If you have never hired moving crates before then the idea is simple but the details can raise questions. When do they arrive? How long can you keep them? What happens if you are not ready when they come to collect?
This guide walks through how our crate hire works from booking to collection. We have kept it plain and practical so you know exactly what to expect.
The four steps
- You order. Choose a package or build your own order and pay online.
- We deliver. The crates arrive at your current address ready to pack.
- You pack and move. Fill the crates and fold the lids closed.
- We collect. Once you have unpacked we collect the crates from your new address.
Step 1: Choose what you need
Most people start with a package that matches their home size: Studio/1 Bedroom or 2 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom or 4-5 Bedroom. Each one includes a set number of small and medium and large crates plus dollies. You can add extras like wardrobe boxes and mattress bags and moving blankets to the same order.
Weekends are a popular time to move so it is worth securing your dates as early as you can.
Step 2: Pick your hire period and dates
The standard hire period is two weeks. Longer hire periods are available if you need more time to unpack. When you check out you select your delivery date and your final hire date.
- Delivery: We deliver on the day you select or up to five days earlier.
- Collection: Collection happens on your final hire date or up to five days after.
Pick the latest delivery date you can accommodate before your move.
Step 3: Payment
Payment is made online at the time of booking. We accept credit and debit cards and other secure online payment methods. Your booking is only confirmed once payment is received.
Step 4: Delivery day
The crates arrive clean and fully assembled. We clean and sanitise every crate between hires. Delivery fees are calculated automatically at checkout once you enter your address. Delivery covers Brisbane and the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast and Ipswich. See the Delivery and Collection page to check your area.
Someone needs to be there to receive the delivery. If that is not possible let us know when you book. The delivery location also needs safe access:
- A clear driveway or loading access
- Lift access for apartments where applicable
- Pets secured
Additional charges may apply where access delays or re-delivery are needed.
Step 5: Pack and move
Pack at your own pace. There is no tape or assembly. Stack the crates and use a dolly to move them. We provide removable labels so you do not need to write on the crates. Please avoid permanent marker and tape and stickers on the crates. Cleaning fees may apply if they come back marked or with adhesive residue.
Step 6: Collection day
After you have unpacked we collect the crates from your new address. Before collection day make sure every crate is fully emptied and stacked. If the crates are not ready at the agreed time a failed collection fee may apply and we will reschedule. Someone also needs to be present to hand the crates back.
What if I need the crates for longer?
Let us know before your scheduled collection and we will extend your hire. Additional hire fees apply and we confirm the cost before extending your booking. Extensions depend on crate availability so ask as early as you can.
What if a crate is lost or damaged?
You are responsible for the crates while they are with you. If a crate is lost or stolen or significantly damaged you will be charged the replacement cost per crate. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.
Crate sizes
| Size | Capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 45L | 530 x 320 x 320mm |
| Medium | 72L | 610 x 500 x 320mm |
| Large | 135L | 700 x 500 x 550mm |
We are the only heavy duty moving box supplier in Australia that rents 3 different sizes. That lets you match each crate to what you are packing.
Quick checklist before you book
- Know your home size or rough number of rooms.
- Pick your move date and a delivery date that suits you.
- Make sure someone can be home for delivery and collection.
- Check access: driveway or lift availability and parking.
- Plan enough hire time to finish unpacking.
Is crate hire right for your move?
Crate hire suits most local moves but it is worth being honest about where it fits best.
- A good fit: a local move around Brisbane or the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast or Ipswich where you want to skip taping and building boxes and avoid a pile of cardboard at the end.
- Think twice: if you cannot be home for delivery and collection or you need containers for many months of storage. Hired crates need to be returned.
- A mix works well: hired crates for heavy and fragile items and a few cardboard cartons for odd shapes.
An example timeline
This is an illustration only and not a real booking. Say your move is on a Saturday and you want to start packing early. You might select a delivery date that falls up to five days before the weekend so the crates arrive midweek. You pack each evening and move on Saturday. You then spend the following week unpacking. You choose a final hire date that gives you enough time to empty and stack every crate and we collect on that date or up to five days after.
Tips for first-time hirers
- Book early. Weekends are a popular time to move so lock in your dates as soon as you know them.
- Choose the latest delivery date you can accommodate. That way you do not have crates sitting around longer than you need.
- Allow time to unpack. The hire period needs to cover both packing and unpacking.
- Use the labels provided. They keep the crates in good condition for the next customer.
- Ask if you are unsure. If you are not sure which package suits your move choose the closest match to your home size or get in touch and we will help.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I keep the crates?
The standard hire period is two weeks. Longer hire periods are available. If you need more time let us know before your scheduled collection.
Do I need to be home for delivery and collection?
Yes. We ask that someone is present to receive and hand back the crates. If that is not possible tell us when you book.
How early can the crates arrive?
On the delivery date you select or up to five days before it.
What if I am not ready when you come to collect?
A failed collection fee may apply. We will reschedule. Make sure the crates are fully emptied and stacked.
Can I write on the crates?
Please use the removable labels. Permanent marker and tape and stickers are not allowed because cleaning fees may apply.
Where do you deliver?
Brisbane and the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast and Ipswich. Enter your postcode on the delivery page or get in touch if you are unsure.
Ready to book your crates?
Choose a package from the residential moving crate packages or read more on the Moving Crate Hire Brisbane page and the FAQ.
See the crate packages