Planning a renovation with lots of waste? You can compare skip hire prices in minutes, check permit guidance, and choose the right skip size.

1) Choose Your Temporary Kitchen Zone

Pick a space you can keep clean, powered and ventilated, with safe access to water.

Small homes and flats

• A corner of the living room or hallway with a folding table works well

• Prioritise proximity to a socket and a window

• Keep a clear walkway and an emergency exit route

Larger homes

• A spare room, garage or utility space gives you room for separate prep, cook and clean areas

• Covered patios can work in fair weather

• Use floor protection and a door curtain to keep dust contained

Good practice for every home

• Keep access to the bathroom and one dust-free room for sanity and health

• Agree a tidy-down routine with your builder at the end of each day

2) Pack a Minimal, Mighty Kit

You do not need a full kitchen to eat well. Focus on compact, multi-use gear.

Small appliances

• Microwave or toaster oven

• Single or double portable induction hob

• Slow cooker or multi-cooker for one-pot meals

• Electric kettle for hot drinks and quick noodles

Tools and cookware

• Chef’s knife, small paring knife, chopping board

• One lidded saucepan, one frying pan, one baking tray

• Heat-proof bowl, ladle, tongs, spatula

• Collapsible colander and nesting measuring cups

Space savers

• Lidded storage tubs that stack

• A rolling cart to move your “kitchen” as needed

• If you are time-pressed, consider compostable plates and cutlery to cut down washing up

3) Smart Food Storage When Space Is Tight

Small homes

• Mini-fridge for essentials

• Dry goods in labelled crates or a slim shelving unit

• A cooler with ice packs as overflow for drinks or dairy

Larger homes

• Garage or utility fridge-freezer as the main cold store

• A simple “pop-up pantry” with two shelves: top for daily items, bottom for bulk and appliances

Always

• Date and rotate perishables first

• Keep a “grab box” with tea, coffee, oil, salt, pepper, snacks

4) Where To Wash Up

Small homes

• Use a plastic wash-up basin for soapy water and rinse in the bathroom sink

• An over-sink drying rack saves space

• Line the route from temp kitchen to sink with a mat or towel to catch drips

Larger homes

• Utility or laundry sink is ideal

• Outdoors, a short hose and a folding table can handle big pots on dry days

• Dry thoroughly before bringing items back inside

5) Layout That Actually Flows

Think in three simple zones: Prep, Cook, Clean.

Compact layout

• Folding table = Prep

• Hob and microwave = Cook

• Basin and rack by the nearest sink = Clean

• Keep most-used items in a basket so they are always to hand

Roomy layout

• Separate surfaces for each zone to avoid cross-contamination

• Use cable ties and trunking to keep leads tidy and safe

• A rolling cart becomes your “station wagon” between zones

6) Easy Meal Planning That Works In Any Space

One-pot winners

• Soups, stews, chillies, curries, pasta with sauce

• Stir-fries with microwaveable rice

Batch and freeze

• Cook double portions in the multi-cooker and freeze flat in bags

• Label with name and date, then reheat in the microwave or oven

No-cook and low-cook

• Sandwich kits, salad bowls, cooked chicken and ready grains

• Breakfasts of yoghurt, fruit, oats and kettle-boiled eggs

7) Keep It Clean, Keep It Safe

Renovations generate dust and debris. Protect your food area and your lungs.

• Hang plastic sheeting or a zipped dust curtain between works and living areas

• Daily wipe-downs with a damp microfibre cloth catch fine dust better than dry wiping

• Store food and utensils in closed tubs

• Vacuum floors with a HEPA filter if you have one

• Plan escape routes and never block doors with boxes or appliances

8) Plan Waste And Deliveries The Easy Way

Renovations create waste fast. A well-placed skip keeps your home safer and tidier.

• Choose a size that suits your project: start with our 6 yard, 8 yard, 10 yard or 12 yard guides

• If the skip needs to go on a public road, you will likely need a council permit. Read our plain-English skip permit guide for what to expect and typical timeframes

• Book early, place close to the work area without blocking paths, and keep the lid or a cover on to reduce dust and debris

• Compare prices and book online any time with Skip Hire Comparison

Our tone and approach are designed to be reassuring, clear and genuinely helpful, so you can make informed decisions and keep life moving during works.

Quick Checklist

• Pick a cleanable, ventilated zone with power and water nearby

• Set three simple stations: Prep, Cook, Clean

• Build a minimal kit of multi-use tools and appliances

• Create a pop-up pantry and label everything

• Protect routes and one dust-free room for family comfort

• Plan one-pot meals and a small freezer batch

• Sort waste and permits early with Skip Hire Comparison

Final Thought

A temporary kitchen does not need to be perfect. It needs to be safe, simple and repeatable. With a minimal kit, a tidy layout and a plan for waste, you will keep the household running while you look forward to unveiling the new space. That is the Skip Hire Comparison way: clear guidance, friendly support, and practical solutions that make life easier.