Best Moving Container Companies in Texas (2025)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Based on our in-depth research, PODS and U-Pack are our top recommendations for the best moving container companies in Texas.
Keep reading to find out how each of the top moving container companies in Texas stands out, and learn what types of containers they offer as well as what you can expect to spend.
Ultimately, you’ll want to request as many quotes as possible and take advantage of price matching to get the best value.
|
|
|
|
rating
Our track record
5 Best moving container companies in Texas
Five companies stood out as the best moving container companies in Texas:
PODS: Best for long-distance moves
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Why we chose PODS
PODS offers three container sizes to accommodate homes of all sizes. Although PODS isn’t available in every state, it is one of the industry’s most popular and recognized brands, and has the physical locations across the U.S. to prove it.
This means you’re more likely to find a PODS nearby than most moving container companies on this list. In Texas alone, PODS has 35 locations in major cities and smaller towns alike.
We love that PODS gives you unlimited time to load and unload your belongings, so you can take as much time as you need. You’ll get 30 days included in your rental but can extend that time on a month-to-month basis for an additional rental fee.
The company also advertises a money-back guarantee, which provides peace of mind if you’re not 100% satisfied with your moving services.
Pros and cons
- Unlimited loading and unloading time
- Includes 30 days of storage in the base rental price
- Has a money-back guarantee
- Doesn’t offer online quotes for long-distance moves
- Street parking can be difficult in urban areas
How much does PODS cost?
PODS container sizes
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
Why we chose U-Pack
U-Pack is our pick for best overall value because it offers competitive prices for moves of at least 250 miles and has a convenient online quote process.
The company also simplifies the decision-making process by offering one straightforward container size, and it’s available in every U.S. state.
The website is well-built and user-friendly, which makes it easy to access a previous quote, track your shipment, add services, or consult dozens of moving resources, including packing advice, space estimators, fuel calculators, and do-not-ship lists.
Pros and cons
- Ideal for moves between 250 and 500 miles
- Can add month-to-month storage rental
- Only provider on the list with easy online quotes
- Offers online tracking
- No long-term storage beyond six months
- Doesn’t service local moves
How much does U-Pack cost?
U-Pack container sizes
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
Why we chose MovingYourself
Despite not being a traditional portable storage container company, MovingYourself earns its spot on this list because it offers extra space on existing truck routes and only charges customers for the space they use.
This flexibility makes it a potentially cost-effective alternative for bigger moves or single shipments of large items that would otherwise be difficult to transport.
Unfortunately, MovingYourself exclusively offers interstate moving services, so you’ll need to look at one of the other providers on this list if you’re moving within Texas borders.
Pros and cons
- Can ship bulk and large items, such as cars and outdoor equipment
- Only charges for the space you use
- Estimates are all-inclusive, with no hidden fees
- Isn’t a traditional portable storage container
- No in-state moves available
How much does MovingYourself cost?
MovingYourself container sizes
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for 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
Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT is our pick for its container options. While its three containers are similar to PODS’ offerings, PACK-RAT wins this distinction because it will price-match its competitors.
Similarly, all its containers are made of steel, making them waterproof and safe for even the most precious valuables.
Because it doesn’t stipulate a specific pickup and drop-off day upon delivery, you can take the whole month’s rental time to load and unload your belongings at your own pace.
Pros and cons
- Offers price-matching
- You have up to 30 days to load and unload
- Steel walls and weatherproof construction
- Doesn’t deliver on Sundays
- Tacks on fuel surcharges
How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?
1-800-PACK-RAT container sizes
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
Why we chose Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell and PACK-RAT operate under the same parent company, making them sister companies. However, the two companies maintain distinct service areas. Zippy Shell is much better equipped for urban moves.
While many portable storage containers require special permits or a driveway to guarantee secure delivery, Zippy Shell’s containers are street-legal, making them much more accessible if you live in a congested city center.
With Zippy Shell, it’s easy to add loading and unloading assistance, and your base price includes 30 days of free storage. We also like that you can choose from multiple insurance options to protect your belongings.
Pros and cons
- Has street-legal storage containers
- Provides three insurance options
- Offers guaranteed and expedited delivery
- No shipment tracking
- Restricts loading and unloading to three days on either side of your reservation
How much does Zippy Shell cost?
Zippy Shell container sizes
Local Texas moving container companies
Looking for a smaller local moving container company in TX? Here are a few top options:
Compare the best moving container companies in Texas
Every company will have a unique service area, moving container options, reputation, and price point. Here’s a quick comparison of our best moving container companies in Texas.
| Provider | BBB Rating | State Availability | Container Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Pack | A+ | 50 | 8-foot |
| PODS | A+ | 46* | 8-foot 12-foot 16-foot |
| MovingYourself | A- | 48** | Up to 52 feet |
| 1-800–PACK-RAT | A+ | 31^ | 8-foot 12-foot 16-foot |
| Zippy Shell | A+ | 34^^ | 16-foot |
*Not in AK, MT, ND, or WY
**Not in AK or HI
^Not in AL, AK, AR, DE, HI, IA, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, WI, or WY
^^Not in AK, AR, DE, HI, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, or WY
What real customers say about Texas moving container companies
Texas moves often involve long distances, major metro areas, and rural access challenges. With our Better Moves Project, we gathered insights from customers who used some of the top container companies in the Lone Star State. Here’s what we found:
- Cost: Most container customers paid between $2,500 and $4,500 for long-distance relocations and $500 to $1,500 for local ones. Costs tended to be higher for moves into busy cities like Austin, Houston, or Dallas, or for rural deliveries with longer drive times.
- Unexpected fees: Nearly half of customers reported unexpected costs, with 55% of 1-800-PACK-RAT customers facing unexpected charges. In metro areas, parking permits for containers were a big reason for added fees.
- Timeliness: Delivery or pickup delays affected 20-40% of customers. U-Pack had the best record with only 20% experiencing delays, while PODS and Zippy Shell customers reported more frequent delays.
- Damage: Damage reports ranged from 5-20% across companies. U-Pack customers had the least damage to their belongings, while 1-800-PACK-RAT was the highest at 20%. Customers with longer moves such as ones from Houston to Dallas or San Antonio to El Paso experienced more wear and tear.
- Would they use them again? Most customers were satisfied with their move. Around 85% of U-Pack and PODS customers would rehire them, while only 60-65% of Zippy Shell and 1-800-PACK-RAT customers would make the same choice.
How we picked the best Texas moving container companies
Compare moving container sizes
Moving containers come in three common sizes—eight, 10, and 16 feet—but the dimensions can vary by provider and the distance to your new home.
Here are some simple guidelines to help you estimate the best moving container size for your needs.
| Container Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| 8-foot containers | Studio apartment, or approximately 500 square feet of belongings |
| 10-foot containers | One-bedroom home, or approximately 500–800 square feet of belongings |
| 16-foot containers | Two-bedroom home, or up to approximately 1,200 square feet of belongings |
Moving containers vs. full-service movers
Moving containers
Moving containers give you the autonomy to move at your own pace. You can keep them onsite at your property indefinitely or use your provider’s self-storage options at a secure facility.
Either way, you have access to safe long-term storage options on your own terms. On the flip side, moving containers are typically only weather-resistant, which isn’t the same as weatherproof.
You’ll have to take precautions to ensure your valuables are protected from pests and weather while they’re in storage or transit. They can also be difficult to park if you don’t have a reserved parking space or you live in a busy urban area.
Full-service movers
Full-service moving companies like Safeway Moving and JK Moving Services can handle nearly every part of the moving process, which often comes with a much steeper price tag than portable storage containers.
However, they’re full-service nature frees you up to focus on other things. Many full-service movers offer short and long-term storage options, but they’re rarely as accessible as a storage container in your yard or driveway.
Full-service movers are best if you’re moving on a time crunch and don’t mind shelling out a little extra for your moving services, while moving containers are an excellent option if you’re willing to DIY to save money or want temporary storage at home.
Take a look at our best moving companies to compare all your options.
Our take
The best moving container company in Texas will depend on your budget, location, and destination.
While many companies overlap in their services, the container size options, nationwide availability, and quote process can vary pretty significantly.
PODS is our top pick, with their flexible timeline, widespread availability, and multiple container sizes. U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and Zippy Shell are also excellent picks for a larger home that may benefit from multiple containers in several sizes.
MovingYourself is a worthwhile consideration for anyone shipping bulk or large items that may exceed a portable storage unit’s typical capacity but aren’t enough to warrant full-service movers.
FAQ
What size shipping container will I need for my upcoming move?
How much do moving containers cost?
How much does moving shipping containers cost from Texas to Oregon?
Which moving container company offers the best value for long-distance moves in Texas?
Who is PODS’ biggest competitor?
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
