Cut down on the costs of moving interstate by doing it yourself. Well, the loading, at least!
Budget self-pack moves are quickly becoming the best way to move long distance without having to sacrifice your savings just to get your stuff to your new home.
Self-pack moves, also known as container transport or container moves, means means that you are responsible for packing your own belongings while a transport company will deliver your container from A to B.
While you load and unload the container with your items, such as your furniture and boxes, a container transport company will pick up and drop off the container and deliver it to your new destination. It's a win-win for a number of reasons and an affordable way to move house on a budget.
If you are looking for container transport, start your search for affordable self-pack quotes with Best Rated Transport.
Best Rated Transport can provide you with quotes from trusted transporters that specialise in self-pack moves.
We are an online transportation comparison platform, specialising in all transport requirements, including furniture removals, car transport, container transport, general freight and heavy machinery and farm equipment transport.
Whether you have your own container, need to hire a container or are simply exploring your options, find your best rate right here with Best Rated Transport.
Self-pack moving means that you are responsible for the loading and unloading of your goods. This allows you to pack your container in your own time at your own pace and only pay for the transport of the container.
Unlike a full-service removalist, you won’t be charged for loading and unloading and thus this can be a really affordable way to move. Moving prices, like everything else, are on the rise and self-pack moves are a great way to cut down on the costs of moving especially if you are happy to pack your contents yourself.
With a self-pack move, the transport company is responsible for transporting your contents (fuel and insurance is generally included in this fee) but you will be responsible for:
- Packing supplies such as boxes, blankets, etc
- The packing of the container and the unpacking of the container
- Any permit fees to park the container
Bonus: With a self-pack move, you are also loading and unloading the stuff which can be a great workout - buns of steel, here you come.
The main benefit of DIY moves is often they are a lot cheaper than using a full service removalist company, especially if you’re moving interstate or to a regional or remote location.
Many removalists won't travel to remote and regional areas which is a shame. Best Rated Transport specialises in regional container transport so even if you are heading to, let's say, Weipa, or Mt Isa, we can assist in finding you with regional interstate transport.
Self-pack moves also allow you to move at your own pace and handle your contents yourself. General container transport hire allows you to keep the container for 30 days. We recommend having it at each location for 10 days with 10 days for transport. This gives you 10 days on either side to remove your contents and allows for a more relaxed loading and unloading process.
This depends on how much stuff you have.
For a medium-furnished three bedroom house or smaller, we would recommend a 20ft container.
For a heavily-furnished three bedroom house or larger, go with a 40ft container.
How long will it take you to pack your container? Here is a basic guideline.
Small Container (10-20 feet): If you’re packing a smaller container, you might need a day or two to sort and pack everything efficiently.
Medium Container (20-40 feet): For a medium-sized container, giving yourself a weekend or a few days is advisable. This allows you to organize items, pack them securely, and ensure nothing is forgotten.
Large Container (40 feet and above): For larger containers, especially if you’re packing a whole house or multiple rooms, plan for at least a week or more. The more organised you are, the less stressful the packing will be.
The cost to buy a shipping container outright will depend on the location as well as the size and condition.
Buying a Used Container:
-20-foot Standard Container: Approximately $3,000 to $5,000
-40-foot Standard Container: Approximately $5,000 to $8,000
You may be able to find containers for cheaper through secondhand marketplace sites such as Facebook or Gumtree.
Buying a New Container:
- 20-foot Standard Container: Around $6,000 to $8,000.
- 40-foot Standard Container: Around $9,000 to $12,000.
If you don’t have your own container (and most don't), you can hire one to help with your move or whatever else you need a container for.
Typical container hire fees are by the month:
- 20-foot Standard Container: Typically $100 to $150 per month.
- 40-foot Standard Container: Generally $150 to $250 per month.
If you are looking to hire a container to move, then many container transport companies will include the hire fee as part of the transport costs.
The cost to move a shipping container will depend on a number of factors with distance being a big one. After all, the longer the distance, the more fuel will be needed.
Container transport quotes include fuel and insurance so this isn’t something you need to add-on to your quote.
Here’s a breakdown of potential costs for moving a shipping container in Australia
- 20ft Container: Cost Estimate: $1,200 - $3,000
- 40ft Container: Cost Estimate: $2,000 - $4,500
Example Routes:
- Container transport Sydney to Melbourne: 20ft: $1,200 - $1,800/ 40ft: $2,000 - $3,000
- Container transport Sydney to Brisbane:20ft: $1,300 - $1,900/ 40ft: $2,200 - $3,200
- Container transport Melbourne to Brisbane: 20ft: $1,400 - $2,000/ 40ft: $2,400 - $3,500
Permit Fees: If you are placing a container in your yard while you pack your belongings, you may be required to pay for a permit through your local council. If you are parking the container in your driveway, then no permit is required but if you are on the road, then you will need a permit.
-Local Council Permits: $50 - $200
- Road Access Permits: $50 - $150
Be sure to check with your local council if you live in a city or urban area as the fees can escalate quite quickly in these instances.
Packing Supplies and Forklift Hire: You may want to look into getting a forklift or a trolley to assist you with moving larger items. You will also need to purchase boxes (or look into getting these second hand) as well as protective coverings for your furniture. Blankets work well if you happen to have a linen closet of doona covers.
Insurance: You may want to look into contents insurance for your items.
At Best Rated Transport you can compare container transport AND removalists on the same platform. Access quotes for both move types and see which one is your best choice.
Q: How Does Self Pack Container Transport Work?
Once you have decided on a budget self-pack for your move, what happens next? This will depend on a few things. If you have your own container, you may not need to worry about the initial delivery to your property and instead will just require pick-up. However, many people looking for pack yourself moving containers will hire the container which is a little bit different.
Here's how self pack container transport works:
Delivery: The delivery truck will arrive with the container and use a hydraulic system or crane to place it in the designated spot. The truck driver will need enough space to maneuver, so ensure the area is clear.
Packing: Once the container is in place, you’ll have the time you’ve allocated to pack it. If you’re packing yourself, remember to balance the weight distribution and secure items to prevent shifting during transit.
Pick-Up: After packing, you’ll schedule a pick-up. The same truck (or a different one, depending on logistics) will return to retrieve the container. The driver will use the same equipment to lift and load the container onto the truck.
Transport: The container will be transported to your new location or storage facility. Depending on the distance and the transport company, this could take a few hours to several days.
Unloading: Upon arrival at the new location, the container will be placed in the designated spot. You can then begin the process of unpacking.
Q: How do I prepare large furniture for long-distance transport?
Dismantle all furniture before packing — it's a bit like a game of Tetris, so sketch a simple drawing of how you'd like everything packed. Use mattresses to separate larger items and ensure all pieces are labelled clearly for reassembly at the destination. Best Rated Transport's free moving coordination includes inventory assistance — get started free at bestratedtransport.com.au.
Q: How do I protect large furniture during long-distance transport?
Use protective coverings for all furniture — blankets work well if you have a linen closet of doona covers. You may also want to look into getting a forklift or a trolley to assist with moving larger items. Tape up drawers on furniture with painter's tape — it won't damage the surface. Remove light bulbs from lamps before packing as they break easily in transit.
Q: Should I disassemble large furniture before long-distance transport?
Yes — always. Dismantle all furniture before packing into a container or truck. For self-pack container moves, a simple room-by-room packing sketch helps you plan how dismantled pieces fit together efficiently — especially useful when other people are helping you load. Keep all screws, bolts, and hardware in clearly labelled zip-lock bags taped to the furniture item they belong to.
Q: What size truck or container do I need for large furniture long-distance transport?
A 20ft container (33.1 cubic metres) typically accommodates a 2–3 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings — including a 3-seater sofa, dining table, queen bed, washing machine, and approximately 100–150 boxes. A 40ft container offers double the space (67.5 cubic metres) and is better for heavily furnished 3-bedroom homes or larger.
Q: How do I prepare fragile or high-value large furniture for long-distance transport?
Use foam inserts or packing peanuts to fill gaps inside boxes. For fine china or artwork, use specialty dish packs or picture boxes. Opt for bubble or foam wrap rather than newspaper — newspaper doesn't provide adequate protection. Always disclose high-value items when requesting quotes through Best Rated Transport so appropriate specialty insurance is included.
Q: How do I pack a container with large furniture for long-distance transport?
Check you have a clear space for the container on even ground close to the house — ensure enough space for the truck to safely unload and load. Position the container doors facing your garage if possible. Load heaviest items first against the container walls, use mattresses as dividers between large pieces, and fill gaps with boxes to prevent movement in transit.
Q: Is large furniture insured during long-distance transport?
Contents insurance for items in transit is recommended. Blankets and protective coverings reduce physical damage risk but insurance covers you for loss or damage during the journey. Every transport partner on Best Rated Transport holds verified insurance — and specialty transit insurance for high-value furniture is available as an add-on when requesting your free quote.
Q: Should I use a professional removalist or self-pack container for large furniture transport?
Full-service professional removalists are the easiest option for large furniture — but for long-distance moves, container transport can be significantly cheaper. It all depends on where you are moving to and from. Compare both options to determine which is the most affordable for your specific move. Best Rated Transport is the only platform in Australia where you can compare both in one free search at bestratedtransport.com.au.
Compare Interstate Self-Pack Moves
Of course, container transport isn’t just for moves. Container transport is also an excellent way to move general goods, equipment and supplies.
If you are after budget self-pack move quotes or container transport quotes, then put your details in below to get started. Compare for free, no credit card or login needed and find the best rate for your budget self-pack move.
You can also contact us directly on 1 300 339 140 to speak to our team of transport experts.
