Cheapest Moving Container Companies (2025 Review)

Here’s a comparison of PODS cost and container sizes. We got these quotes by secret shopping and asking our readers what they paid for their PODS moves.

• Types of moves: PODS offers local, long-distance, and specialized big-city moves.
• Sizes: You can choose from 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers depending on the size of your home.
• Delivery: The company will drop off and pick up the shipping container at your home, transporting it safely for you.
• Labor: It also provides referrals for full-service moving features like professional packing and unpacking.
• Storage: Additionally, PODS offers flexible storage solutions ranging from on-site storage containers to secure facilities.

Here are some verified customer reviews of PODS we collected through our Better Moves Project:

• “PODS made my move incredibly easy. The container was delivered on time, and I had plenty of time to load everything at my own pace. The final cost was exactly what I was quoted!” — Bethany D., Better Moves
• “I had a smooth experience with PODS. Everything arrived safely, and the flexibility of having a storage option was a big plus for my move. Highly recommend!” — Kyle S., Better Moves
• “PODS was fine overall, but I wish they had warned me about the need for a parking permit. It wasn’t their responsibility, but a heads-up would have saved me some hassle.” — Alex H., Better Moves
• “PODS made my cross-country move stress-free. The storage flexibility and reliable delivery made it an easy process from start to finish!” — Michele R., Better Moves

The quotes above are average cost figures shared by our Better Moves participants. The best way to get an accurate quote for your move is to contact U-Pack.

You can also use our moving cost calculator to get a free estimate of how much your move will cost.

• Containers: U-Pack offers 8-foot ReloCubes (one of the cheapest moving containers in the industry), which are ideal for small moves from one-bedroom homes.
• Trailers: They carry 28-foot freight trailers that are equipped to handle bigger moves as well.
• Labor help: You can also find help with moving labor on U-Pack’s website through third-party companies.
• Online resources: Access free resources like a fuel calculator, instructional videos, and a moving checklist to help you prep for your move.

• “U-Pack made my move easy and affordable. Everything arrived on time, and I loved that I only paid for the space I used!” – Steve E., Better Moves
• “U-Pack was the most stress-free moving option I found. The quote was accurate, and the delivery was right on schedule!” – Gillian J., Better Moves
• “I was really impressed with U-Pack. My move was smooth, and the cost was better than other options. I’d absolutely use them again!” – Ryan W., Better Moves
• “U-Pack was mostly great, but I had to rent a van to pick up my ReloCube because they couldn’t deliver it directly to my new address. It wasn’t a huge issue, but something to keep in mind.” – Frederick S., Better Moves

• Sizes: Similar to PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers.
• Types of moves: 1-800-PACK-RAT is available for local and long-distance moving container and storage needs.
• Labor: Like its competitors, the company will help you book labor assistance from local moving companies, as well as vehicle transportation.
• Availability: 1-800-PACK-RAT claims to be able to service 97% of the US, with portable storage facilities throughout the country.

• “My move with 1-800-PACK-RAT was smooth and easy. The container arrived on time, and everything was in great shape when it got to my new home!” – Desmond W., Better Moves
• “I appreciated the flexibility that 1-800-PACK-RAT gave me. Having extra time to load and unload made my move way less stressful!” – Carrie W., Better Moves
• “Some of my furniture was damaged, and my container arrived late in the day, which forced me to reschedule my movers for the next morning. I might use them again, but only if I had no better options.” – Batool F., Better Moves

• Container sizes: Zippy Shell has fewer container sizes than PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT but more than U-Haul U-Box, with 10- and 15-ft galvanized steel mesh containers.
• Types of moves: Zippy Shell can cater to local and long-distance moving needs.
• Storage: You can have on-site storage containers delivered to your door or store your belongings at a secure warehouse, with three days to pack the container at home.
• Move coordinator: We like that Zippy Shell pairs you with one point of contact throughout the moving and storage process, giving you a specialized customer experience.

• “Zippy Shell handled my move well overall, but communication was inconsistent, and my delivery was postponed multiple times. My belongings arrived safely, but the delays made the process more stressful than I expected.” — Michelle M., Better Moves
• “Fair price and professional timely service. We added loading service and extra insurance, and stored belongings for a month. Was still far less than usual moving services. Nothing broken or damaged. Great moving teams to load and unload.” — Cathy C., Google Reviews
• “Great service, very polite and accommodating staff and a reasonable price to boot. Everything went as planned with no hitches and nothing broke. Pick up and delivery were on time. Definitely recommend Zippy Shell. 5 star service.” — Hector C., Google Reviews
• “Great team of guys to work with at a reasonabe price- extremely good value. Wish the shells were a little bigger, but not a major issue.” — James C., Google Reviews

• Container sizes: Rather than containers, MovingPlace has 28-ft trucks that are dropped off at your home for you to pack in three days or less.
• Moving equipment: They also offer a 53-ft trailer with moving equipment for larger loads and vehicles.
• Labor: If you need labor assistance, you can hire packers and movers with MovingPlace’s partner company, Hire a Helper.
• Storage: Additionally, the company offers storage for up to three months, which is shorter than some of its competitors.

• “MovingPlace did a great job with the transportation, but I had to load the trailer at a freight terminal 15 miles away from my home. I had to rent a U-Haul to make it work.” – Matt P., Better Moves
• “MovingPlace handled my move well, but the labor company and loaders I hired separately damaged my items. The transportation itself was great!” – Megan L., Better Moves
• “My wife and I used Moving Place for our recent move to our new house. I was really impressed with the ease from start to finish. The communication was great and there were no hidden “gotchas” like I dealt with in my last move. Transparent and affordable.” — Brian L., Google Reviews

Yes. Unless they’re damaged, metal moving and storage containers will protect your items from the elements, as well as from pesky critters. However, they’re usually not climate-controlled, so containers may still be susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Not all moving containers can be used for storage. If you won’t be able to move into your new home or apartment immediately, ask the companies you’re considering if they offer storage and get their storage unit prices.

Also, keep in mind that storing your goods in steel containers for a prolonged period of time could leave them vulnerable to damage from extreme temperatures.

Most container providers offer online quotes for local moves, though you’ll probably need to pick up the phone and speak with a representative to get an estimate for long-distance relocations.

And remember, moving quotes should always be free. Make sure your quote includes all your moving costs so you don’t get surprised with hidden fees later.

Some moving container providers require a deposit when reserving equipment and booking move dates, while many container rental companies offer “pay-as-you-go” pricing that keeps payments small and manageable. Be sure to ask how payment works when you request a quote.

Also, check out our guide on the best cheap moving companies!