Zippy Shell Review 2025: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: Zippy Shell is one of our favorite moving container companies. Their street-legal portable storage containers are ideal for urban moves where parking can be a nightmare.
- 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
With their flexible container services, low costs, and optional labor help, Zippy Shell has earned a spot on our roundup of the best moving container companies.
When our reader Danielle moved from Virginia to Florida, Zippy Shell’s personable customer service and competitive quote won her over. Her story is one of hundreds we’ve collected through our Better Moves Project to get an inside look at popular moving companies.
Read on for our take on Zippy Shell’s reputation, services, and pricing model so you can choose the best moving company for your needs.
Pros & cons of moving with Zippy Shell
- Street-legal containers are perfect for city parking
- Containers delivered in weatherproof trailers
- Available for local and long-distance moving and storage
- 30 days of free storage with all long-distance moves
- Easily add loading and unloading labor to your order
- Limited to service in 35 U.S. states
- No online quotes (have to call in for an estimate)
- $299 fee if you cancel within 10 days of your scheduled service
- Can’t keep containers on your property indefinitely
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What customers had to say about Zippy Shell
Take a look at how some of our readers described their moving experiences with Zippy Shell.
Danielle’s move with Zippy Shell went smoothly, with no unexpected costs or damages. The final cost of her move also matched her quote exactly, reinforcing her trust in Zippy Shell’s pricing transparency.
Another reader, Michelle, found the process to be more frustrating due to poor coordination. She experienced multiple delivery reschedules, which led her to rent a U-Haul as a backup plan. Despite these challenges, her belongings arrived intact.
Zippy Shell’s warehouse staff went out of their way to be as accommodating as possible, but Michelle and her fiancé had to rent a moving van and complete the last portion of their move themselves.
Their experiences highlight both the advantages and potential drawbacks of using Zippy Shell.
Zippy Shell pricing: how much it costs to move
Zippy Shell offers competitive pricing that’s often cheaper than some of its biggest competitors.
When our reader Michelle moved from New Jersey to Colorado, she was determined to keep her moving costs as low as possible. Still, she wanted to work with an experienced and dependable service provider.
Michelle got quotes from three moving container companies and one full-service mover before choosing Zippy Shell. The company offered the container sizes she needed at a price she could afford.
Here’s how those quotes compared:
| Company | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| U-Box | $1,800 |
| Zippy Shell | $3,090 |
| American Van Lines | $3,100 |
| U-Pack | $6,000 |
The cost of your move with Zippy Shell will vary based on the size of your move, how far you’re moving, and other factors like the time of year, with peak summer moves costing more on average.
Take a look at the following table to see the average prices for moves of different sizes and distances with Zippy Shell:
| 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 |
You can also pay month to month for short-term storage or opt to pay for long-term storage.In general, Zippy Shell’s monthly storage unit costs are comparable to their moving rates (minus the transport and delivery fees).
Zippy Shell services
Based on our research and customer reviews, Zippy Shell’s flexible services make moving and storage simple.
Here’s an overview of their key services:
- Local and long-distance moves: Zippy Shell offers 15-foot containers and 22-ft trailers for local and long-distance moves. While their local move availability is more limited, their long-distance moving service covers most major metro areas across the country.
- City moves: Zippy Shell’s containers are street-legal, so you don’t have to stress over parking them during your move if you live in an urban area.
- Military moves: Zippy Shell also offers specialized military moves, with a 10% discount and invoicing for Government Constructive Cost (GCC) reimbursements for military DITY moves.
- Storage solutions: Every Zippy Shell rental includes 30 days of storage, with the option to extend storage at home or at a Zippy Shell facility. The ventilated containers help protect stored items from humidity and moisture, making them ideal for long-term storage.
- Mesh containers: Zippy Shell’s unique mesh containers are designed to promote airflow, and it’s worth noting that damage isn’t any more common with mesh-style containers than with solid metal containers.
Zippy Shell also partners with third-party auto transport companies to coordinate vehicle shipping, and some of their partners can help with packing and loading if you want a more full-service moving experience.
Zippy Shell sizes
Zippy Shell has 10- and 15-ft trailers, as well as street-legal 22-ft trailers. Here’s the lowdown on Zippy Shell’s 10- and 15-foot containers:
| 10-foot | 15-foot | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Studio or one-bed apartment | 2-3 bedroom home |
| Popular usage | Small, local moves | Local and long-distance moving and storage |
| Types of moves | Local only | Local and long-distance |
| Storage | No | Yes |
| Internal dimensions | 9’7″ x 6’4″ x 6’4″ | 15’7″ x 6’4″ x 6’4″ |
| Interior volume | 385 cubic feet | 625 cubic feet |
| Container material | Metal cage (image below) | Metal cage |
| Weight limit | 4,500 lbs | 4,500 lbs |
Note: According to Zippy Shell, their 10-foot containers are only available at a few locations across the country.
Their 15-foot containers are narrower than most competitors’ containers and generally fit in standard parking spaces, so they’re ideal for people relocating to major metropolitan areas.
Where is Zippy Shell available?
Zippy Shell operates in 35 states with over 60 locations, making it a widely available option for long-distance moves and storage. Their local moving services are a bit more limited, and availability may vary depending on your city.
If you’re considering Zippy Shell for a local move, it’s best to check directly to confirm service in your area. For long-distance relocations, Zippy Shell covers most major metro areas, so it’s a solid choice for interstate moves.
How Zippy Shell stacks up against the competition
We love Zippy Shell for their cost, convenience, and flexibility, but they’re not the best fit for every customer.
Let’s explore how Zippy Shell compares to a couple of the nation’s other best moving container companies.
| Company | Our rating | BBB Score | State availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zippy Shell | 4.2/5 | A+ | 35 states |
| PODS | 4.8/5 | A+ | 46 states |
| U-Pack | 5/5 | A+ | 50 states |
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Zippy Shell vs. PODS
Zippy Shell and PODS offer portable storage containers for moving and storage, but there are a few differences. PODS has more widespread availability for local moves and facilities in more states.
When it comes to container options, PODS offers three sizes (8, 12, and 16 feet), while Zippy Shell provides 10- and 15-foot containers, with 22 ft trailers available for some moves. If you need a smaller or larger size range, PODS has more flexibility.
Zippy Shell’s biggest advantage is that its storage-friendly containers are ventilated, making them a great option for long-term storage in various climates.
Check out our reader Alex’s experience with PODS below:
Zippy Shell vs. U-Pack
Both Zippy Shell and U-Pack provide affordable, pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing and specialize in long-distance moving. U-Pack offers 8-ft ReloCubes and 28-foot freight trailers, giving you more trailer space but limited container space. Both companies allow you to store your stuff, with short-term and long-term storage solutions.
If you need a larger moving capacity, U-Pack’s 28-foot trailer offers more space than any of Zippy Shell’s containers. However, if you’re looking for storage-friendly, ventilated containers that can be delivered without parking permits, Zippy Shell is a strong contender.
See how Shiri’s move with U-Pack went below:
Want even more information on how container companies measure up? Check out these head-to-head comparisons:
How moving with Zippy Shell works
Take a look at how moving with Zippy Shell works, from getting a quote to making your move.
How to get a quote from Zippy Shell
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 to receive a quote over the phone. Zippy Shell calculates costs by considering the storage container size and distance.
Zippy Shell primarily communicates with customers over the phone or by email. Customers often complain about communication delays or miscommunications, but you can remedy these issues by proactively asking questions and setting reasonable expectations.
How to book a move with Zippy Shell
Unlike some of their competitors, Zippy Shell doesn’t offer a pricing or delivery guarantee, but their customer service representatives are accommodating..
Zippy Shell’s booking and moving process is simple:
- After you schedule your move, Zippy Shell will deliver your container.
- You’ll have two to three days to fill the container by yourself or by hiring third-party labor.
- Zippy Shell will pick up your container at your scheduled time and deliver it to your new location.
Alternatively, you can take your household goods to the nearest service center and load the container there. When you’re ready to retrieve your belongings, you schedule a date to go to the facility and pick everything up.
Zippy Shell’s payment process
Zippy Shell only accepts payment by credit card, but customers like Michelle and Danielle generally appreciate how straightforward and transparent the process is.
Zippy Shell will collect 50% of your total move cost two business days before your containers are scheduled to be delivered, and they’ll collect the remaining balance when your container arrives at destination or on the 31st day after delivery (whichever comes first)
FAQ
Is Zippy Shell owned by 1-800-PACK-RAT?
Zippy Shell is the sister company of 1-800-PACK-RAT. The two companies work together to meet the needs of movers across the country, whether they’re in the market for long-term storage, packing assistance, or pickup/drop-off of the company’s trademark portable storage containers.
How much stuff can fit in a Zippy Shell container?
Zippy Shell’s 15-foot storage container fits 3-4 rooms of furniture and belongings. The container’s internal dimensions are 15’7″ x 6’4″ x 6’4″. The company also offers 10-foot containers for smaller, local moves, but availability may be limited to certain locations.
When you request a quote, your customer service representative can help you decide the best storage container for your needs. If necessary, you can always request an additional container after you’ve filled your first.
Does Zippy Shell provide moving blankets?
Zippy Shell provides moving blankets and other moving supplies for a rental fee. You can add the items you need for your move a la carte and only pay for the ones you need.
Our rating methodology
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.
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