Crate Hire London Costs

Renting plastic crates is usually structured around weekly hire fees per item. The final cost depends on the type and size of the crates you need. Here is a breakdown of standard rates in London for 2026:

1. Standard Lidded Crate (LC3 / 80-Litre)

The standard moving crate (LC3) is the most popular choice for domestic relocations and office packing. It costs between £1.20 and £1.80 per week to rent. It is perfect for packing files, books, kitchenware, clothes, and pantry items.

2. Large Lidded Crate (LC6 / 138-Litre)

Designed for bulky but lightweight items like towels, pillows, winter clothing, and larger plastic toys. These crates cost between £1.80 and £2.50 per week. Packing very heavy items in LC6 crates is not recommended as they become difficult to lift safely.

3. IT / Computer Crate (160-Litre)

Crucial for commercial relocations, these computer crates are designed to hold flat-screen monitors, keyboards, CPUs, and power supplies securely. They cost between £2.50 and £3.50 per week and feature extra protection properties.

Because plastic crates are rigid and bulky, you cannot pick them up in a standard passenger car. Crate hire companies operate dedicated delivery vans to drop off empty nested crates and collect them once you are done.

Standard delivery and collection fees in London range from £15 to £35 total, depending on your location and distance from the hire depot. Some providers offer free delivery for orders above a certain threshold (typically £100+). Ensure you factor these logistics fees into your overall budget.

To determine if crate rental is right for your budget, it is helpful to look at the hidden costs associated with traditional cardboard boxes compared to plastic crates.

The Hidden Cost of Cardboard

While a cardboard box might only cost £1.50 to £2.50 to buy, you also need to purchase heavy-duty packing tape (averaging £2.50 per roll) and bubble wrap. Furthermore, cardboard boxes often buckle or split under weight, potentially damaging fragile electronics or glassware inside. Finally, disposing of 40 cardboard boxes after a move can require paying for recycling bins or council disposal fees.

The True Value of Plastic Crates

Renting plastic crates eliminates the need for packing tape completely, as the interlocking lids seal shut instantly. Their strength guarantees that your belongings are protected from crushing, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds in damaged items. Best of all, once you unpack, the crates are collected directly from your home, leaving you with zero waste to clean up.

To keep your crate hire experience cost-effective, make sure you understand the hire terms and avoid standard penalty charges:

• Extension Fees: If you do not finish unpacking by your scheduled collection date, you will be charged for an extra week of hire. Try to book a realistic hire duration upfront (e.g., 2 weeks instead of 1).
• Lost or Damaged Crate Charges: Because crates are reused, companies charge replacement fees (usually £25 to £40 per crate) if any are lost or severely damaged. Keep them indoors and secure.
• Crate Cleaning Fees: Crates are cleaned and sanitized before delivery. If you use permanent markers or non-removable labels directly on the plastic, or return them filled with rubbish, you may face a cleaning fee. Always use removable labels on the designated label panels.
• Access Surcharges: If the delivery driver has to carry crates up several flights of stairs or walk long distances due to restricted parking, additional access charges may apply. Mention any access restrictions during booking.

Here is a guide to choosing a crate package size based on your specific property layout, detailing typical weekly costs including delivery.

1. 1-Bedroom Flat Package

Includes 20–30 Standard Crates, 50 moving labels, and security seals. Rental fee is approximately £40–£60 per week. Perfect for single professionals or small apartments.

2. 2-Bedroom Flat or House Package

Includes 40–50 Standard Crates, 100 moving labels, and security seals. Rental fee averages £60–£90 per week. This is the most common residential package booked in London.

3. 3-Bedroom Family House Package

Includes 60–80 Standard Crates, 150 moving labels, security seals, and 2 crate dollies for easy moving. Rental fee is approximately £90–£130 per week.