Skip Sizes Compared: 2m³ Mini to 8m³ Maxi, by Volume and Job
Skip sizes at Darwin Skip Hire SA run from a 2m³ mini skip to an 8m³ maxi skip. A 3m³ midi and a 6m³ builder's skip sit between them. A cubic metre is a cube in builders' terms. A 2m³ skip holds about 30 wheelbarrow loads and an 8m³ about 120. Choose by the load's weight first, then by its bulk. Rubble belongs in the 2 smaller sizes.
Skip sizes side by side
| Size | Name | Volume | Wheelbarrows | Typical job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2m³ | Mini skip | 2,000 L | about 30 | Bathroom strip-out, rubble from a small job |
| 3m³ | Midi skip | 3,000 L | about 45 | Garage clear-out, garden clean-up |
| 6m³ | Builder's skip | 6,000 L | about 90 | Renovation mix |
| 8m³ | Maxi skip | 8,000 L | about 120 | Light, bulky clear-out |
The all-in price of each size is on the skip hire prices page.
Heavy loads against bulky loads
Weight decides the size for rubble, soil and concrete. Volume decides it for furniture, boxes and garden refuse. A full 2m³ skip of rubble weighs about 3 tonnes. A full 8m³ skip of ceiling boards and timber weighs far less. Small, heavy jobs suit mini skip hire.
Choosing a skip size for common jobs
- Bathroom strip-out: 2m³
- Single room or garage clear-out: 3m³
- Full garden clean-up: 3m³
- Kitchen and bathroom renovation together: 6m³
- Large property clear-out of light waste: 8m³
A photo of the load sent on WhatsApp helps match the size.
Related skip guides
Bricks and concrete have their own page under rubble removal. Before you load, read what goes in a skip. For a skip on the street, read the skip permit rules. Each delivery area has a page as well: skip hire Northern Suburbs, skip hire Blouberg and skip hire Helderberg.
Skip size questions
What size is a mini skip?
A mini skip holds 2m³, which is 2,000 litres or about 30 level wheelbarrow loads.
Is a cube the same as a cubic metre?
Yes. Builders call a cubic metre a cube. A 6m³ skip and a 6-cube skip are the same size.
How many wheelbarrows fit in an 8m³ skip?
About 120 level loads of a 65-litre wheelbarrow fit in an 8m³ maxi skip.
Darwin Skip Hire SA · Cape Town: Northern Suburbs, Blouberg & Helderberg