1-800-PACK-RAT Review 2025: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: 1-800-Pack-RAT is one of our top choices for moving containers. They stand out for their accurate quote process, convenience, and durable metal storage containers.
- 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 has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a flexible moving or storage solution, securing a spot on our list of the best moving container companies.
When our reader Desmond made a 2,300-mile move from Oregon to Ohio, he was impressed by 1-800-PACK-RAT’s professional service, communication, and low cost.
We’ve collected hundreds of stories like Desmond’s through our Better Moves Project to get firsthand insight into working with the top moving companies nationwide.
In this 1-800-PACK-RAT review, we’ll take a closer look at its services, rates, and availability to help you decide if it could be the right company for your move.
Pros and cons of moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT
- May negotiate on price
- Local and long-distance moving and storage
- 30-day minimum rentals with unlimited loading time
- 8, 12, and 16-foot container sizes to fit your unique needs
- Not a full-service moving company
- May require a call to get a quote and book
- Services are only available in about 29 states (no international moves)
Jump to the 1-800-PACK-RAT info you’re looking for:
What customers had to say about 1-800-PACK-RAT
We spoke to a few 1-800-PACK-RAT customers to learn about their moving experience. Here’s what they had to say.
Desmond gathered quotes from interstate movers and moving container companies before landing on 1-800-PACK-RAT.
With his move in the rearview mirror, Desmond gave 1-800-PACK-RAT high marks. A few items got damaged, which Desmond took the blame for because he didn’t rent enough moving blankets to pad everything adequately. Either way, the damage was minimal, and Desmond felt like he got a good bang for his buck.
Batool had a few issues on her move, the biggest of which was ineffective communication while her container was in transit. The delivery driver also arrived later than expected, so Batool had to reschedule the movers she’d booked.
However, they delivered Batool’s container within the agreed-upon delivery window, and her quote was right on the money. Batool had a positive moving experience and said she’d consider using them for a future move.
Carrie also expressed a mix of praise and complaints about her experience—she was thankful for their flexible service but would’ve appreciated better communication from 1-800-PACK-RAT.
1-800-PACK-RAT pricing: How much it costs to move
The cost of a 1-800-PACK-RAT move can vary based on the size of your move, the distance, and what containers you need.
Before moving from Oregon to Ohio to start a new job, Desmond got the following initial quotes:
| Company | Estimated weight | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines | 5,695 pounds | $8,337 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 16-foot container | $7,048 |
| Interstate Van Lines | 4,264 pounds | $6,670 |
| American Van Lines | 3,717 pounds | $5,783 |
| U-Haul | Rental truck | $4,119 |
Your final bill with 1-800-PACK-RAT may also include a fuel surcharge. Some customer reviews complained about this unexpected charge, so we recommend asking as many questions as possible when you get a quote.
However, 1-800-PACK-RAT is one of the few moving container companies that allows haggling. Negotiation is a huge plus if you aren’t sure if you got the best deal or have a lower quote from a competitor.
Take a look at what our Better Moves participants ended up paying for their moves with 1-800-PACK-RAT.
| Better Moves Participant | Approximate Distance | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batool F. | 1,760 miles | Woodland, CA, to Austin, TX | $4,398 |
| Carrie W. | 2,314 miles | Phoenix, AZ, to Philadelphia, PA | $4,148 |
| Desmond W. | 2,400 miles | Lafayette, OR, to Waynesville, OH | $7,310 |
1-800-PACK-RAT services
Take a look at some of 1-800-PACK-RAT’s key services and features:
- Self-service moving: You pack and load your belongings yourself, allowing for more affordable pricing compared to full-service movers.
- Portable storage containers: The company provides weather-resistant, steel containers that can be used for moving and storage.
- Pickup and delivery: 1-800-PACK-RAT handles transport, picking up your loaded container and delivering it to your new location when you’re ready.
- Long- and short-term storage: Containers can be stored on your property for easy access or at a secure 1-800-PACK-RAT facility for added protection.
- Third-party moving assistance: While it’s not a full-service mover, you can add services like loading/unloading assistance through vetted third-party providers.
- Content protection plans: You can purchase protection plans to cover both the container and your belongings. Plans start at $9.99 per month for basic protection, with higher-tier options available.
- Moving supplies: Customers can order boxes, packing paper, furniture pads, bubble wrap, and more online, with most deliveries arriving within 1-3 business days.
What are 1-800-PACK-RAT containers sizes?
1-800-PACK-RAT offers containers in three sizes: 8 ft, 12 ft, and 16. Their 16 ft container is the most popular option. All of PACK-RAT containers feature rugged steel construction and weatherproofing to protect your items.
Let’s take a look at the differences between all the sizes of PACK-RAT containers.
| 8-Foot | 12-Foot | 16-Foot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Studio/small apartment | 2-3 rooms of furniture | 3-4 rooms of furniture |
| Popular usage | College students | Apartments | Single-family homes |
| Types of moves | Local and long-distance | Local moves only | Local and long-distance |
| Storage availability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internal dimensions | 8’3″ x 7’3″ x 6’10” | 11’10” x 6’11” x 7’7″ | 15’10” x 6’11” x 7’7″ |
| Interior volume | 404 cubic feet | 620 cubic feet | 830 cubic feet |
| Container Material | Metal | Metal | Metal |
| Weight Limit | 4,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
Where is 1-800-PACK-RAT available?
1-800-PACK-RAT has locations in more than 30 states. The company has over 70 locations throughout the U.S. and claims to be able to service 97% of the U.S.
If you don’t see a PACK RAT facility or location near you, the company still encourages you to call with the details of your move or storage needs since they may be able to accommodate them.
1-800-PACK-RAT services local and long-distance moves, while some container companies limit their services to interstate moves.
How 1-800-PACK-RAT stacks up against the competition
Choosing the right moving container company is all about making head-to-head comparisons and weighing the pros and cons of each service provider. Here’s how PACK-RAT stacks up to its biggest competitors:
| Company | Our rating | BBB Score | State availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 4.45/5 | A+ | 31 states |
| PODS | 4.8/5 | A+ | 46 states |
| U-Pack | 5/5 | A+ | 50 states |
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1-800-PACK-RAT vs. PODS
1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS are both container companies that offer moving and storage services. They both include last-minute cancellations, onsite storage, and local and long-distance moving solutions.
1-800-PACK-RAT operates in fewer states, while PODS is available in 46 states. PODS stands out for offering online quotes, but PACK-RAT excels by offering price matching.
Take a look at our reader Kyle’s moving experience with PODS to compare:
1-800-PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack
Both 1-800-PACK-RAT and U-Pack provide affordable self-service moving options with pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing. However, U-Pack has locations in all 50 states, with more physical facilities than 1-800-PACK-RAT.
When it comes to container options, U-Pack offers 8 ft ReloCubes and 28-foot freight trailers, while 1-800-PACK-RAT provides steel storage containers in three sizes.
If you need storage, U-Pack has the edge with its built-in storage solutions at secure facilities, whereas 1-800-PACK-RAT’s storage is more limited by location.
Here’s what our reader Shiri had to say about her recent move with U-Pack:
How moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT works
Moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT is simple. Here’s a quick overview of the process, from getting quotes to making your move.
Getting a quote
Simply call the easy-to-remember phone number or visit the website to start the process of getting a quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT.
At this point, 1-800-PACK-RAT will let you know whether services are available in your areas based on your zip code. If not, you may get redirected to U-Pack instead.
If you’re moving locally, you may be able to continue the quote and booking processes online, but you’ll need to call in if you want to use an 8-foot container or a mix of container sizes.
Otherwise, you can review rental, transport, and delivery fees for 12 and 16-foot containers and choose how many you’d like to reserve. You can finish your reservation and pay online if you’re happy with the offer.
Moving day
Here’s what the actual moving process looks like with 1-800-PACK-RAT:
- They will deliver your empty container(s) to the house you’re moving from.
- You take as much time as you need to load or hire local movers to help.
- When your container is loaded, schedule a time to have it picked up when you’re ready.
- 1-800-PACK-RAT will transport your container to your new home or apartment.
- Once it arrives, you can take your time unloading it or hire movers to help.
- When it’s empty, call to schedule a time to have it picked up.
If you’d rather not do the heavy lifting, you can hire moving labor through a partner company, HireAHelper.
If you’re moving long-distance and would rather fly or drive with a loved one, you can have your car shipped door-to-door with Mr. Car Shipper. Just make sure to mention that you’re a 1-800-PACK-RAT customer to get any applicable discounts.
FAQ
Is PACK RAT cheaper than PODS?
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Price
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PACK-RAT is typically cheaper than PODS for storage and moving, with price matching and discounts. PODS is often cheaper for small moves over short distances, while 1-800-PACK-RAT is usually more affordable for long distances and larger moves.
What is the difference between 1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS?
1-800-PACK-Rat and PODS are both companies that offer containers for local and long-distance moves. Both companies offer 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers.
While PACK-RAT containers have barn-style doors, PODS containers feature roll-up doors. PODS has a larger fleet and more locations, but 1-800-PACK-RAT can be more competitively priced.
What is the PACK RAT cancellation policy?
1-800-PACK-RAT’s cancellation policy states that you can cancel your order but may be subject to a cancellation fee if you cancel within five days of your delivery.
If you’re moving or storing items with 1-800-PACK-RAT and need to cancel your order, call a representative to cancel as soon as possible to avoid a fee.
Can 1-800-PACK-RAT be shipped to Canada?
No, 1-800-PACK-RAT can’t be shipped to Canada. The moving and storage company operates domestically in the U.S., but they have corporate partners that may service other areas.
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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