You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and are tackling that long-overdue home renovation project. Perhaps you’re ripping out that dated bathroom suite or finally knocking through the wall to create the open-plan kitchen of your dreams; maybe though, you’re just giving the spare room an overdue makeover. Whatever the plan, home renovations are incredibly exciting but also notoriously messy! You need to know what size skip will work for your project.
Before the new tiles go down and the fresh paint goes on, you have to deal with the ‘before’ version; and let’s be honest, old plasterboard, cracked floor tiles and splintered skirting boards take up a lot more room than you expect once they’ve been prised off the walls. Choosing the right skip for your home renovation project is the only way to keep on top of the mounting piles and also maintain your sanity throughout!
At Morley Skips we’ve seen it all, from cupboard clear-outs and garden tidies, to full blown kitchen renovations and the disposal of old conservatories. As we’re nearing summer, you may have already started thinking about what to do next, which is why we’ve put together a how-to guide to picking the perfect skip size, so that you can focus on the fun stuff; your renovation.

Picking a skip without discussing your requirements first is a bit like trial and error. You don’t want one so small that you’re constantly tripping over the bits that didn’t fit, but similarly, you don’t want one so big that it’s likely to be half-empty on completion. At Morley Skips, the team can point out your best options with just a phone call; we want to help you get it just right.
If your project is confined to a single small room, such as understairs storage or a small en-suite; the 4 yard skip is your best option. It holds roughly 40 to 45 bin bags of waste and is best for small bathroom refits, kitchen refreshes (where you aren’t replacing the heavy carcasses) and general DIY spruce-ups.
Top Tip: It’s compact, so it’s also perfect for narrow driveways where space is at a premium.
This is one of the most popular choices for a home renovation project and for a very good reason: it’s versatile. It’s best for medium-sized kitchens, bedroom renovations involving built-in wardrobes and garden patio removals.
Something to note: If you don’t have a driveway and will need to put the skip on a public road; the 6 yard skip is the largest size that we can legally place there. If you go any bigger, the council might issue a fine, so please keep that in mind when planning your delivery!
If you are doing a full-scale renovation or a structural project, you’re going to need the 8 yard option. This skip can handle about 75 to 80 bin bags of waste and is best for large kitchen and dining room knock-throughs, full house clearances and major landscaping.
The Weight Limit: If your home renovation project involves a lot of heavy materials (tonnes of bricks, concrete, soil or rubble), then the 8 yard skip is the absolute maximum size that you can use. Anything larger than this filled with rubble would be too heavy for the skip lorry to lift safely.
Before you book, it’s always handy to consider the logistics, such as:
As we mentioned, if the skip is going on the road, you’re capped at a 6 yard size and you’ll need a permit (which we can help you with for a small additional fee). If it’s going onto your driveway, make sure there’s enough clearance for our drivers to drop it off; measure twice, skip once!
Most things from a home renovation project are perfectly fine to go in, things such as wood, metal, plastic, ceramic and general rubble are all welcome. However, some things are no-go items for a standard skip. If you’re unsure whether your item is hazardous, or it falls under one of the below categories, it’s probably easier to give us a ring; we’re always happy to have a chat and make sure that you’re on the right track.
To get the most out of your skip it’s best to think about how to fill it; before you start loading up. Start with the flat, heavy items at the bottom (like old floor tiles or paving slabs) and break down old kitchen units or furniture to avoid leaving big pockets of air. The flatter you pack it, the more you’ll fit in!
We know that undertaking a home renovation can be stressful, which is why we aim to make the skip-hire process as pleasant and stress-free as possible:
We’re Local & Friendly: We’re a family-run business and we genuinely care about our customers.
Reliability: When you’re working on a project or have a team of builders arriving, you need to know that your skip is going to be there. We pride ourselves on being on-time and reliable.
Eco-Conscious: We’re big fans of the planet and when we collect your skip, it goes back to our fully-licensed recycling centre where we sort through it to recycle and repurpose as much as possible; only sending minimal amounts to landfill.
Your home renovation project is a journey, knowing what size skip you need and getting it on-site from day one means that you can keep your workspace clear, safe and organised; allowing you to see the progress that you’re making and how far you’ve come.
Whether you’re doing a DIY weekend or managing a months-long transformation, Morley Skips is here to provide the support that you need. We’ll deliver on-time and take away the mess, leaving you one step closer to your dream home.
To find out more or to chat with one of our friendly team, give us a call on 01621 815 287 or simply book your skip online here.