Hiring A Skip.

[chrisgel]

Hi, I have to clear 80% - 90% of the contents of a 3 bed semi.
I was thinking that maybe the quickest and most cost effective way of doing this might be to hire a skip(s) and was wandering what, if any, restrictions there might be on what I could use it for. (Old electrical items, tv's etc)
Has anyone had any experience with this?

[EDDIE51]

I think you can put most things in a skip, apart from stuff like asbestos.
Have you thought of getting a house clearance company in ? They do all the work and I belive they pay you for the stuff even though it will not be much money. Take what you want and get them to shift the rest.

[chrisgel]

Thanks Eddie51 - I had thought about it but because the majority of the stuff is not fit for re-use I assumed that no-one would be interested in doing it. Most of it is really only fit for burning.

[woofgang]

the other things you can't put in a skip are "special disposal" items eg paint, weedkiller, methylated spirit, pressurised cannisters, neon tubes, engine oil and so on. Hippo bags might be a better option if most of the stuff is small.

[gness]

Chrisgel...I thought the same about my mother's house but we got a man in. He cleared the lot and offered us half of what he got or £50 on the spot. We took the money...just glad to have it off our hands and the work done.
Most things can go in a skip if it's not dangerous...chemicals etc.

[EDDIE51]

No harm in asking a couple of house clearance people they don't charge for an assessment and they can only say no. You could be surprised as to how much stuff can be worth. There is one just near me that cleans up and recolours old furniture for sale , the old furniture is made of real wood not chip board and it can be stripped and recoloured for sale.

[chrisgel]

I forgot to mention in the OP that there will be actual rubbish as well (Dismantled kitchen units, Bathroom Suite etc.) which is another reason I was thinking of going with skips)
But the house clearance option now sounds tempting i.e. less work for me and then maybe a smallish skip for the debris.
Thanks folks

[gness]

Oh we had rubbish too, Chris....sacks of it from a hoarding mother and furniture that would only come downstairs if dismantled. The people buying the house wanted old carpets removed too. The guy we hired helped bag it and took it to the tip for us...maybe we just hit lucky but it cost us nothing in the end.

[chrisgel]

Thanks Gness - I think I'll have a ring round tomorrow and try to get someone to come and have a look.

[The Builder]

This'll give you an idea, Chrisgel..............

http://www.skipandbin.com/what-can-i-put-in-a-skip/

[EDDIE51]

If you get a 'house clearance' company that is what they do, they have to clear the house and leave it clean. The upshot is that they give you a small amount of cash for all the items in the house and they clear it all leaving the house clear to sell or relet.
Hireing a skip will cost £80 to £300 plus vat and you do all the work. Getting a house clearance company in means they pay you around £50 and do all the work but keep any profit from selling the contents . You decide what is best . I know both skip hirers and house clearers , where are you ? they may be able to quote.

[EDDIE51]

The house clearance company I know take everything even old paint tins. They dispose of anything they can't sell , all part of the job.
The Builder , that link quotes £206 plus vat and £32 permit fee for a 12yd skip , a house clearer will PAY £50 to do the same job , no contest .

[chrisgel]

Thanks Builder and Eddie51.
I've got a guy coming round on Monday to weigh it up for me. If I can get him to take everything I'll use him.