7 Best Moving Container Companies of 2024
Here’s the quick answer: Based on our research, our top recommendations for the best storage and moving container companies are U-Pack for the best overall value and PODS for its nationwide availability.
At moveBuddha, we’ve reviewed dozens of moving container options by talking to real-life customers through our Better Moves Project, reviewing third-party evaluations, and focusing on factors like each company’s price, services, and availability to determine our rankings for the best moving container companies.
|
|
|
|
Keep reading to delve into all of our top picks so you can choose the best moving container company for your upcoming move.
The Best Moving Containers of 2024
After reviewing dozens of moving container options, here are our top picks if you’re considering this type of move.
- Best nationwide coverage: PODS
- Best overall value: U-Pack
- Best for large moves: MovingYourself
- Most container options: 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Best for city-to-city moves: Zippy Shell
- Best for college students: U-Box by U-Haul
- Best for price matching: SMARTBOX Portable Storage
PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Pros and Cons
- Available in 46 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in AK, MT, ND, WY)
- Allows 30 days for loading and unloading
- Multiple insurance coverage plans are available
- Online shipment tracking
- Local and long-distance moving options
- New customer discounts
- No online quotes for long-distance moves
- Pricing can be higher than competitors
- Reservations need to be made in advance during summer (peak moving season)
Why we chose PODS
PODS invented the portable storage container in 1998 and has been an industry leader in containerized moving and storage ever since. While their brand name can sometimes come with a higher price tag, their experience performing nearly four million deliveries and widespread availability makes them one of the best in the industry.
Container Sizes
There’s a lot to love about PODS, especially their three container sizes, flexible storage options, and local and long-distance moving and storage services. If you’re moving locally (within 50 miles), you can use an eight-, 12- or 16-foot container. The 12-foot container is only available for local moves, however. If you’re moving further than 50 miles, you must opt for one of the other two container sizes.
| Container Sizes | 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot |
|---|---|
| Container Material | Steel frame, weather-resistant polymer siding |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | No |
| Capacity | 402–835 cubic feet, 4,200–5,200 pounds |
All container rentals allow for open-ended monthly storage. You can store your containers on your property or at a nearby PODS storage facility.
PODS is a particularly good option if you’re staging a home or need a lot of time for loading or unloading. They also offer additional insurance options and third-party moving labor to help load your container.
PODS cost
PODS’ cost is often higher than competitors, especially if a PODS location is more than 50 miles away from your location. They can also book up fast due to their popularity. However, the company is known for routinely offering discounts and promos that can significantly bring pricing down to below other moving container companies.
For example, PODS is giving new customers the following now through Aug. 12 on local and long-distance moves when you book through our moving cost calculator:
- 25% off initial delivery
- 25% off the first month’s rental
- 25% off redelivery and final pickup
Long-distance customers will also get an additional 10% off transport (on top of the 25% off deals) through Aug. 12.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $225–$435 | $300–$650 | $330–$830 |
| < 250 miles | $459–$845 | $760–$1,970 | $930–$2,130 |
| Cross-country | $2,110–$4,110 | $3,060–$4,960 | $5,550–$7,600 |
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack: Best overall value
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Pros and Cons
- Only pay for the space you use
- Fast delivery time frames
- Monthly storage available for ReloCubes
- Online quotes and shipment tracking
- Only one container size available
- No local moving options
- Only three days to load/unload the container
Why we chose U-Pack
With widespread availability, transparent pricing, instant online quotes, and an only-pay-for-what-you-use system, U-Pack tops our list of the cheapest moving container companies, providing the best overall value.
As a well-established leader in the DIY moving space, U-Pack offers two shipping options: their eight-foot ReloCube storage containers and a 28-foot moving trailer. You can order multiple ReloCubes for your move if needed.
With both options, you only pay for the space you use — meaning you won’t pay for empty space on the trailer or for any ReloCubes you don’t end up using.
Container sizes
| Container Sizes | 8-foot ReloCubes, 28-foot trailers |
|---|---|
| Container Material | Steel |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | No |
| Capacity | 308 cubic feet, 2,500 pounds (ReloCubes); 1,944 cubic feet, 22,500 pounds (trailer) |
U-Pack cost
U-Pack tends to consistently beat the competition on pricing for moves of around 250 miles, and offers good prices for longer distances, as well. We like U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box, another leader in the moving container industry. You can easily get a quote using our moving cost calculator to see how they compare.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| < 250 miles | $945–$1,430 | $1,075–$1,665 | $1,225–$1,925 |
| Cross-country | $1,485–$2,570 | $2,420–$3,885 | $3,535–$6,635 |
Better Moves participants take
Better Moves Project participants like Chloe and Ryan offer consistent praise for U-Pack’s moving process thanks to the company’s quality communication, accurate and transparent pricing, and timely deliveries.
While U-Pack serves the entire continental U.S., as well as Puerto Rico and Canada, they do not handle local moves. U-Pack only offers three days each to load and unload your moving container. Storage is available, but only at off-site locations.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
MovingYourself: Best for large moves
- Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
- Only pay for the truck space you use
- Offers vehicle shipping
Pros and Cons
- Only pay for the space you use on a 532-foot truck
- Can ship your vehicle inside the trailer
- Comprehensive estimates with no hidden fees
- Available in most locations throughout the continental U.S.
- Only provides three days to load/unload the moving truck
- Does not service in-state moves
- No packing supplies available for purchase
Why we chose MovingYourself
For moves that are larger than what moving containers can hold, MovingYourself is a great DIY moving solution. Rather than renting a container, you only pay for the space you use on a moving truck driven by professional movers. If you’ve got a lot of items to relocate, MovingYourself’s 53-foot trucks provide ample room. If you don’t use all that space, you won’t be charged for it!
Container sizes
This makes MovingYourself hard to beat for large moves. The trailer comes equipped with all the moving pads, straps, and dollies you’ll need. You can even transport a car in the trailer directly with your home goods.
| Container Sizes | 22-foot and 53-foot moving trucks |
|---|---|
| Container Material | Metal |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | No |
| Capacity | Varies |
For smaller moves, MovingYourself also has smaller moving trucks that are 22 feet in length. Whatever truck size you choose, you’ll load it up and they’ll drive everything to your destination.
Like many other moving container companies, MovingYourself only offers up to three days to load and unload. In addition, the company doesn’t provide local moves or instant online quotes.
MovingYourself cost
MovingYourself requires customers to submit a contact form for a callback or contact them directly during business hours. Estimates include sales tax, fees, and toll charges, so you won’t be hit with any hidden fees. Once you confirm your quote, it’s guaranteed for that amount.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| < 250 miles | $1,130–$1,330 | $1,250–$1,740 | $1,425–$2,155 |
| Cross-country | $1,055–$2,555 | $1,925–$3,225 | $2,950–$4,755 |
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best container options
- Barn-style container doors make packing easier
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- $10k insurance included with option to purchase more
- Free lock provided for container door
Pros and Cons
- Can add third-party packing services
- Price matches competitors
- Several insurance options
- Eight-, 12-, and 16-foot container sizes with all-steel construction
- Climate-controlled storage facilities
- No online quotes
- Only has physical locations in 34 states, so availability may be limited elsewhere
- Adds a per-mile fuel surcharge that can make cross-country moves more expensive
Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT is a leader in the moving container space, thanks to its sturdy steel containers, competitive prices, and multiple container sizes and insurance options.
Container sizes
1-800-PACK-RAT offers the same container size options as PODS: eight-, 12-, and 16- feet. While many competitors have plastic or wood-constructed containers, 1-800-PACK-RAT containers have steel frames, walls, and doors.
The metal construction provides weather resistance, so you don’t have to worry about your things getting wet, moldy, or mildewy during storage. This degree of protection makes 1-800-PACK-RAT an excellent choice if you’re moving antiques or specialty items.
1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers make moving less hassle by offering door-to-door local and long-distance container services. The containers feature barn-style doors, making loading and unloading easier than elevated containers with ramps.
| Container Sizes | 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot |
|---|---|
| Container Material | All-steel construction |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | Yes (at some locations) |
| Capacity | 404–830 cubic feet, 4,000–6,000 pounds |
Plus, the door design increases the usable space inside the container so you can fit more stuff. For example, when Desmond rented one of the company’s 16-foot containers, he was easily able to fit the contents of his three-bedroom, 2,000-square foot home.
All containers come with 30 days of storage included in the base price. You can store the container on your property or at a 1-800-PACK-RAT storage facility, some of which are climate-controlled.
State Availability
However, the company only has physical locations in 34 states and Washington, D.C. You can find PACK-RAT in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Despite this, the company says it can accommodate moves in all 50 states, but storage facility availability near you may be limited. If you don’t live in one of the states with a PACK-RAT branch, we recommend contacting the company directly to ensure they can handle your relocation and storage request.
1-800-PACK-RAT cost
PACK-RAT costs range from a couple hundred dollars for a local move to close to $7,000 for a long-distance relocation. With local moving and storage, you’ll pay rental and delivery fees once the company drops off your container. Cross-country moves require a $500 deposit, due about five days before container delivery.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $180–$535 | $220–$650 | $350–$820 |
| < 250 miles | $500–$950 | $710–$1,960 | $1,055–$3,470 |
| Cross-country | $1,230–$3,825 | $2,420–$4,635 | $5,125–$6,925 |
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Zippy Shell: Best for city-to-city moves
- Available for local and long distance moves
- Street legal containers perfect for city parking
- Innovative metal cage containers that promote airflow
- Expedited and guaranteed delivery options
Pros and Cons
- Street-legal containers are perfect for city parking
- Expedited and guaranteed delivery options
- Multiple insurance choices
- Innovative metal cage containers that promote airflow
- Available for both local and long-distance moves
- Internal space of containers is slightly smaller than competitors
- Only three days to load/unload the container
- Only available in 34 states and Washington, D.C.
Why we chose Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell is changing the way people move from city to city with its innovative, metal cage containers that make parking on busy city streets easy. Their containers are street-legal and can be parked just like cars, removing a lot of permitting headaches. This makes the company a great option for young professionals relocating within a big city or from one metropolitan area to another.
Container sizes
The company offers 10-foot and 15-foot containers, as well as, a 22-foot trailer. The internal capacity of the containers is slightly smaller than competitors, so be sure to compare sizes when evaluating Zippy Shell vs. PODS and other top companies.
We like that Zippy Shell makes it relatively easy to add loading and unloading help, and their base package includes 30 days of storage. They also have several insurance options to protect your goods in case of an accident.
| Container Sizes | 10-foot and 15-foot; 22-foot trailer |
|---|---|
| Container Material | All-steel construction |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | Yes (at some locations) |
| Capacity | 420–680 cubic feet, 3,500–5,500 pounds |
Each of the company’s three insurance plans — Standard, Plus, and Premium — come with $50,000 in coverage, but with varying deductibles. The Standard plan comes with no added cost but has a $5,000 deductible. The Plus plan cuts that deductible in half for a fee of $149, and the Premium plan has a $1,500 deductible but costs an additional $399.
State availability
Like 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell is only available in 34 states and Washington, D.C. Zippy Shell can be found in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
You cannot get an instant quote online, and their customer reviews aren’t as strong as other moving container companies.
Zippy Shell cost
Zippy Shell doesn’t offer online quotes, but you can fill out a form with your information to receive a personalized estimate by email.
You can also call the customer service number at 1-888-947-7974 to receive a quote over the phone. Zippy Shell calculates costs by considering the storage container size and distance for a given move.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $190–$240 | $300–$630 | $350–$750 |
| < 250 miles | $500–$920 | $730–$1,600 | $1,100–$3,100 |
| Cross-country | $1,800–$3,900 | $2,800–$4,500 | $5,200–$7,000 |
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Haul U-Box: Best for college students
- Most locations nationwide
- Store at your residence or a U-Haul location
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- One month of storage included
Pros and Cons
- Has the most locations nationwide
- 24 furniture pads included
- Multiple insurance options
- One month of storage included at your residence or a U-Haul location
- Instant pricing and checkout online
- One of the smallest moving cubes on the market
- Larger moves can require 4+ containers
- The container is made out of wood
Why we chose U-Haul
Yes, even the truck rental giant U-Haul has gotten into the portable storage container game with its very own U-Box wooden container.
While not the highest-quality or largest container option on the market, U-Haul boasts a huge number of locations and very competitive pricing, making it a good choice for college students and others like Jamon or Nancy who are planning a smaller move without many high-value items.
Container sizes
We can’t get over how easy U-Haul’s website makes it to book a moving container. It’s one of the best booking experiences in the moving and storage industry.
| Container Sizes | 8-foot containers only |
|---|---|
| Container Material | Plywood and weather-resistant cover |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | No |
| Capacity | 257 cubic feet, 2,000 pounds |
The company also has more locations than any other company, making it easy to find a local store.
U-Haul’s container has the smallest internal dimensions of any moving container on the market and is made out of fairly thin wood. It’s certainly not the most durable option, since most competitors use steel or metal for their containers. We have seen complaints about the containers falling apart and water damage.
U-Haul U-Box cost
From our research, U-Box pricing is almost always very competitive with other container options. For college students and others on a tight budget and looking for the most affordable way to ship, U-Box is definitely worth looking into. In less than 30 seconds, you can get a price from U-Haul’s website for pretty much any interstate move.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $115–$215 | $210–$390 | $390–$780 |
| < 250 miles | $830–$1,160 | $1,330–$1,975 | $1,750–$2,440 |
| Cross-country | $960–$2,055 | $1,660–$2,555 | $1,955–$3,555 |
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
SMARTBOX Portable Storage: Best for price matching
- Store at your home or at a facility
- Great price matching policy
- Free container locks for interstate moves
Pros and Cons
- Local and long-distance moving options
- Free container locks for interstate moves
- Very competitive pricing, with a notable price-matching policy
- Long-term container rental is available
- Only services roughly 50 metro areas
- Strict cancellation policy
- Small wooden container only
Why we choose SMARTBOX
In business since 2002, SMARTBOX is all about providing low-cost moving container options, and that’s why we’ve included them on this list. The company prides itself on its low rates and price-matching policy. If you’re a savvy shopper in search of a deal, SMARTBOX can be a great way to save some money.
Container sizes
| Container Sizes | 8-foot containers only |
|---|---|
| Container Material | Plywood and weather-resistant cover |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | No |
| Capacity | 280 cubic feet, 3,000 pounds |
SMARTBOX’s wooden portable storage containers also aren’t the best moving container on the market. Though they feature a weather-proof covering, they are more susceptible to damage – something to keep in mind if you’re shipping nice furniture or expensive items.
State availability
The primary issue with SMARTBOX is a lack of locations. The company only services roughly 50 metro areas within the U.S. Keep in mind that if you’re moving long-distance, you will need a SMARTBOX location on both ends of the move. This means they might not be the best bet for you if SMARTBOX isn’t available in your current and future locations.
Overall, if SMARTBOX has a location in your area and your move is relatively small, you should at least get a free quote, especially since they are likely to price match quotes you receive from other companies.
SMARTBOX cost
Local moves with one SMARTBOX container cost about $200, and long-distance moves cost about $1,800, on average. The company offers the first month’s storage for free. After that, onsite storage is $89 per month and warehouse storage is $69 a month. SMARTBOX also charges a $99 delivery fee.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $125–$240 | $220–$390 | $360–$755 |
| < 250 miles | $1,055–$1,855 | $1,655–$2,410 | $2,110–$3,055 |
| Cross-country | $1,520–$2,540 | $2,140–$3,160 | $2,955–$4,300 |
rating
3.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Factors to consider when choosing a moving container company
With so many options to pick from, how do you select the right moving container company for your needs? Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Availability: Check if the company operates in your area and has containers available for your needed timeframe.
- Container sizes: Make sure they offer a container big enough to fit your stuff or that you can rent multiple containers if needed. Don’t cram everything in and risk breaking your belongings.
- Extra services: See what’s included or can be added if you need extra assistance, like packing help, appliance servicing, and storage insurance.
- Customer service: Look for responsiveness and knowledgeable support. How do their representatives communicate throughout the shipping process, especially when scheduling container drop-off and pickup?
- Reviews: Read reviews and look for consistent satisfaction. Pay close attention to positive and negative traits that are consistently mentioned in online reviews.
- Cost: Compare total costs (including storage unit prices, if applicable), not just container rental prices. Watch for hidden fees, such as pickup or delivery charges.
- Policies: Review the company’s cancellation, refund, and damage coverage policies. The fine print matters!
How much do moving containers cost?
For local moves, portable moving container costs can range from $150 to $400 for a single container and one month of storage. For larger moves that require multiple containers, costs can range from $800 to $1,100.
If you’re moving long-distance, moving costs can range from $1,000 to $7,000 or more depending on the distance and number of containers your move requires. On average, long-distance moves will cost around $3,000 when using a moving container.
If you’re planning a cross-country relocation where container rental costs could reach $3,000 or more, you may want to consider purchasing a shipping and storage container instead.
Boxhub, for example, sells new and used containers that may end up being more affordable than your quote with a moving container company. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll have to arrange transport yourself. But if you want long-term storage on your property as part of your move, purchasing a container will give you that flexibility.
To get a ballpark estimate of what you should expect to pay when using moving containers, check out our moving cost calculator.
Moving container sizes
The container size that is right for your move will depend on the total volume of all the items you’re moving and which size containers the company offers. Many companies let you rent multiple containers if needed. Here’s a quick look at how the most common moving container sizes compare:
| Moving Container Size | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 8 feet | 257–404 cubic feet, 2,000–5,200 pounds | Studio apartments |
| 12 feet | 620–689 cubic feet, 4,200–6,000 pounds | 1- to 2-bedroom home/apartment (800–1,500 square feet) |
| 16 feet | 830–835 cubic feet, 4,200–6,000 pounds | 3-bedroom home/apartment (1,500–2,000 square feet) |
Note: these estimates are based on average household sizes. You should work directly with each company to determine what size and how many containers you need.
How we chose the best moving container companies
At moveBuddha, we conduct extensive research on moving container companies using our unique methodology so we can provide reliable recommendations. Each company’s analysis is determined by the following metrics:
- Customer satisfaction (30%): For this metric, we interview Better Moves Project participants for their real-life perspectives and look at third-party reviews on Google, TrustPilot, the BBB, and elsewhere.
- Standard services (20%): We look at how a moving container company’s services stack up against its competitors — especially any added or missing services.
- Reputation (15%): This metric is based on industry ratings (including membership in professional organizations), compliance with government regulations, and insurance options.
- Add-on services (10%): We look at the number of add-on services and perks —such as climate-controlled storage and third-party labor help — the company offers in addition to their standard services.
- Availability (10%): We evaluate the availability of the company in each state, as well as the types of moves (local, long-distance, and cross-country) it offers.
- Type of mover (5%): The type of service a moving company provides — such as full-service vs. DIY — can directly impact your experience.
- Payment (5%): We determine how easy it is for moving customers to review their charges and make a payment, including the type of payment options available.
- Scheduling (5%): We also look at how easy it is to schedule your move, including what is needed to get an estimate or how the company addresses delays.
FAQ
Who is better: PODS or PACK-RAT?
Whether PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT is better depends on your unique moving needs. PODS has a much wider coverage area than PACK-RAT, and more container availability overall. In our research, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s prices usually come out a bit lower, and their containers are a bit tougher with all-steel walls, doors, and framing.
What is the cheapest moving container company?
U-Pack is the cheapest moving container company in terms of overall value. With U-Pack, you only pay for the space or containers you use. Other low-cost options like U-Haul U-Box and SMARTBOX could potentially be cheaper than U-Pack, but their containers are not as high-quality.
We recommend that you get moving quotes from three moving container companies in your area to compare your options.
Who is PODS’ biggest competitor?
PODS’ biggest competitors are U-Pack and U-Haul U-Box. 1-800-PACK-RAT is also a major competitor for PODS.
What other moving container companies are there besides PODS?
Other moving container companies besides PODS include our top picks:
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
