Damage & Loss Policy

1. Cleaning is our job, not yours

Crate Minds cleans and sanitizes every crate, lid, and dolly between moves. You are never charged a cleaning fee, and you are not required to wash, wipe down, or disinfect the Equipment before pickup.

All we ask is that you empty the crates and remove tape, stickers, and personal labels. Normal dirt, dust, and scuffs from an ordinary move are expected and are never billed to you.

2. Normal wear and tear

Scratches, scuffs, faded markings, and surface marks from ordinary moving use are normal wear and tear. They are covered by your rental fee and are not charged back to you.

3. Damage that is charged

Damage beyond normal wear and tear is billed at replacement cost. This includes cracked or broken walls, snapped hinges or lids, warping from heat, burns, chemical or paint damage, contamination that renders a crate unusable, and bent or broken dolly frames or wheels.

Current replacement rates: $45 per crate, $30 per lid or hinge assembly, $95 per dolly. These rates are reviewed periodically and the rate in effect on your delivery date applies.

4. Missing or unreturned Equipment

Equipment not returned at pickup is billed at the replacement rates above after we have contacted you and given you a reasonable chance to return it, generally seven days.

If Equipment is later returned in usable condition within 30 days of being billed, we refund the replacement charge.

5. How charges are handled

We inspect and photograph any damaged Equipment at pickup. If a charge applies, we email you an itemized summary with photos before charging the payment method on file.

If you disagree with an assessment, reply to that email within 14 days and we will review it with you. Disputes are handled by a person, not automatically. Email cratemindsthinkalike@gmail.com.

6. Theft and loss during your rental

You are responsible for the Equipment from delivery until pickup, including loss from theft, fire, flood, or damage at your residence. Your renter's or homeowner's insurance may cover rented equipment; check your policy if that matters to you.