Move Yourself Trailer Hire: Sizes, Costs & Requirements Guide

Anyone who’s ever tried to move a couch, a mattress, or an entire apartment knows the feeling: you need a trailer, but the options are endless and the rules confusing. Move Yourself Trailer Hire, with its massive 950+ depot network, promises a straightforward solution for DIY movers across Australia.

Depots: 950+ ·
Typical rental: 24 hours ·
Available types: enclosed, open, flatbed, car, box ·
Booking: online and in-person

Move Yourself Trailer Hire publishes five key facts worth knowing upfront.

What size trailer do you need for your move?

Five common trailer sizes, one key rule: match your load volume and vehicle capacity. A 6×12 cargo trailer handles a one-bedroom apartment, while a single mattress and box springs fit in a 4×7 utility trailer. Here’s the breakdown.

How to calculate the right trailer size for your home

1. Measure your largest furniture items (sofa, bed frame, dining table).
2. Add 20% for boxes and smaller items.
3. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual.

The pattern: a 6×12 trailer (2,500 lbs capacity) fits most 1-2 bedroom moves, according to Move.org (Move.org trailer size guide). For studio apartments, a 5×8 cargo trailer (1,800 lbs) is often enough.

Trailer size guide: 5’x8′, 6’x12′, 8’x20′ and what fits

The table below matches interior dimensions to typical household loads and daily costs.

Four sizes, one trend: most moves fall into the 5×8 or 6×12 sweet spot. A 20ft trailer is generally too large for small moves and requires a heavy-duty towing vehicle.

Is a 20ft U-Haul too big for a one-bedroom apartment?

Yes. A 20ft trailer (roughly 8×20 interior) is designed for 3-4 room houses. For a one-bedroom, you’d be paying for empty space and struggling with a large trailer that’s harder to maneuver and park. Move Yourself doesn’t list a 20ft option in its standard lineup, which is consistent with its focus on practical sizes for Australian DIY moves.

The implication: don’t size up “just in case.” A 6×12 trailer gives you room to breathe without overcomplicating the tow.

Do you need a license to drive a trailer?

Three countries, three different answers. The license you need depends on where you’re towing, and the trailer’s weight. Here’s the roadmap.

License requirements for towing a trailer in Ireland

• Trailers over 750kg require a category BE license (Citizens Information Ireland official guidance).
• Trailers under 750kg can be towed with a standard B license.

License requirements in Australia and the US

• In Australia, a standard car license allows towing up to 4.5t GVM with conditions (Austroads national licensing framework).
• In the US, license requirements vary by state; most allow trailers under 10,000 lbs GVWR with a standard license (DMV.org state-by-state license guide).

When you need a special endorsement or a separate trailer license

• If you passed your driving test after 1997 in the UK, you may need an additional test to tow a trailer over 750kg.
• Australia requires a heavy vehicle license for combinations over 4.5t.
• Some US states (like California) require non-commercial Class A for trailers over 10,000 lbs.

The pattern: for 95% of DIY movers renting a standard utility or cargo trailer, a standard license is enough. The gotcha? Always check your state or territory’s specific rules before hooking up.

The implication: one quick check of your local licensing body can save you a refused rental or a fine.

What is the best trailer rental company?

Three major players, one key difference: Move Yourself dominates Australia with 950+ depots, U-Haul rules North America, and Kennards focuses on equipment hire. The right choice depends entirely on your location and move type.

Move Yourself vs U-Haul vs Kennards: key differences

The table below highlights how the three companies compare across depot coverage, trailer range, and rental policies.

Best trailer rental company for long-distance moves

For interstate moves, U-Haul’s one-way network is the most extensive in the US. In Australia, Move Yourself offers one-way rentals at selected depots, which is a strong option if you’re moving between major cities. U-Pack also offers a no-tow alternative where you only pay for the space used (U-Pack one-way trailer guide).

Best trailer rental company for local moves

For local moves, availability matters most. Move Yourself’s 950+ Australian depots means there’s likely one near you. Kennards is great for short-duration equipment hire, but their trailers are smaller. Kennards doesn’t offer one-way rentals, so you must return to the same depot.

The trade-off: Move Yourself’s family-owned service and massive depot network make it the default for Australian DIY movers. U-Haul wins in North America, but for Australians, Move Yourself is the practical choice.

What do you need to hire a trailer?

Four things: a valid license, a credit card, a bond deposit, and a tow hitch that fits. Move Yourself requires proof of identification and a bond, which is standard across the industry.

Documents and identification required

• Valid driver’s license (full or provisional, depending on company).
• Proof of address (sometimes required).
• For Move Yourself: bond and identification (Move Yourself official website).

Deposit and payment methods

• Credit card is the standard; cash deposits are rarely accepted (Extra Space Storage moving guide).
• Debit cards may be restricted or require additional hold.
• Bond amounts vary by company and trailer size.

Insurance and damage waivers

• Personal auto insurance rarely covers rental trailers (Extra Space Storage insurance warning).
• Collision damage waiver costs $15–$28 per day.
• Move Yourself offers optional insurance at booking.

Why this matters: don’t assume your car insurance covers the trailer. A $15 daily damage waiver is cheaper than paying for a scratched panel out of pocket.

How to tow safely: the 60/40 rule and weight distribution

One rule: 60% of the load’s weight goes in the front half of the trailer. That keeps the tongue weight at 10-15% of total trailer weight, which is the sweet spot for stable towing (NHTSA towing safety guidance).

What is the 60/40 rule for trailers?

• 60% of the load weight in the front half, 40% in the rear half.
• Proper tongue weight is 10-15% of total trailer weight.
• Too little tongue weight causes sway; too much pushes the tow vehicle’s rear down.

How to load a trailer for safe towing

1. Place heaviest items (appliances, furniture) over the trailer axle.
2. Secure items with ratchet straps to prevent shifting.
3. Balance side-to-side to avoid lopsided loading.

Preventing trailer sway: hitches and weight distribution bars

• Trailer sway is caused by improper weight distribution (60/40 violation) or excessive speed (Consumer Reports towing safety tips).
• Weight distribution hitches improve stability for heavy loads (over 2,000 lbs).
• Anti-sway bars can further reduce fishtailing.

The implication: a poorly loaded trailer is dangerous at highway speeds. Spend 10 minutes on loading strategy, not just speed.

The pattern: safe towing is 80% loading and 20% driving — get the first part right and the second part follows.

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Quotes from Move Yourself Trailer Hire

“Hiring a trailer with Move Yourself Trailer Hire is as easy as hook, click, and go!”

— Move Yourself Trailer Hire (official website)

“Car won’t move? Grab a mate, hook up a trailer, and you’re sorted.”

— Move Yourself Trailer Hire social media team (official Facebook page)

Two quotes, one theme: Move Yourself pitches itself as the straightforward, matey option for Australian DIY moving. No fuss, just a trailer and a tow bar.

For a detailed breakdown of sizes and requirements, check the Move Yourself trailer hire guide published by Australia Current.

Frequently asked questions

For Australian DIY movers, the choice is clear: Move Yourself Trailer Hire offers the depot density and family-owned service that makes it the practical default, provided you check your vehicle’s towing capacity and load the trailer properly — or you’ll be stuck with U-Haul’s smaller local network or Kennards’ limited trailer options.

Related reading

• Bike Rack Car Guide — hitch types and weight considerations for vehicle attachments
• How to Stop Car from Fogging Up — vehicle prep tips for winter driving with a trailer