Is a 4 Yard Skip Big Enough? What You Can Really Fit In
There’s a reason the 4 yard skip is one of the most hired sizes across Swansea – it’s compact, affordable, and perfect for loads of common jobs. But we often get asked: Is it big enough for what I need?
Short answer: it depends on what you’re chucking in it. But don’t worry – we’ve delivered hundreds of these across places like Sketty, Penlan and Loughor, so we know exactly what works and what doesn’t.
Here’s what you can actually fit in a skip of this size, when it’s ideal, and when to size up.
What Fits in a 4 Yard Skip?
A 4 yard skip holds around 30 to 40 bin bags of waste, or about 3 cubic metres. That’s a fair bit of stuff, especially if you pack it smartly.
Here’s what typically fits:
- Bathroom rip-out (sink, toilet, bath, tiles)
- Garden clear-up (branches, soil, hedge cuttings)
- Small kitchen refit
- Shed clearance
- A couple of bulky items (old sofa, table)
One customer in Uplands managed to clear an entire single-bedroom flat using just one 4 yard skip. But they pre-bagged everything and broke down the furniture – clever loading makes a big difference.
When a 4 Yard Skip Is Perfect
These skips are ideal when you’ve got a medium-sized job and don’t want a huge skip sitting on your driveway.
Best scenarios for a 4 yard skip:
- Garden projects (especially spring or autumn tidy-ups)
- Bathroom renovations
- Small DIY jobs
- Clearing out one or two rooms
- Getting rid of old furniture
They’re also a top choice for areas with tight access – think terrace streets in Sandfields or narrow drives in Killay.
When You Might Need to Go Bigger
There are times a 4 yarder just won’t cut it – especially if you’ve got:
- Heavy building waste (rubble, bricks, concrete)
- Full house clearance
- Major renovations
- Large furniture items that won’t break down easily
For those, we’d usually recommend a 6 yard or 8 yard skip. It may cost a bit more upfront, but it’s often cheaper than ordering a second skip halfway through the job. We’ve seen it happen plenty.
How to Load a 4 Yard Skip Properly
Want to make the most of it? Here’s what we recommend:
- Break down everything – Flat-pack furniture, chop up branches, and bag loose items
- Place flat items first – Doors, planks or worktops go in first to create a base
- Fill gaps – Chuck in smaller bits between larger items
- Don’t overload – The skip must be level-loaded for safe transport
Remember, if it’s overfilled, we can’t legally take it away until it’s sorted. That’s not us being difficult – it’s a safety thing.
Permit? Not Usually Needed
Good news – most of these sized skips fit neatly on driveways, so you won’t need a permit. But if it has to go on a public road or pavement, we’ll arrange a Swansea Council permit for you (just give us 2–3 days’ notice).
Real-World Example: Garden Blitz in Sketty
Last summer, we had a customer in Sketty doing a full garden tidy-up ahead of selling their house. They cleared out old planters, dug out borders, and even pulled down a rotten shed. One 4 yard skip handled the lot – and we collected it the next day so the estate agent could take fresh photos. Timing matters!
Final Word
The 4 yard skip is a brilliant choice for many jobs around Swansea – just the right size for medium loads without the bulk or cost of larger skips. Whether you’re clearing out a room, redoing the bathroom, or blitzing the garden, it often does the job better than you’d think.
Still unsure if a 4 yard skip is right for you? Give us a ring – we’ll help you pick the right size and make sure it’s delivered when and where you need it.