Moving house can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between organising removals, changing addresses, and tying up loose ends, one task that often gets overlooked is decluttering. But getting rid of unnecessary items before you move isn’t just about creating space; it can save you time, money, and stress. One of the most efficient ways to streamline your move is by hiring a skip. It allows you to clear out your home efficiently and responsibly, without repeated trips to the tip or worrying about waste piling up.
In this guide, we’ll explain why skip hire is such a smart move when preparing to relocate, how to use one effectively, and what to keep in mind throughout the process.
Why Decluttering Before Moving Is Essential
Decluttering before you move isn’t just about tidying up; it can have a real impact on your moving costs, logistics, and emotional well-being.
Save Money on Moving Costs
Most removal companies charge based on the volume or weight of items you move. The more you take, the more you’ll pay. By getting rid of items you no longer want or need, you could significantly reduce the size of your move.
Start Fresh in Your New Home
Moving is the perfect time to let go of old or broken belongings. By decluttering, you avoid bringing unnecessary clutter into your new space and give yourself a fresh start with just the items you truly value or need.
Reduce Packing Time
The fewer items you have, the less time you’ll spend packing. Decluttering means fewer boxes, less wrapping, and a much more straightforward moving process.
Avoid Unwanted Storage Costs
If your move involves temporary storage, keeping items to a minimum will reduce the need for extra space and the fees that go with it.
How Skip Hire Makes Decluttering Easier
Hiring a skip before you move makes disposing of bulky or hard-to-recycle waste quick and hassle-free. Instead of making multiple trips to the local recycling centre, you can dispose of everything in one go.
Here’s why skip hire is a great option:
Convenience
A skip can be delivered directly to your driveway or front garden, making it incredibly easy to dispose of unwanted items as you pack. No loading up the car, no queues at the tip.
Time-Saving
Decluttering and clearing out can be time-consuming, but having a skip on-site means you can throw away large items straight away, without interruption.
All-in-One Solution
From furniture and broken appliances to garden waste and general household clutter, skips can take most types of non-hazardous waste. Everything goes in one place, and your skip hire provider takes care of disposal.
Eco-Friendly
Reputable skip hire companies like Williams & Williams recycle a large percentage of the waste they collect, ensuring your move is more environmentally responsible.
When to Book Your Skip
The best time to book your skip is at least one to two weeks before you move. This gives you plenty of time to work through each room at your own pace, sorting items into keep, donate, sell, and dispose of.
Check Permit Requirements
If your skip needs to go on a public road rather than your property, you may need a council permit. Williams & Williams can help organise this on your behalf, making the process stress-free.
What Size Skip Do You Need?
The size of skip you need depends on how much clutter you’re clearing out. Here’s a rough guide:
4–6 Yard Midi Skip
Perfect for smaller clear-outs, such as flats or partial home declutters. Holds around 40–60 black bags of waste.
8 Yard Builders Skip
Ideal for full house clearances or larger homes. Holds approximately 80 black bags.
12 Yard Large Skip
Suitable for bulky furniture, garden sheds, or a large amount of mixed household waste.
If you’re unsure what size to choose, the team at Williams & Williams can advise based on your property and project scale.
What Can You Put in a Skip When Moving?
Skips are ideal for non-hazardous waste. This includes:
- Old furniture (sofas, wardrobes, beds)
- Broken appliances (hoovers, toasters, lamps)
- General clutter (books, toys, clothing)
- Packaging, cardboard, and non-recyclable waste
- Garden waste (branches, soil, trimmings)
Items you cannot put in a skip include:
- Paints, oils, and chemicals
- Batteries and electricals (like fridges or TVs, unless pre-approved)
- Asbestos or hazardous waste
- Tyres and gas bottles
For a full list of restricted items, always check with your skip hire company in advance.
Tips for Efficient Skip Use During a House Move
1. Start Early and Tackle One Room at a Time
Don’t try to declutter your whole house in one day. Begin early and work methodically, room by room.
2. Use the ‘Three-Box Rule’
As you pack, separate items into three categories: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Dispose. Items for disposal go straight into the skip.
3. Break Down Bulky Items
To make the most of your skip space, break down large items like wardrobes or sofas into smaller parts.
4. Load Smartly
Distribute weight evenly and place heavy items at the bottom. This helps maximise space and makes collection easier.
5. Avoid Overfilling
Overfilled skips can’t legally be transported, and you may incur extra charges. Keep waste within the skip’s sides for safe collection.
What to Do With Items You Don’t Want to Skip
Not everything needs to go in the bin. Consider:
- Donating to charity – Clothes, books, and working appliances are often welcome.
- Selling online – Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay are great for unwanted furniture or electronics.
- Offering to neighbours – You’d be surprised what others might want or repurpose.
Why Choose Williams & Williams for Skip Hire?
At Williams & Williams, we’re here to make your move easier. With a range of skip sizes, flexible hire durations, and friendly customer service, we help take the stress out of moving house. Our team can advise on the right skip size, help with permits, and ensure your waste is handled responsibly, with as much recycled as possible.
We provide skip hire services across North West Wales, including Porthmadog, Caernarfon, Bala, Pwllheli and beyond. With fast delivery, reliable collection, and competitive prices, Williams & Williams is your local, trusted skip hire partner.
Book Your Skip Today
Decluttering before a house move doesn’t have to be stressful. With a skip from Williams & Williams, you can clear space quickly, reduce waste, and simplify your moving day.
Call us today on 01766 810223 or email: [email protected]
We’ll help you choose the right skip and get it delivered when you need it, so you can move with less stress and less mess.