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Frequently asked questions

Everything people usually ask before they book. If yours isn’t here, send us a note and we’ll answer it.

Booking

Two days is the minimum, and the booking calendar won't offer anything sooner. Further out is safer in summer and at the end of the month, when most people move and our totes get spoken for.

It means our totes are already committed for that stretch. Try a different delivery day, or a smaller package. The calendar updates as you change either.

Message us as early as you can and we'll move you if the totes are free. Changes inside 48 hours of delivery are harder, because the truck is already scheduled.

The packages are sized by home: 20 for a studio up to 100 for five bedrooms and up. If you're between sizes, take the larger one. Running out mid-pack is worse than a few spare totes.

Delivery and pickup

Usually not. Agree a drop spot with us in advance (a porch, garage, carport, or side gate all work), and make sure we can reach it.

We'll be in touch to agree a window rather than making you wait all day.

Yes, and that's the normal case for a move. You enter both addresses at booking. If either is outside our free zone there's a small per-trip fee, shown before you pay.

Tell us before the day and we'll reschedule. If we arrive and the totes aren't ready or we can't reach them, a wasted-trip fee applies.

The totes

About as much as a large moving box: 27 by 17 by 12 inches outside, 18.75 gallons, 2.5 cubic feet. The container is rated by its maker to 500 pounds and stacks five high, which is why a loaded stack holds its shape. That rating is the tote's strength, not a packing target: keep what you put inside to about 50 pounds so it stays safe to lift.

Yes, a tote dolly comes with every order at no charge and goes back with the totes.

Every tote is washed and inspected between rentals and arrives with its lid on. If one turns up short of that, tell us and we'll swap it.

For the length of your rental, yes. They're weatherproof and stack securely. If you need them longer than four weeks, talk to us before you book.

Paying and canceling

In full when you book, through Stripe. Nothing is charged before you confirm on the payment page.

So we can charge the specific amounts in the rental agreement if totes don't come back, come back damaged, or come back late. Those amounts are listed in section 5 of the agreement, and we email you an itemised explanation before charging anything.

Full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before delivery. Inside that window but before delivery, we refund 50%. Once the totes are delivered the rental price is set, even if you finish early.

Ready when you are

Pick your dates and we’ll bring the totes. Still weighing it up? Run the numbers first.

The full terms are in our rental agreement, or email us at hello@chicototerentals.com.