The short answer
Renting plastic crates in London averages £40 to £120+ per week depending on move size
Crate hire pricing in London is determined by standard weekly rental rates per crate, delivery and collection fees, and the hire duration. Standard 80-litre lidded crates cost approximately £1.20 to £1.80 per week each, with full packages for 2-bedroom flats averaging £60 to £90 per week including delivery.
- Standard lidded crates (LC3) cost between £1.20 and £1.80 per week to rent.
- A typical 1-bedroom flat package costs around £45–£65 per week.
- Delivery and collection fees across London typically range from £15 to £35 total.
- Renting plastic crates eliminates the cost of packing tape and cardboard disposal.
- Always plan for a 1-to-2 week rental period to give yourself enough time to unpack.
Crate Hire Rate Breakdown
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.
Delivery and Collection Fees
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.
Related reading: Moving Crates London: The Complete Guide to Hiring Crates and Is a Professional Packing Service Worth It When Moving in London?
Cost Comparison: Crates vs. Cardboard Boxes
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.
Estimating Crate Costs for Your Property
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.
Crate Pricing
Crate hire packages and pricing estimates (2026)
| Package Size | Crate Count | Ideal For | Est. Weekly Cost | Est. Delivery & Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small / Starter | 20 Crates | 1-Bed Flat / Student | £35 - £45 | £20 - £30 |
| Medium / Standard | 40 Crates | 2-Bed Flat / House | £60 - £75 | £20 - £30 |
| Large / Family | 60 Crates | 3-Bed House | £85 - £105 | £20 - £30 |
| Extra Large | 80+ Crates | 4+ Bed House | £110 - £140+ | FREE / Included |
| IT Relocation | 10 IT Crates | Office Relocations | £30 - £40 | £20 - £30 |
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy crates, but for a one-off move renting usually works out cheaper. Heavy-duty lidded crates cost roughly £15 to £25 each to buy, so a 2-bedroom move needing around 40 crates could cost £600–£1,000 upfront. A hire package for the same move is typically £60–£90, the crates are delivered and collected for you, and you are not left storing forty empty boxes afterwards. Buying only makes sense if you move often.
Usually, yes. Most London crate hire services let you move the delivery or collection date if you give around 24 to 48 hours' notice, which helps when a completion date slips. Before booking, check the hire terms for late-change or cancellation fees and ask whether the hire period restarts or simply extends. If your completion is uncertain, tell the provider at the start so they can book a date that is easy to adjust later.
Most standard crate hire packages include self-adhesive room labels and numbered plastic security seals, so you can see which crate goes where and whether it has been opened. Many providers also rent crate dollies, sometimes called skates, which let you wheel several stacked crates at once instead of carrying each one. Wardrobe boxes, IT crates and bubble wrap are usually extras, so confirm exactly what the package contains before comparing prices between companies.
Yes, it is usually sensible to order a slightly larger package than your first estimate. Having five or ten empty crates left over costs very little, while running out halfway through packing means a second delivery, a possible top-up fee and lost time close to moving day. Kitchens, books and children's rooms tend to need more crates than people expect, so count cupboards and shelves room by room before choosing a package size.
