You’ve booked a skip — great choice! Whether you’re decluttering, renovating, or clearing out the garden, a skip makes life a whole lot easier. But before that big metal container arrives, there are a few simple steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Don’t worry, it’s not a ton of work. Think of it like prepping for an important delivery — you just need to clear the space and make sure everything’s ready. Follow our handy checklist, and you’ll be all set when the skip lorry rolls up.
1. Pick the Perfect Spot
First things first: where’s your skip going to sit? Finding the right spot is key to making the most of your skip hire.
- Flat and sturdy ground: Skips are heavy, and they get even heavier once they’re full. Ideally, you’ll place it on a solid, flat surface like a driveway or tarmac. Avoid soft ground (like grass), which can sink under the weight.
- Protecting your surface: If you’re concerned about your driveway or the surface under the skip, consider placing some wooden planks or heavy-duty boards down first. This will help protect the ground from potential scratches or damage when the skip is being dropped off or picked up.
- Enough space: Depending on the size of your skip, you’ll need enough room to not only fit the skip itself but also for the lorry to drop it off. Make sure you’ve measured the area if space is tight! As a rule of thumb, allow at least double the length of the skip to ensure there’s enough room for both the skip and the lorry to position it safely. If your space is tighter than this, just let us know ahead of time so we can advise accordingly.
- Easy access: You’ll be making plenty of trips to the skip, so make sure it’s easy to reach. You won’t want to be dragging things across the garden or from the far end of your property.
2. Clear the Area
Once you’ve picked your skip spot, it’s time to get it ready. The lorry needs enough room to manoeuvre and drop off the skip safely.
- Move any obstacles: Make sure the area is clear of cars, bikes, garden furniture, and anything else that could block the lorry’s path.
- Check height clearance: Look for anything hanging overhead — low branches, power lines, or cables — that might get in the way when the skip is delivered. The lorry needs about 10 feet of clearance.
3. Check Access for the Lorry
The skip lorry is a big vehicle — bigger than your average car, and definitely not a fan of tight spaces. A bit of planning here can save a lot of hassle later.
- Access width: The lorry is about 9 feet wide, so make sure it can easily access your property, especially if you have a narrow driveway or live on a tight street.
- Parking space: If you’re placing the skip on the road, make sure there’s enough space reserved for it. Move your car (or kindly ask the neighbours!) to ensure the lorry can park and unload without issues.
4. Skip Permits and Controlled Parking: What You Need to Know
If your skip is going on the road, there’s one crucial bit of admin — you need a skip permit. But don’t worry, this part is easy.
- Skip permits: We’ll take care of this for you. When you let us know the skip needs to go on the road, we’ll arrange the permit with your local council. There’s no need to stress about it — just tell us in advance, and we’ll handle the paperwork so your skip can be delivered without a hitch.
- Controlled parking zones: If you live in an area with controlled parking, though, this is something you will need to arrange. You’ll need to sort out a parking suspension with the council before delivery. We can’t do this for you, so be sure to check with your local authority ahead of time.
For the full scoop on Skip Permits and Controlled Parking suspensions, be sure to read our ultimate guide.
5. Be There on the Day (Optional, but Helpful)
It’s not absolutely necessary for you to be home when the skip is delivered, but if you can be, it’s a good idea. That way, if there’s a last-minute question or small adjustment needed, you can sort it on the spot.
But if you can’t be there, no problem. Just make sure you’ve provided clear instructions in advance. Mark the exact spot you’d like the skip placed (cones or chalk lines can do the trick), and ensure the area is fully prepped and accessible. That way, our driver can deliver the skip without any issues.
6. Get Organised for Easy Loading
Once your skip arrives, it’s tempting to start chucking everything in as fast as possible. But a bit of planning can make a huge difference in how much you can fit into your skip, and how efficiently you use the space.
- Heavy items first: Start with the heaviest items, such as rubble, bricks, and large chunks of concrete. These should go at the bottom of the skip to help distribute the weight evenly and create a stable base.
- Lighter items next: After the heavy stuff, you can add lighter materials, like old furniture, wooden pallets, or garden waste. This way, the lighter items won’t get crushed, and you’ll make the most of your skip’s capacity by filling in any gaps.
- Fill in the gaps: Smaller pieces — like broken-down boxes, loose debris, or old junk — can be slotted in around the larger items to maximise every inch of space.
Also, be sure to know what can’t go in. Certain items, like hazardous materials, electrical appliances, and tyres, need special disposal and can’t be thrown into the skip. If you’re unsure about any specific items, just ask us, and we’ll be happy to guide you.
Ready for Your Skip Hire?
With these steps in place, you’ll be fully prepped for a smooth and easy skip delivery. A little bit of planning goes a long way, ensuring everything goes off without a hitch when the lorry arrives.
At GoSkip, we’re here to make skip hire as hassle-free as possible. From organising permits to delivering right on time, we’ve got everything covered. Order your skip today, and let’s get your project rolling!
