Cheapest Moving Container Companies (2024 Review)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT are our top three picks for the cheapest moving container companies. We found that they offer the best prices, availability, and flexible services in the industry.
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Hiring a moving container company can be much cheaper than using full-service movers, without requiring you to move your own belongings. Even so, some moving container companies are more affordable than others.
We’ve gathered quotes, talked to customers, and scored dozens of companies based on their services and features to provide you with a list of the best cheap moving container companies.
Read on to compare your options and find the services you need at an affordable price for your move.
Cheapest moving container companies & portable storage
- PODS: Best for long-distance moves
- U-Pack: Best overall value
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best customer service
- Zippy Shell: Best for young professionals
- MovingPlace: Best for competitive pricing
PODS: Best for long-distance moves
Since PODS was founded in 1998, the moving container company has become a leader in the industry.
While it still makes our list of the best cheap container companies, its name recognition can mean higher container prices than you might find with U-Pack or U-Box. But PODS experience and level of service speak for themselves.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
PODS pricing
Below is a comparison of PODS cost and container sizes.
| Distance/home size | 1 bedroom | 2 or 3 bedrooms | More than 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local | $225 – $450 | $350 – $650 | $330 – $830 |
| Less than 250 miles | $470 – $825 | $770 – $2,000 | $930 – $2,150 |
| More than 250 miles | $2,110 – $4,110 | $3,100 – $4,960 | $5,560 – $7,700 |
PODS services
PODS offers local, long-distance, and specialized big-city moves. You can choose from 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers depending on the size of your home.
The company will drop off and pick up the shipping container at your home, transporting it safely for you. It also provides referrals for full-service moving features like professional packing and unpacking.
Additionally, PODS offers flexible storage solutions ranging from on-site storage containers to secure facilities.
PODS pros and cons
With three moving container sizes and 30 days of storage built into each quote, PODS is a great option for relocations, no matter the distance.
Pros:
- Flexible short- and long-term storage options
- 30 days of free storage included with every move
- Multiple insurance options are available
- Online shipment tracking
- Easy online quotes and booking for local moves
- Military discounts
Cons:
- Doesn’t give long-distance quotes online
- In some cases, PODS pricing is higher than average
- Their containers are popular, so early booking is a must
- Larger containers have lower weight limits than smaller ones
Our PODS verdict
PODS is one of our highest-rated moving container companies. It offers flexible storage options, accurate quotes, and nationwide coverage with relatively few downsides.
If you’re getting multiple moving container quotes, PODS should be on your list.
U-Pack: Best all-around value
U-Pack (not to be confused with U-Haul U-Box containers) is among the largest and most well-established moving and portable storage container companies in the United States.
We found that U-Pack’s pricing is especially competitive for moves between 100 and 250 miles and like that customers only pay for the space they use on a trailer or the number of ReloCubes they need.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
U-Pack pricing
| Distance/home size | 1 bedroom | 2 or 3 bedrooms | More than 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Under 250 miles | $1,000 – $1,450 | $1,100 – $1,700 | $1,250 – $1,950 |
| More than 250 miles | $1,500 – $2,600 | $2,450 – $3,900 | $3,550 – $6,650 |
Remember, these are just “average cost” figures based on a relatively small sample size. The best way to get an accurate quote for your move is to contact each of the moving container companies individually.
You can also use our moving cost calculator to get a free estimate of how much your move will cost.
U-Pack services
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. They carry 28-foot freight trailers that are equipped to handle bigger moves as well.
You can also find help with moving labor on U-Pack’s website through third-party companies and access free resources like a fuel calculator, instructional videos, and a moving checklist to help you prep for your move.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive national coverage area (including remote towns)
- Quick delivery times
- No deposit required
- Short- and long-term storage solutions available
- Online shipment tracking
- Transparent pricing with online quotes
Cons:
- U-Pack doesn’t offer local moving services
- Long-distance move prices are typically on the higher side
- Parking for freight trailers can be an issue
- Only three days to load and three days to unload
Our U-Pack verdict
Due to its accurate pricing, multiple equipment options, and responsive customer service representatives, our research showed that U-Pack is a premium provider of affordable moving containers.
Plus, the company offers ReloCube services to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In short, U-Pack deserves your consideration when planning an upcoming move.
Check out our deep dive into U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box to see how the company stacks up against one of its biggest competitors.
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for customer service
1-800-PACK-RAT has provided local and long-distance moving container services for more than 15 years. They’ve garnered a loyal following by offering competitive prices and great customer service.
- 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
1-800-PACK-RAT pricing
| Distance / home size | 1 bedroom | 2 or 3 bedrooms | More than 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $180 – $550 | $225 – $650 | $350 – $820 |
| Less than 250 miles | $500- $975 | $710 – $1,960 | $1,100 – $3,500 |
| More than 250 miles | $1,250 – $3,825 | $2,420 – $4,650 | $5,125 – $6,925 |
1-800-PACK-RAT services
Similar to PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, and it’s available for local and long-distance moving and storage needs.
Like its competitors, the company will help you book labor assistance from local moving companies, as well as vehicle transportation.
1-800-PACK-RAT claims to be able to service 97% of the US, with portable storage facilities scattered throughout the country.
1-800-PACK-RAT pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers multiple moving container sizes
- Content protection plans range from $5,00-$75,000
- 30 days of storage services included in the base price
- 16-foot containers are larger than some competitors
- Higher weight limits relative to moving container size
- Price matching may be available
Cons:
- Fewer locations than other companies
- Storage fees can’t be prorated
- Big fuel surcharges on long-distance moves
- Need to call for long-distance moving quotes
Our 1-800-PACK-RAT verdict
With its flexible moving options, versatile moving container sizes, barn-style doors that make the moving process easier, and 30 days of storage with each quote, 1-800-PACK-RAT has a lot to offer.
After comparing it to its key competitors, we think 1-800-PACK-RAT is a serious contender in the moving container space. If it’s available in your area, it’s worth checking out before your next relocation.
Zippy Shell: Best for young professionals on the move
Zippy Shell is changing the way people move between cities with their revolutionary lightweight steel-cage moving containers, and it makes our list of affordable container companies.
Their containers are street-legal, so you can easily maneuver moves in busy urban areas without worrying about parking issues.
- 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
Zippy Shell pricing
| Distance/home size | 1 bedroom | 2 or 3 bedrooms | More than 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local | $205 – $265 | $335 – $675 | $355 – $755 |
| Less than 250 miles | $560 – $975 | $750 – $1,660 | $1,160 – $3,180 |
| More than 250 miles | $1,830 – $3,955 | $2,855 – $4,560 | $5,250 – $7,100 |
Zippy Shell services
Zippy Shell can cater to local and long-distance moving needs. 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.
In terms of 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.
We’re also fans of Zippy Shell’s commitment to pairing you with one point of contact throughout the moving and storage process, giving you a specialized customer experience.
Zippy Shell pros and cons
Pros:
- Option to add reasonably priced loading and unloading labor
- Guaranteed and expedited delivery options available
- Street-legal trailers and hydraulic lift trucks for tricky deliveries
- Innovative cage-style containers promote airflow
- Available for both local and long-distance moves
- Multiple insurance options
Cons:
- Only three days to load and three to unload
- Slightly smaller containers than competitors
- No online quotes
Our Zippy Shell verdict
If you’re moving between major metropolitan areas like Chicago and New York, we found that Zippy Shell is hard to beat.
Since their containers are about the same size as the average car, they can be safely placed in standard parking spaces, which eliminates the effort and cost of securing special permits.
We also like the fact that their containers are more open to airflow, which is great when moving sensitive items in hot and humid climates.
MovingPlace: Most competitive pricing
When we compared quotes from moving container companies, we determined that MovingPlace offers the most competitive pricing overall.
Our customers consistently rate MovingPlace highly when it comes to professional customer service and rock-bottom pricing.
- Long distance moves only
- Best pricing on freight trailers
- Excellent customer service
- Ship your home goods and car option
- Very fast long distance delivery times
MovingPlace pricing
| Move type/home size | 1 bedroom | 2 or 3 bedrooms | More than 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Less than 250 miles | $1,130 – $1,330 | $1,250 – $1,740 | $1,425 – $2,155 |
| More than 250 miles | $1,055 – $2,555 | $1,925 – $3,225 | $2,950 – $4,755 |
MovingPlace services
Rather than containers, MovingPlace has 28-ft trucks that are dropped off at your home for you to pack in three days or less. They also offer a 53-ft trailer with moving equipment for larger loads and vehicles.
If you need labor assistance, you can hire packers and movers with MovingPlace’s partner company, Hire a Helper.
Additionally, the company offers storage for up to three months, which is shorter than some of its competitors.
MovingPlace pros and cons
Pros:
- Best prices on freight trailers
- Trailers available to reserve for dedicated use
- Fast and predictable delivery times
- Top-notch customer service
- Vehicle shipping availability
Cons:
- No online quotes
- Poorly organized website makes it hard to find information
- No local moving options
- Only three days to load and unload trailers
Our MovingPlace verdict
MovingPlace is known for its low costs, flexibility, and top-tier customer service.
However, what sets them apart is that they offer full-size moving vans similar to the ones used by van lines. Plus, their trailers are equipped with moving pads, straps, and dollies.
Compare the cheapest moving container companies
Compare quotes from our most recommended cheap moving container companies below to see how affordable your move could be.
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Factors that affect portable moving container pricing
When you compare moving quotes from container companies, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Pricing: Each container provider has a unique price structure for determining the cost of storage and moving services.
- Distance: The distance between your old and new homes is a major cost factor to keep in mind as you get quotes.
- Containers: The number of containers you plan to use will largely impact the cost, so smaller homes are typically cheaper to move.
- Seasonality: The time of year you’re moving will likely affect the total cost. Summer is peak moving season, so you can save money by moving in the winter.
- Additional services: The cost of your move will be affected by whether you’ll require storage and any additional services.
- Insurance: If you want extra content protection insurance coverage for your items while they’re in transit, you can expect the cost of your move to be higher.
- Discounts: Some companies offer promotions such as military or senior moving container discounts that can lower the cost of your move. Be sure to ask about promotions!
Moving containers vs full-service moves
As you compare your moving options, it’s important to understand the difference between using moving containers and hiring a full-service moving company. Moving containers gives you flexibility.
You can pack and load your stuff at your own pace. Plus, it’s often cheaper than hiring movers. But you have to do all the heavy lifting, literally. However, as you can see, some of the top container companies offer to connect you with local movers who can lend a hand.
On the other hand, full-service movers handle everything from packing to transport and even unpacking if you want. It’s perfect if you want a hands-off approach or if you’re pressed for time.
They’ll save you the backache of loading up your stuff and are experienced in handling fragile and bulky items. However, you’ll pay more for the ease and expertise they offer. If you’re torn, consider your budget, time, and how much of the move you want to do yourself.
How to choose the right moving container company
You have access to several excellent moving container companies. Take the steps below to choose the right one for your move:
- Determine your moving needs: Knowing your needs ensures you select a company that provides the right services. Are you moving long-distance or locally? Do you need storage? The answers will help narrow down your options.
- Compare prices and services: Once you know what you need, compare prices and services. Make sure there are no hidden fees and that their service offerings fit your requirements. Look at what’s included in the price and what’s extra.
- Explore container sizes: If you’re moving from a 4-bedroom house, you’ll need larger container than you would for a studio apartment. Make sure the company has the container sizes you need to tackle your move.
- Check for flexibility: Life happens, and plans can change. Choose a company that has flexible scheduling, storage, and delivery options. Some companies charge for changes, so check their policies.
- Read customer reviews: Reviews offer real insights into a company’s reliability and service quality. Look for patterns in customer feedback. Consistent negative comments are a red flag, while positive reviews point to trustworthy service.
- Look into insurance: Accidents happen, so make sure your belongings are covered. Check what kind of insurance the company offers and what liabilities they take on. Proper coverage is a must for peace of mind.
Bottom Line
Depending on your moving plans, portable moving containers can deliver a cost-effective and hassle-free moving experience.
As with any other type of moving service, be sure to get quotes from multiple moving container companies and check out customer reviews so you can find the cheapest container providers you feel comfortable using.
Finally, use our moving cost calculator to compare the average prices of moving containers with those of other move options so you can find the best fit for your move!
Frequently asked questions
Here’s what people are asking about the most affordable moving container companies
Are portable storage containers weatherproof?
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.
Do all portable containers come with storage options?
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.
What’s the best way to get free quotes for moving containers?
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.
Do moving container companies require deposits and/or other upfront costs?
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!
Methodology
We've been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies.
We Look At:
Customer satisfaction (40%):
The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%):
Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%):
The company is well regarded within the moving industry as well as participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (10%):
The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%):
We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%):
The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
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