UNITS Moving and Portable Storage (2026 Review)
Here’s the bottom line: UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is worth considering if you want a flexible, DIY move with sturdy metal containers, month-to-month timelines, and the option to store your belongings at home or in a secure, climate-controlled warehouse.
- Locally owned branches
- Steel containers in multiple sizes
- Level delivery for tight spaces
- Flexible month-to-month service
- Climate-controlled storage
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, UNITS has grown into a network of locally owned franchises serving over 500 cities across more than 30 states. UNITS’ signature ROBO-UNIT® delivery system keeps containers level and lets drivers place them in tight or uneven spaces where some competitors can’t go.
UNITS focuses on portable storage containers for local and long-distance moves, plus short- and long-term storage for homes and businesses. We analyzed hundreds of customer reviews and put UNITS through our extensive methodology.
In this UNITS Moving and Portable Storage review, we’ll walk through its pros and cons, pricing, services, availability, and how it compares to the best moving container companies to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your move.
Pros and cons of moving with UNITS
- Two container sizes (12- and 16-foot) for different home sizes
- 30% off your first month of service
- ROBO-UNIT® places containers in tight driveways and challenging spaces
- Durable, steel-frame containers that are weather-resistant and ground-level for easier loading
- Locally owned franchises with strong reputations for responsive, personal service
- Only two container sizes
- More limited coverage than some nationwide competitors like PODS
- Pricing, insurance options, and promotions vary by location
Jump to the UNITS info you’re looking for:
What customers are saying about UNITS
Real-world feedback is one of the best ways to understand what it’s really like to work with a moving container company. We look at third-party sources like Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) alongside moveBuddha reader experiences to spot consistent trends.
While none of our Better Moves Project participants have moved with UNITS just yet, we’ve reviewed hundreds of recent reviews across multiple locations. Overall, UNITS earns excellent ratings, including a high Trustpilot score based on hundreds of reviews.
Review snapshots
- Professionalism and care: Customers frequently praise UNITS’ local franchise owners and staff for being courteous, helpful, and careful with their belongings. Many reviewers mention that containers arrived clean and in good condition.
- Punctuality: A lot of reviews highlight UNITS’ on-time delivery and pickup. Like most moving providers, there are occasional complaints about delays or scheduling confusion at some locations, but these are outliers compared to the overall feedback we found.
- Container quality: Reviewers often call out the sturdy construction of UNITS containers and appreciate that they stay level during loading and transport. Long-distance customers in particular liked that their items arrived with minimal shifting inside the container.
- Pricing and value: Many customers feel UNITS is competitively priced with PODS and other container companies, especially once you factor in the included storage time. A minority of reviewers mention being surprised by fees or finding their final price was higher than expected, which is common in the industry.
- Communication: Most locations get high marks for responsive, local customer service, with several customers saying they like being able to call a nearby office instead of a national call center. Some franchises receive feedback that communication could be better around exact delivery windows or long-distance transit updates.
- Franchise-to-franchise differences: Because UNITS operates through local franchises, experiences can vary slightly by market. That said, the overall trend is strongly positive, and many reviewers say they’d use UNITS again or recommend it to friends.
No moving company is perfect, and the issues we saw — occasional delays, miscommunications, or billing questions — are common across the industry. The encouraging part is that most UNITS locations appear to maintain strong overall ratings despite the usual moving-day hiccups.
How to get the best result if you book UNITS
- Ask for a detailed written quote: Request an itemized estimate showing monthly rental, initial delivery, pickup, long-distance transport, and any fuel or distance surcharges. Clarify what insurance is included and how much it covers.
- Confirm scheduling expectations: Lock in preferred delivery and pickup windows in writing, especially if you’re coordinating with moving laborers or closing dates. Ask when and how you’ll receive updates throughout the move, too.
- Share photos of your property: The ROBO-UNIT system can handle tight spaces, but the driver still needs safe access and a reasonably level surface. Sending photos or a quick video of your driveway or parking area can help avoid day-of surprises.
- Pack for a long ride: Use sturdy boxes and plenty of padding, and take advantage of UNITS’ ETRACK™ strap and restraint system. Packing heavy items on the bottom can also prevent shifting during the move. Explore our guide to packing a moving container for more tips.
- Inspect your container on arrival: When your container is delivered to your new home or returned from storage, do a quick walkthrough. Note any problems right away, take photos, and contact the company if something seems off.
UNITS pricing: How much it costs to move and store
Like most moving container companies, UNITS’ pricing depends on where you live, how far you’re moving, how long you need the container, and which size you choose. Each locally owned franchise sets its own rates, but UNITS is generally competitive with other major container brands.
The best way to estimate your move’s cost is to get quotes from UNITS and their competitors, providing details of your move for a tailored quote.
Keep in mind that some UNITS locations offer promotions, including discounts for long-term storage, seasonal deals, or savings for students, military members, and first responders.
Use our moving cost calculator to plug in your route, home size, and dates to get a better sense of how UNITS compares to other options in your area.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage cost factors
Several variables will affect how much you pay for a UNITS move or storage rental:
- Container size: Which container size, and how many you need, will impact the cost of your move or storage services with UNITS.
- Location: Higher-cost markets and areas with more demand for storage tend to have higher monthly rates and delivery fees.
- Distance: Long-distance moves come with higher transport charges than local deliveries and pickups, and may include fuel or mileage surcharges.
- Duration: Your quote will also vary based on how long you need the storage container.
- Insurance or content protection: Whether you choose base-level coverage or opt for more comprehensive moving insurance to protect your belongings will have an impact on the cost as well. The base plan covers your contents up to $10,000 and is included in all quotes.
- Storage location: Storing the container at a UNITS warehouse instead of on your property can affect the price, but adds extra security and climate control.
UNITS Moving and Storage services
UNITS keeps its service list simple, focusing in on moving and storage, but their core services cover a wide range of needs for both residential and commercial customers:
- Portable self-service moving: UNITS delivers one or more containers to your home or business. You (and any helpers you hire) pack and load at your own pace, then UNITS picks up the container and moves it to your new location.
- Residential storage: You can use a container on-site during renovations, decluttering, or home staging, or have UNITS store it at their local warehouse for short- or long-term storage.
- Long-distance moving and storage: For interstate moves, UNITS transports your loaded container between franchise locations. If your new place isn’t ready, they can hold your container in a secure, climate-controlled facility until you’re ready for delivery.
- Local moving and storage: Many franchises offer local moves within a set service radius, providing an alternative to renting a truck and driving it yourself.
- Business and jobsite storage: Commercial customers can use UNITS containers for tools, materials, seasonal inventory, event equipment, and more, either on-site or in a warehouse.
UNITS container sizes
UNITS offers two container sizes: 12-foot and 16-foot. Both sizes share a similar construction and features. The main difference is in their length and capacity.
| 12-foot container | 16-foot container | |
|---|---|---|
| External dimensions | 8′ x 8′ x 12′ | 8′ x 8′ x 16′ |
| Typical capacity | Roughly 3–4 rooms of furniture (often enough for many 1–2 bedroom apartments) | Roughly 4–5 rooms of furniture (good fit for larger apartments and many single-family homes) |
| Recommended weight limit | Up to about 7,000 lbs | Up to about 7,000 lbs |
| Types of moves | Local moves and storage (availability can vary by location) | Local and long-distance moves, plus storage |
| Construction | Steel-frame, weather-resistant construction with a one-piece roof and ground-level placement | |
| Interior features | Tie-down points and interior rails to help secure items during transport | |
Where is UNITS available?
UNITS operates through a growing franchise network, with locations in 500 cities across the United States.
Here are a few key points about their availability:
- Regional coverage: UNITS has strong coverage in many parts of the Midwest, Southeast, and East Coast, along with select markets in the West and Southwest.
- Not yet nationwide: Some states and rural areas still don’t have a UNITS location nearby. In those cases, competitors like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, or Zippy Shell may be your only container options.
- Service areas vary by franchise: Each location sets its own local service radius. Your address may or may not be covered even if there’s a UNITS location in your state, so it’s worth using the UNITS “Location Finder” tool or calling to confirm.
If you’re unsure whether UNITS can service both ends of your move, start by entering your ZIP codes on the UNITS website or calling the company to check coverage.
How UNITS stacks up against the competition
Choosing the right moving container company is all about making head-to-head comparisons and weighing trade-offs in price, coverage, container quality, and flexibility. Here’s a high-level look at how UNITS compares to a few of the other best moving container companies:
| Company | Typical pricing* | State availability | Container sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNITS | $$ | 30+ states | 12-foot & 16-foot |
| Zippy Shell | $ | Roughly 30–35 states (plus partner coverage) | 10-foot, 15-foot, and 22-foot trailer options |
| PODS | $$ | About 46 states | 8-foot, 12-foot, & 16-foot |
Zippy Shell and PODS are two of the closest competitors to UNITS. All three offer portable containers for local and long-distance moves, plus flexible storage options, so it’s smart to get quotes from at least two or three providers before you book.
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UNITS Moving and Portable Storage vs. Zippy Shell
UNITS and Zippy Shell both provide portable containers for moving and storage, and both can combine local moves, long-distance transport, and warehouse storage under one roof.
You might lean toward UNITS if you:
- Prefer larger steel containers (12- or 16-foot) instead of Zippy Shell’s smaller 10- and 15-foot options.
- Want a ground-level, driveway-style container that stays on your property rather than in a street-parked trailer.
- Like working with a local franchise owner who can often provide more personalized communication and support.
You might lean toward Zippy Shell if you:
- Live in a dense city and need a street-legal, trailer-based container that can be parked in tight urban spaces.
- Are looking for one of the more budget-friendly container options and want to compare UNITS’ pricing to a lower-cost competitor.
- Prefer a shorter loading window with a more traditional “drop, load, and go” schedule.
UNITS tends to feel more like an at-home storage unit with flexible timing, while Zippy Shell is often positioned as a cost-conscious, city-friendly alternative.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage vs. PODS
PODS is one of the most recognizable names in the moving container space and offers three container sizes (8-, 12-, and 16-foot) along with wide coverage across the U.S.
UNITS may be a better choice if you:
- Prefer a locally owned operation that many reviewers say is highly responsive and hands-on.
- Need help placing a container in a tight or tricky spot where the ROBO-UNIT delivery system can shine.
- Want a steel-framed, weather-resistant container with strong tie-down options and ground-level access.
PODS may be a better fit if you:
- Need a smaller 8-foot container for a studio or partial move.
- Live in a state where UNITS doesn’t operate, but PODS does.
- Want to handle quoting and booking entirely online with minimal phone calls.
How moving and storage with UNITS works
UNITS aims to make moving and storage as simple as possible while giving you flexibility. Here’s what the process usually looks like from start to finish.
Getting a quote
You can start by requesting a quote online or calling UNITS’ main number, which routes you to your local franchise based on your ZIP code. Be ready to share:
- Your origin and destination ZIP codes
- Whether you need local or long-distance service
- Your estimated move date or storage start date
- Your home size (for example, 1-bedroom apartment vs. 3-bedroom house)
Your local UNITS office will confirm whether they can serve both ends of your move and recommend the number and size of containers you’ll need. They’ll also walk you through pricing for rental, delivery, pickup, and any long-distance transport.
Delivery and loading
Once you book:
- UNITS delivers an empty 12- or 16-foot container to your home or business using the ROBO-UNIT level delivery system.
- The container is placed at ground level in your driveway or another approved spot so you can load without ramps.
- You pack and load at your own pace.
If you don’t want to handle all the heavy lifting yourself, you can hire local moving labor separately to help you load and unload.
Transport and storage
When you’re done loading:
- You call your local UNITS office to schedule pickup.
- UNITS transports your container to your new home or to a secure, climate-controlled warehouse for storage.
- If your new home isn’t ready yet, your container can stay in the warehouse until you’re ready for delivery.
Delivery to your new home
When you’re ready for your belongings:
- UNITS delivers your container to your new address.
- You unload at your own pace on a month-to-month rental schedule.
- Once your container is empty, you call to schedule final pickup.
FAQ
What is the maximum weight of a UNITS storage container?
Both of UNITS’ container sizes have a recommended maximum weight of about 7,000 pounds. If you expect to exceed this limit, your local UNITS office might suggest reserving more than one container to keep everything within safe loading ranges.
What are the dimensions of a UNITS storage container?
UNITS containers are available in two main sizes: 8 x 8 x 12 feet and 8 x 8 x 16 feet. They feature steel-frame construction, a one-piece roof to help keep out the elements, and ground-level placement so you don’t need a ramp.
What size UNITS storage container do I need for a two-bedroom apartment?
The right size depends on how much furniture you have and how efficiently you pack. Many two-bedroom apartments can fit into a single 12-foot container, but if you have a lot of bulky or heavy items, you might want to consider a 16-foot container or a combination of containers.
Are UNITS portable storage containers climate-controlled?
UNITS portable containers themselves aren’t climate-controlled when they’re sitting at your home or business, but they’re designed to be weather-resistant. However, UNITS facilities offer indoor, climate-controlled warehouse storage, which is a good option if you’re storing temperature- or humidity-sensitive items for an extended period.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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