House Clearance Skip Hire: The Complete Guide

Introduction

Whether you're clearing a deceased relative's home, preparing a property for sale, or simply decluttering after years of accumulation, a house clearance can feel like a monumental task. Having the right skip in place makes the job significantly easier.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about hiring a skip for a house clearance, from choosing the right size to understanding what you can and can't dispose of.

What Size Skip Do I Need for a House Clearance?

The size of skip you need depends on several factors:

For a Single Room or Small Flat

Recommended: 4 Yard Midi Skip (from £180)

A 4 yard skip is usually sufficient for clearing a single bedroom, small flat, or bedsit. It holds approximately 40-50 bin bags worth of waste.

For a 2-3 Bedroom House

Recommended: 6 or 8 Yard Skip (from £220-£260)

For a typical family home, an 8 yard builder's skip is usually the best choice. It can handle furniture, general waste, and miscellaneous items from multiple rooms.

For a Large Property

Recommended: 10 or 12 Yard Skip (from £300-£340)

Larger properties or houses with significant accumulation may require our biggest skips. For very large clearances, you might even need multiple skip deliveries.

What Can Go in a House Clearance Skip?

✅ Accepted Items

• Furniture (beds, sofas, tables, chairs)
• Carpets and curtains
• General household items
• Clothing and textiles
• Books and papers
• Kitchen items (pots, pans, crockery)
• Garden tools and equipment
• Wood and timber
• Small amounts of rubble

❌ Items We Can't Accept

• Electrical items (TVs, computers, fridges) - take to local recycling centre
• Mattresses - some skips accept these, please ask
• Hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, asbestos)
• Gas bottles
• Tyres
• Batteries
• Food waste

💡 Tip: Consider Separate Disposal

For electrical items, many local councils offer free collection. Charity shops may take good condition furniture and clothing. This can reduce your skip size requirements.

Planning Your House Clearance

Step 1: Sort Before You Start

Before the skip arrives, do a walkthrough of the property:

• Identify valuable items for sale or auction
• Set aside items for charity donation
• Note any hazardous items needing special disposal
• Estimate the volume of waste

Step 2: Book Your Skip in Advance

Don't leave it to the last minute. Book your skip at least a few days in advance to ensure availability, especially during busy periods like bank holidays.

Step 3: Plan the Skip Placement

Choose a flat, accessible location for the skip:

• Private driveway - no permit needed
• Public road - permit required from local council

Step 4: Organise Help

House clearances are hard work. Recruit friends, family, or consider hiring professional clearance help.

Cost-Saving Tips

1. Choose the right size first time - an overfilled skip needs waste removed before collection

2. Sell valuable items - antiques, collectibles, and quality furniture can be sold online

3. Donate usable items - reduces waste and helps charity

4. Recycle where possible - metals, glass, and electronics can often be recycled for free

5. Share with neighbours - if you don't fill the skip, neighbours might contribute

Emotional Considerations

House clearances, especially after bereavement, can be emotionally challenging. Take your time, involve family members in decisions about sentimental items, and don't be afraid to take breaks.

Ready to Get Started?

Green Skip Hire has been helping Telford and Shropshire residents with house clearances for over 20 years. We offer:

• Same-day delivery (order before 10am)
• 14-day hire period included
• 90% waste recycled - environmentally responsible disposal
• Competitive prices from £140

Book your house clearance skip today using our online booking system or call us on 01952 930930 for advice.