takes 5–7 working days, so book as early as possible to avoid delays.
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