Cardboard Boxes vs. Plastic Crate Hire in North London: Which Saved My Move?

Evan Lever
woman packing crate

Moving home across North London—whether navigating a steep Victorian conversion in Camden, a terraced townhouse in Islington, or a suburban family house in Barnet—presents unique packing challenges. Beyond securing removal vans and parking permits, one critical decision impacts your moving day efficiency: Should you buy cardboard moving boxes or hire reusable plastic crates?

This guide breaks down costs, durability, weather protection, and logistics to help you choose the best option for your move.

Cardboard Boxes vs. Plastic Crates: Quick Comparison

Feature
 Cardboard Boxes
 Heavy-Duty Plastic Crates
Durability
 Prone to tearing, crushing, and bottom blowouts
 Stackable, rigid, and crush-proof
Weather Resistance
 Weakens when exposed to rain or damp conditions
 100% waterproof heavy-duty plastic
Packing Efficiency
 Requires assembly and heavy packaging tape
 Ready to use instantly; integrated lid seals
Post-Move Cleanup
 Time-consuming breaking down and recycling
 Collected directly from your home when unpacked
Environmental Impact
 Single-use or limited reuse cycle
 Reusable hundreds of times (Zero Waste)

3 Reasons Plastic Crate Hire Works Best for North London Moves

1. Zero Assembly and No Packing Tape Needed

Cardboard boxes require assembly, bottom reinforcement, and heavy taping. Standard 70-litre plastic moving crates feature interlocked attached lids. You simply open the lid, pack your items, seal it closed, and stack.

2. Protection Against Rain and Narrow Stairs

London weather is unpredictable. Rain can weaken cardboard boxes during transit between your front door and the removal van, risking crushed contents. Heavy-duty polypropylene plastic crates protect books, electronics, and kitchenware from damp conditions. Additionally, rigid plastic handles make carrying loads up narrow North London staircases significantly safer.

3. No Post-Move Cardboard Clutter

After moving into a new home, breaking down 40 cardboard boxes and waiting for local council recycling collections creates unnecessary clutter. With North London Crate Hire, empty crates are collected directly from your doorstep once you have unpacked.

How Plastic Crate Hire Works

[ 1. Select Package ] ➔ [ 2. Direct Doorstep Delivery ] ➔ [ 3. Pack & Move ] ➔ [ 4. Collection ]

  1. Choose Your Package: Select a package based on property size (e.g., 1-Bed Flat, 3-Bed House, or custom desk counts).
  2. Doorstep Delivery: Heavy-duty nested crates and moving dollies (crate Dollies) are delivered directly to your door.
  3. Pack & Move: Move at your own pace over a standard 1 to 2-week hire window.
  4. Free Collection: Once unpacked, empty crates are collected from your home or office.

How Many Crates Do You Need?

  • 1-Bedroom Flat: 20 Crates + 1 Moving Dolly
  • 2-Bedroom House / Flat: 30–40 Crates + 2 Moving Dollies
  • 3-Bedroom Family Home: 50–60 Crates + 3 Moving Dollies
  • Office Relocations: 1.5 to 2 Crates per employee desk

Frequently Asked Questions

Which North London areas do you deliver to?

Delivery and collection services cover the following areas Aldenham
Barnet
Borehamwood
Burnt Oak
Bushey
Bushey Heath
Cockfosters
Colindale
Edgware
Elstree
Finchley Central
Friern Barnet
Hadley Wood
Harrow Weald
Hatfield
Hendon
High Barnet
London Colney
Mill Hill
New Barnet
New Southgate
North Finchley
Potters Bar
Radlett
Shenley
South Mimms
Southgate
St Albans
Stanmore
Totteridge
Watford
Whetstone

What if I need the crates for extra time?

Rental extensions can be added on a weekly basis by contacting our customer service team prior to your collection date.

Book Your North London Crate Hire Today

Skip the cardboard hassle and protect your belongings. [Click here to view crate hire packages and reserve your delivery slot today.]