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.
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.
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.
