If you’ve ever tackled a home project, you’ll know that waste builds up faster than you expect. Old furniture, garden cuttings, rubble, packaging — it all piles up quickly, and before long you’re wondering how you’re going to get rid of it. That’s usually when the question arises: what size skip do I need?
It might sound straightforward, but choosing the wrong skip size is one of the most common mistakes people make. Go too small and you’ll find yourself paying for a second skip before the job is done. Go too big and you’ve wasted money on space you didn’t need. Picking the right skip is about finding the balance between your project, your space, and your budget.
Why skip size matters
Hiring a skip isn’t just a tick-box exercise. The size you choose has a direct impact on how smoothly your project runs. Imagine clearing out your loft, only to find the skip you ordered is already overflowing after half the junk is out. Suddenly you’re faced with delays and extra costs. On the flip side, picture paying for a massive skip that sits half empty on your driveway for a week. Neither scenario is ideal. The right size skip helps you keep costs down, stay organised, and get your project finished without unnecessary stress.
Domestic skip sizes explained
So, back to the question: what size skip do I need for my home project? Skips come in a range of sizes, each designed to handle different types of jobs. A mini skip is often enough for small DIY projects, garden clearances, or when you’ve just got a few black bags of rubbish to shift. If you’re refitting a bathroom or kitchen, a midi skip is usually the sweet spot — big enough to cope with bulky fittings but compact enough to fit on most driveways.
For larger jobs, such as a whole-house clearance or disposing of heavy furniture, the builder’s skip is the go-to choice. It’s the most popular size in the UK because it suits so many situations, from renovations to moving house. And then there are the larger skips, which are better suited to major projects that generate a lot of light but bulky waste, like packaging and old furniture. These skips aren’t suitable for heavy materials like soil or rubble, but they’re ideal if you need sheer volume.
| Skip size | Capacity | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini · 4 yd³ | ≈ 30–40 bin bags Up to ~3.1m³ |
Small DIY projects, garden waste, shed/loft clear-outs. | Fits most driveways; popular for household jobs. |
| Small Builder’s · 6 yd³ | ≈ 50–60 bin bags Up to ~4.6m³ |
Bathroom/kitchen refits, small renovation projects. | Good all-rounder; common choice for trades. |
| Builder’s · 8 yd³ | ≈ 60–80 bin bags Up to ~6.1m³ |
Larger renovation jobs, bulky furniture, mixed waste. | Most popular size; often no permit if kept on a drive. |
| Large · 12 yd³ | ≈ 100–120 bin bags Up to ~9.2m³ |
Major house clearances, high-volume lighter waste. | Not suitable for soil/rubble due to weight restrictions. |
How to choose the right skip for your project
When you’re asking yourself what size skip do I need?, think first about the type of waste you’ll be producing. Garden clippings pack down very differently to broken wardrobes or bricks and mortar. Next, consider where the skip will go. If you have space on your driveway, that’s perfect — but if it needs to sit on the road, you’ll likely require a permit, which can affect your choice of size. Finally, be realistic about the scale of your project. Homeowners almost always underestimate how much waste they’ll create. If you’re on the fence, it’s usually cheaper to book a skip one size up rather than risk ordering a second later.
Need help deciding?
If you’re still unsure about the right choice, don’t worry — you’re not alone. “What size skip do I need?” is one of the most common questions we hear, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on your project, your space, and your budget.
At AMA Skip Hire, we make the process simple. Tell us what you’re working on, and we’ll recommend the perfect skip size so you don’t waste money or time. Whether it’s a quick garden tidy-up, a bathroom renovation, or a full house clearance, we’ve got a skip that fits your needs.
Call us for your free quote today and let us help you choose the right skip. With the right size in place, your project runs smoothly, your waste is managed responsibly, and you can focus on getting the job done.