Best Moving Container Companies in North Carolina (2025)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 17, 2025 • 9 min read

Fact Checked by: Parker King

Quick answer: Based on our extensive research, PODS is the best moving container company in North Carolina. It offers a balance of affordability, flexibility, and storage options that work well for both short- and long-distance moves.

The cost of moving containers in the Tar Heel State varies based on distance, container size, and storage needs. Local moves typically range from $200–$800, while long-distance moves can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000 or more.

To get the best deal, we recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers before booking. Read on to learn what each of our top picks has to offer.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Our track record

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Fact-checked for accuracy

5 Best moving container companies in North Carolina

To get started, take a look at our picks for the top North Carolina moving container companies.

PODS: Best for nationwide availability
U-Pack: Best overall value
MovingYourself: Best for large moves
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for container options
Zippy Shell: Best for city-to-city moves

PODS: Best for nationwide availability

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

At A Glance

30 days storage included
Local and long distance moving options
Unlimited loading/unloading time
Store on property or at a facility

read our full review

Get A Quote

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Why we chose PODS

PODS is one of the most flexible moving container services, offering multiple container sizes, built-in storage options, and widespread availability across North Carolina. They also cover local moves, so you can choose PODS whether you’re moving out of state or across the country.

With 30 days of storage included, it’s a great choice if you need extra time to pack or want storage at your destination. Plus, PODS has some of the best customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

Pros and cons

Three container sizes fit a variety of moving needs
30 days of storage included with every rental
Flexible scheduling and on-site storage options

Long-distance moves require a phone call to book
Limited availability in some rural areas

How much does PODS cost?

Based on responses from our Better Moves Project participants, PODS costs for long-distance moves typically range from around $2,836 to $5,090, depending on factors like distance, container size, and any additional services you book.

While PODS isn’t always the cheapest option, their flexibility and 30 days of free storage provide a lot of value.

PODS container sizes

If you’re moving locally (within 50 miles), you can choose between an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container. However, the 12-foot container is only available for local moves.

Container sizes: Eight-, 12-, 16-foot
Container material: Steel frame, weather-resistant polymer siding
Climate-controlled storage: No
Capacity: 402–835 cubic feet, 4,200–5,200 pounds

U-Pack: Best overall value

Licensed

Insured

Price

5 / 5

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At A Glance

Long distance moves only
Only pay for the space you use
No deposit or initial fees
Fast delivery time frames

read our full review

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Why we chose U-Pack

U-Pack is the best option for long-distance moves over 250 miles. It offers a pay-for-what-you-use pricing model, meaning you only pay for the space you take up. This makes U-Pack a great budget-friendly choice.

Additionally, U-Pack has some of the fastest delivery times in the industry, with most shipments arriving in two to five business days. You can easily get an online quote, and they have nearly 250 convenient locations in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Canada.

Pros and cons

Only pay for the space you use
Fast delivery compared to competitors
No deposit required to book

No local moving services
Only one container size for storage

How much does U-Pack cost?

Our Better Moves Project participants’ long-distance moves with U-Pack ranged from $2,352 to $6,109. The cost of your move will depend on the size and distance.

A lot of customers said they appreciated U-Pack’s transparent pricing and timely service, though some had to pick up their ReloCubes from a service center due to delivery restrictions.

U-Pack container sizes

U-Pack offers two size options—an eight-foot ReloCube container and a 28-ft freight trailer for larger moves.

Container sizes: Eight-foot ReloCubes, 28-foot trailers
Container material: Steel
Climate-controlled storage: No
Capacity: ReloCubes: 308 cubic feet, 2,500 pounds. Trailer: 1,944 cubic feet, 22,500 pounds

MovingYourself: Best for large moves

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Check prices (352) 322-2920

At A Glance

Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
Only pay for the truck space you use
Offers vehicle shipping

read our full review

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Why we chose MovingYourself

MovingYourself is ideal for large moves because it provides space on a 53-foot moving truck instead of a standard container. You only pay for the space you use, making it a more cost-effective choice for big households or those with large furniture. Vehicle shipping is also available.

MovingYourself is still worth considering for smaller moves, too, because you only pay for the space you use. Just keep in mind that MovingYourself won’t do moves within the same state.

Pros and cons

Great for large moves with flexible space
More affordable than full-service moving companies
Offers vehicle shipping

No local moving options
Limited service in some rural areas

How much does MovingYourself cost?

MovingYourself doesn’t provide as much upfront pricing information as other companies on this list. Since their services are fully customized, it’s harder to estimate exact costs. Your final price will depend on the distance of your move and the amount of truck space you require.

MovingYourself container sizes

MovingYourself is an excellent choice for large moves thanks to their spacious trailer capacity. Each trailer includes moving pads, straps, and dollies to make loading easier. Plus, you have the option to transport a car alongside your household items.

Container sizes: 22- and 53-foot moving trucks
Container material: Metal
Climate-controlled storage: No
Capacity: Varies

1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for container options

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.45 / 5

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At A Glance

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

read our full review

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Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT stands out for their durable, weatherproof steel containers and price-matching policy. They provide three container sizes designed for both local and long-distance moves.

Although their container sizes are comparable to those offered by PODS, they offer slightly more interior space. Plus, the barn-style doors eliminate the need for ramps or additional equipment when loading your belongings.

Customers can keep the containers on their property for as long as needed, transport them to a new location, or utilize the company’s network of climate-controlled storage facilities. Each rental includes 30 days of storage at no extra cost.

Pros and cons

Steel containers for extra protection
Price-matches competitors to provide competitive rates
30 days of storage included

Service available in only 35+ states
Potential fuel surcharges on long-distance moves

How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?

One of our readers, Desmond, spent $7,300 to relocate his three-bedroom home from Oregon to Ohio. However, PACK-RAT doesn’t provide upfront estimates online.

Similar to PODS, you’ll need to fill out an online form and then speak with a representative for pricing details. While PACK-RAT might not appear to be the most budget-friendly moving container option at first glance, they’re open to negotiations and will price match if you secure a lower quote from a competitor.

1-800-PACK-RAT container sizes

Like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT eight-, 12-, and 16-ft containers, but they stand out for their steel frames, walls, and doors.

Container sizes: Eight-, 12-foot, 16-foot
Container material: All-steel construction
Climate-controlled storage: Yes (at some locations)
Capacity: 404–830 cubic feet, 4,000–6,000 pounds

Zippy Shell: Best for city-to-city moves

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.2 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

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

read our full review

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Why we chose Zippy Shell

Zippy Shell and PACK-RAT operate as sister companies, sharing a lot of similarities. What sets Zippy Shell apart is their street-legal container options, making them a great choice if you’re moving out of densely populated urban areas.

Zippy Shell is the best option for city-to-city moves, thanks to their street-legal containers that don’t require special permits. If you live in an apartment or urban area in North Carolina, this makes moving much easier.

Pros and cons

Street-legal containers simplify urban moves
30 days of storage included with every move
Optional labor assistance available

No instant online quotes
Limited service in some states

How much does Zippy Shell cost?

Zippy Shell’s pricing varies based on your move size and distance. Our reader, Danielle, paid $2,703 to move the contents of her three-bedroom home from Virginia to Florida with Zippy Shell.

While you can enter your basic information through their website, you’ll need to discuss the specifics of your move over the phone before receiving any pricing details.

Zippy Shell container sizes

Zippy Shell has 10-foot and 15-foot containers and a 22-foot trailer. Just note that their internal capacity is a little smaller than competitors, so you should consider size differences when you compare Zippy Shell vs. PODS and other container companies.

Container sizes: 10-foot and 15-foot; 22-foot trailer
Container material: All-steel construction
Climate-controlled storage: Yes (at some locations)
Capacity: 420–680 cubic feet, 3,500–5,500 pounds

Local North Carolina moving container companies

Looking for a smaller, local moving container company in North Carolina? Here are a few options:

Sandhills Moving and Storage: Offers portable moving and storage containers, delivering units directly to your home or business.
Branch Out Moving and Delivery: A family-owned and operated company in North Carolina committed to offering top-notch service through customizable moving packages with storage options.
Carolina Boys Portable Storage: Provides portable storage containers for rent, offering convenient storage solutions at your location.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage: Delivers portable storage containers to your doorstep, allowing you to pack at your own pace.

Compare the best moving container companies in North Carolina

Provider	BBB Rating	State Availability	Container Options
PODS	A+	46 states	8′, 12′, 16′
U-Pack	A+	50 states	8′ ReloCube, 28′ trailer
MovingYourself	A	48 states	53′ truck space
1-800-PACK-RAT	A+	31 states	8′, 12′, 16′
Zippy Shell	A+	35 states	10′, 15′

What real customers say about North Carolina moving containers companies

Moving in North Carolina comes with unique logistics, whether you’re navigating an urban center like Charlotte or a rural Appalachian mountain move.

Here’s what real customers we talked to through our Better Moves Project experienced when they used some of North Carolina’s most popular moving container companies:

Average costs: Most long-distance container moves ranged from $2,500 to $4,500. Local moves started around $500 to $1,500. Prices were often higher for moves into congested urban centers or rural areas with limited accessibility.
Unexpected fees: Around half of customers reported unexpected costs. U-Pack customers encountered the fewest surprises, while up to 55% of 1-800-PACK-RAT customers faced unexpected charges. In cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, parking permits for containers were a common cause for increases in cost.
Delivery timelines: U-Pack had the fewest delivery delays, while up to 40% of PODS and Zippy Shell customers noted that their belongings arrived later than expected.
Damages: Damage reports for moving containers were low, ranging from 5-20% across North Carolina’s top companies. Most issues had to do with the third-party labor help that customers hired for loading/unloading rather than the containers.
Would they use the company again? Customer satisfaction was high overall, with 85% of U-Pack and PODS customers saying they’d hire them again and 60-65% of Zippy Shell and 1-800-PACK-RAT customers who agreed they’d make the same choice for their next move.

How we picked the best North Carolina moving container companies

We chose the best storage container companies in North Carolina by passing each company through our thorough methodology.

We look at key factors like:

Customer satisfaction: In our rating system, we prioritized moving experiences of real-life customers. The more satisfied customer reviews, the better the portable moving container company fared.
Services: For storage units, we considered whether drop-off and pickup were included and if they offered climate-controlled storage facilities. We assessed the weatherproofing of their containers and evaluated their container sizes.
Reputation: To take it one step further, we investigated each company’s reputation in the moving industry by vetting Better Business Bureau accreditation and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure.
Add-on options: In this section, we looked at the available add-on options, including moving labor, such as packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, plus any available insurance options.
Service area: We considered the availability of each moving container company, including their storage facilities, availability in major cities and rural areas, and overall state and international availability.
Payment methods: Moving companies don’t always make it easy to get a transparent quote, pay a deposit through a secure processing system, or take advantage of discounts, so we considered each company’s payment methods and how straightforward they were.
Scheduling: Finally, we considered each company’s scheduling tools to assess how easy it is for customers to get their desired moving date. Portable storage solutions give you the flexibility to pack and load at your own pace, but it doesn’t mean much if contacting the company to confirm your reservation is difficult.

Compare moving container sizes

Each company offers different container sizes that cater to various home sizes and budgets. Here’s how they compare:

Container Size	Ideal For
8-foot	Studio apartment, ~500 sq. ft.
12-foot	1-bedroom home, ~500–800 sq. ft.
16-foot	2-bedroom home, up to 1,200 sq. ft.
28-foot	3-bedroom home, ~1,500+ sq. ft.
53-foot	Large moves, bulk shipments

Moving containers vs. full-service movers

Moving containers

Portable storage containers offer a convenient and flexible moving solution, allowing you to pack and load your belongings at your own pace.

They’re ideal for both short- and long-term storage since you can usually keep the container on your property or have it stored at a secure facility. Many providers also include at least one month of storage in the base price, adding value to the service.

Since moving containers are delivered directly to your location, you avoid the hassle of driving a rental truck. This makes them a great choice if you prefer a DIY approach while still benefiting from professional transportation.

However, not all containers are fully weatherproof, so it’s essential to check if your provider offers climate-resistant options.

Full-service moving companies

While full-service moving companies come at a higher cost, they provide a stress-free experience by handling nearly every aspect of your move.

From packing and loading to transportation and unloading, professional movers take care of the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

If your move involves additional logistics, such as shipping a car or coordinating storage, full-service movers can arrange these services for you. They’re an excellent option for complex moves, large households, or individuals who prefer to leave the hard work to professionals.

While they’re more expensive than DIY options, full-service movers provide peace of mind and efficiency, making them a great choice if you value convenience.

Our take

PODS is our top pick for moving containers in North Carolina due to their balance of flexibility, availability, and storage options. That said, PODS isn’t the only option.

U-Pack offers some of the most affordable pricing for long-distance moves, while MovingYourself is a great option for large moves that need flexible space.

If you’re looking for durable steel containers, 1-800-PACK-RAT is a solid alternative, and Zippy Shell’s street-legal containers are ideal for city-to-city relocations.

Before you choose a company, compare quotes and features to make sure you get the best service at the lowest price.

FAQ

What size shipping container will I need for my upcoming move?

The right size shipping container for your move depends on your home size:

Eight-foot container: Best for studio apartments (~500 sq. ft.)
12-foot container: Good for one-bedroom homes (~500–800 sq. ft.)
16-foot container: Works for two-bedroom homes (~1,200 sq. ft.)
28-foot trailer: Great for three-bedroom homes (~1,500+ sq. ft.)
53-foot trailer: Ideal for large moves or bulk shipments

Which moving container company offers the best value for long-distance moves in North Carolina?

U-Pack offers the best overall value for long-distance moves due to their pay-for-what-you-use pricing model and fast delivery times. Meanwhile, PODS is a better option if you need built-in storage.

Is it cheaper to use a moving container or a full-service mover?

Full-service movers are typically more expensive than moving containers, especially for long-distance moves. However, they include more comprehensive services such as loading and unloading, which you’re on the hook for with a moving container.