Best Moving Container Companies 2023
Best Overall Value | Best Nationwide Coverage | Most container options | Best for city to city moves | Best for Large Moves |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
Get A Quote
|
||||
(888) 947-7974 |
Compare the best moving container companies
U-Pack
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
PODS
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
1-800-Pack-Rat
- 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
Zippy Shell
- 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
Moving Place
- Long distance moves only
- Best pricing on freight trailers
- Excellent customer service
- Ship your home goods and car option
- Very fast long distance delivery times
The 7 best overall moving container companies are...
- Best Overall Value — U-Pack
- Best Nationwide Coverage — PODS
- Most container options — 1-800-Pack-Rat
- Best for city to city moves — Zippy Shell
- Best for Large Moves — Moving Place
- Best for College Students — U-Box
- Best for Price Matching — SMARTBOX Portable Storage
U-Pack
How much does U-Pack cost?
1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
---|---|---|---|
Local Move | N/A | N/A | N/A |
< 250 Miles | $945 - $1,430 | $1,075 - $1,665 | $1,225 - $1,925 |
Cross Country | $1,485 - $2,570 | $2,420 - $3,885 | $3,535 - $6,635 |
U-Pack is perfect for people who...
- Are moving between 100-250 miles (great pricing compared to others)
- Don't need more than 3 days to load or unload the container
- Live in a rural area; U-Pack has excellent national coverage
- Need their items delivered quickly
- Don't need long term storage
Pros
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- Monthly storage available
- Nationwide coverage
- Online shipment tracking
- Competitive pricing on 100 to 250 mile moves
Cons
- No local moving options
- Tend to be more expensive for cross-country moves
- Parking can be a challenge
- The 8' tall freight trailer can be challenging to pack
- Only 3 days to load/unload the container
- Storage is limited to 3-6 months
U-Pack Container Options
Relocube | Moving Trailer | |
---|---|---|
Capacity | Studio apartment | 3+ bedroom home |
Popular Usage | Smaller moves, locations with limited parking | Larger moves |
Types of Moves | Nationwide | Nationwide |
Storage Available | Yes | Yes |
Internal Dimensions | 5'10"x6'1"x7'9" | 27'x8'x9' |
Cubic Footage | 305 cf | 1,800 cf |
Container Material | Metal | Metal |
Weight Limit | 2,500 lbs | 22,000 lbs |
U-Pack Reviews
U-pack saved me thousands. Both drivers were courteous. They were one day late picking up the load from my point of origin but they made up for it by allowing me an extra day to arrange the unpacking, Strongly recommend them!
We moved from North Dakota to southern Florida, and most moving companies wanted $22-$25,000 to load and move our 3 bedroom home. We used a 27’ Upack trailer that we loaded ourselves with the help of friends and also some hired help from Uhaul movers and got it done for $8,000. Well worth the $17k in savings. Upack was great to work with, very courteous and helpful with all our questions. They showed up on time and delivered as promised. Would definitely recommend to anyone in the same position.
UPack is a very reliable and to the point service which we would be very comfortable referring to friends and family. Their on dot communication was to the point. cost was also competitive to the industry pricing and icing was the pay as you use cost which helped take the stress away from the moving process.
So far it has been the ultimate in knowing how I put the stuff in and how it will be upon arrival. If one doesn't mind doing some loading and unloading. The trailers do come with a ramp. And one can get helpers I suppose. trailer is tall, so it can be packed in pretty good. They charge by linear foot.
We went with a freight trailer with ABF instead of their moving containers because of our limited driveway space. Also, the freight trailer option is much cheaper even with the added expense of renting a moving truck to load and unload at the trailer location. I didn't have any problems and the trailer arrived within 3 days. Would definitely use this company again for our next move.
Our U-Pack Review
As a leader in the “do it yourself” moving category for a long time, U-Pack scores highly on our best moving pods list. The company’s Relocube is perfect for smaller moves, and the moving trailer option makes larger moves easy.
The company offers “You load, we drive” service to practically anywhere in the continental US as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. We especially love there is no initial deposit, and you can track your shipment online. They also have the option to store up to six months.
While we always recommend getting multiple quotes when looking for a moving container company, U-Pack does tend to beat the competition on pricing for moves in the 100 – 250 mile range. The company only charges for the space you actually use which is also a nice perk.
U-Pack usually only handles moves over 100 miles, which is kind of a bummer. Also, if you need more than 3 days to load or unload your moving cube, U-Pack won’t be an option. Storage is limited to off-site locations.
Assuming none of these issues are deal breakers, if you’re looking for the best price long distance moving containers, U-Pack is definitely a company to check out. You can get a quote on the company’s website with just a few clicks.
Read the full reviewPODS
How much does PODS cost?
1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
---|---|---|---|
Local Move | $225 - $435 | $345 - $650 | $330 - $830 |
< 250 Miles | $465 - $815 | $760 - $1,970 | $930 - $2,130 |
Cross Country | $2,110 - $4,110 | $3,060 - $4,960 | $5,560 - $7,660 |
PODS is perfect for people who...
- Need storage
- Want unlimited time loading/unloading their PODS container
- Need multiple sized containers
- Live close by to a PODS location
Pros
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Various levels of insurance coverage available
- Nationwide locations
- Online shipment tracking
- Online quoting and booking
- Military discounts
Cons
- No online quotes for long distance moves
- Need space to park container
- Pricing can be higher than competition
- Reservations need to be made in advance during summer peak moving season
PODS Container Options
7 ft | 12 ft | 16 ft | |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | Studio apartment | 2-3 bedroom home | 3-4 bedroom home |
Popular Usage | Small moves | Local storage & moving | Single family homes |
Types of Moves | Long distance only | Local only | Local & long distance moves |
Storage Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Internal Dimensions | 6'6"x6'x7'6" | 11'6"x7'x7'6" | 15'6"x7'6" |
Cubic Footage | 390 cf | 749 cf | 1,008 cf |
Container Material | Metal | Metal | Metal |
Weight Limit | 5,200 lbs | 4,700 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
PODS Reviews
The PODS came out about 3,000 dollars cheaper even with the helpers I had to hire to pack the POD.
Upfront, their communication was stellar! However, when I called back to change my order on the other end of the move, it was pretty rocky. I had to call three times - each time, the person on the other end was pleasant, but it took a long time on each call and at one point, the phone rep absolutely assured me that my POD would be three weeks later than we had agreed on. Our call got accidentally disconnected while we were talking and he was trying to learn more, so I called back and they were able to check the records and let me know that my POD was in the storage area as expected. The other thing - they weren't very clear about expectations around pick up at the storage center. They said I would have to call them when I got there, but the cube was waiting for me when I arrived (as I had hoped). The main help line was also unable to give me the office number of the storage area to connect with them directly, and it was not provided on the website.
Thanks for the discount code! Container arrived and departed when they said they would. Container was clean and move went well. Door jammed on arrival at destination - Driver drove off before I had a chance to flag him down about it. Called PODs customer service, the people were great but the phone line quality was awful so I had difficulty understanding them. They called someone out to help me unlock the container, who didn't show up. I called to follow up and they said they were 30 mins away. An hour and 20mins later they called to say the truck was broken down so I was stuck with a jammed, cracked open container overnight. They came promptly next morning and got it open - turned out it was a bit of PVC wrap and one cardboard box that moved and jammed it. The container looked very beaten up on arrival, but no broken items at all.
Great experience, very professional. Would use them again.
Cost included drop offs and pickups, long distance move, and an extra month of storage, a 16' POD. Pricing was accurate but I'm working with them to remove an extra charge for an additional month of storage I didn't need (was an autopay, this charge came up long before the new month would have started, so that I'm not a fan of). They were always on time, everyone I talked to was friendly, their technology of moving the POD is neat, and all of our stuff made it safely across the country.
Our PODS Review
Coming in at number three, the inventor of the moving container; PODS Moving and Storage. There’s a lot to love about PODS especially their 3 container sizes, flexible storage options, and local and long distance moving and storage services.
Let’s start with local moves. If you’re moving within 50 miles you can use a 12ft or 16ft container. For moves over 50 miles, the 7ft or 16ft sizes are available.
All containers allow for open-ended, monthly storage. And you can store on your property or at a nearby PODS storage facility. PODS is a particularly good option if you’re staging a home or need a lot of time for loading or unloading.
PODS also offers the ability to purchase additional insurance options and hire moving labor to help load your container all on their website.
PODS household name in moving and storage can sometimes mean their pricing is higher than competitors. Especially if a PODS location is over 50 miles away from your location. They can also book up fast due to their popularity. Learn more about PODS costs.
Regardless, PODS is an excellent option and we recommend to always check their price.
Read the full review1-800-Pack-Rat
How much does 1-800-Pack-Rat cost?
1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
---|---|---|---|
Local Move | $180 - $535 | $220 - $650 | $350 - $820 |
< 250 Miles | $500- $950 | $710 - $1,960 | $1,055 - $3,470 |
Cross Country | $1,230 - $3,825 | $2,420 - $4,635 | $5,125 - $6,925 |
1-800-Pack-Rat is perfect for people who...
- Live nearby to a Pack Rat location
- Need a slightly larger container to fit everything
- Want to price match against PODS
Pros
- 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
- 30 days storage included in base price
- 16 ft container is larger than most competitors
Cons
- Fewer locations than major competitors
- Monthly storage fee can't be prorated
- Be aware of fuel surcharges on long distance moves
- Long distance move quotes require calling in
1-800-Pack-Rat Container Options
8 ft | 12 ft | 16 ft | |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | Studio/small apartment | 2-3 rooms of furniture | 3-4 rooms of furniture |
Popular Usage | College students | Apartments | Local & long distance moves |
Types of Moves | Local & long distance moves | Local moves only | Single-family home |
Storage Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Internal Dimensions | 8'3"x7'3"x6'10" | 11'10"x6'11"x7'7" | 15'10"x6'11"x7'7" |
Cubic Footage | 404 cf | 620 cf | 830 cf |
Container Material | Metal | Metal | Metal |
Weight Limit | 4,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
1-800-Pack-Rat Reviews
Used 1800Packrat for a long distance move from Columbus, OH to Williamsburg, VA. We had a 2 week vacation planned in the middle of the move, so using a container service that allowed one month from drop off to drop off without additional storage fees worked well. We needed three 16 foot containers for all the items in our house. Had no issues with 1800PackRat and would use them again.
If you are using them, I would recommend that you schedule the container drop off and pick up one day before you actually need it if you have friends or movers loading/unloading. On our drop off day, one container was delivered at 8:30 AM and the other two at 6:00 PM. Same deal on the drop off at our new house. So the containers were delivered on the promise day, just not first thing in the morning.
We moved with a storage container from 1-800-pack-rat. PackRats did not disclose a substantial "gas adjustment" fee on the phone when booking - even when I asked about the possibility of additional fees. Although this fee was in the fine print of the agreement they sent me, it seemed like they were trying to hide it.
The cost posted above is an estimate--they charged about $3800 but had quoted $3525. The lady who placed the order did NOT tell me that there was a surcharge for gas now. When I used them before about a year ago there was NOT a surcharge for gas, so this surprised me. Especially since we discussed that the price was higher than last time I used them and gas then was twice as much as it is now, and I had expected the cost to be lower---then low and behold the bill comes and there is a SURCHARGE for gas if the rate for diesel is over $1.50 a gallon, which is a MAJOR rip off as that price has not been seen in decades...So since they can not be upfront with the price they are not worth doing business with and are now off my list. The surcharge was in the small print on the order at the very end, in the type that you can not read as its too small and one would need a magnifying glass to read.
They also had the destination street address off by one number, but that was easily fixed with a phone call. They dropped off the box on the day scheduled and delivered it on the day scheduled. We are still waiting pick up of the empty box, but do not need to be there for that. Nothing really shifted in the box.
Zippy Shell
How much does Zippy Shell cost?
1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
---|---|---|---|
Local Move | $205 - $255 | $335 - $665 | $355 - $755 |
< 250 Miles | $560 - $960 | $750 - $1,660 | $1,160 - $3,160 |
Cross Country | $1,830 - $3,955 | $2,855 - $4,560 | $5,240 - $7,100 |
Zippy Shell is perfect for people who...
- Moving in/out of a city and need a street legal container
- Need moving labor
- Don't need more than 3 days to load or unload the container
- Require guaranteed delivery
Pros
- Street legal containers perfect for city parking
- Innovative metal cage containers that promote airflow
- Expedited and guaranteed delivery options
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- Multiple insurance choices
- Easily add moving labor help
Cons
- Containers are slightly smaller than competitors
- Only 3 days to load/unload the container
- Website doesn't contain a lot of information
Zippy Shell Container Options
8ft | 15 ft | |
---|---|---|
Capacity | Studio/small apt | 2-3 rms to include furniture, boxes, and misc. |
Popular Usage | Local & long distance moves | Local & long distance moves |
Types of Moves | College students | City apartment |
Storage Available | Yes | Yes |
Internal Dimensions | 9'7''x6'4''x6'4'' | 15'7"x6'4"x6'4" |
Cubic Footage | 385 cf | 625 cf |
Container Material | Metal cage | Metal cage |
Weight Limit | 4,500 lbs | 4,500 lbs |
Zippy Shell Reviews
Moving anywhere is gawdawful, interstate moves are hell. I'm not going to say that Zippy Shell made my move across state lines a walk in the park, but they made it far easier than it could have been at a reasonable cost. So not hell. Purgatory light.
The staff at Zippy She’ll were terrific. Especially Paul Vicente. And the same goes for MoveBuddha. I would never have found Zippy Shell otherwise and you made the whole process so much more transparent and simpler.
Zippy Shell's price came in quite a bit lower than the other bidders. And Paul Vicente with Zippy Shell was easy to contact and very helpful over the phone.I was nervous all along about the full-service aspect of the move. Zippy Shell did not have a contract that matched the service they were providing. As I understand it, this is a new service they are providing: they really need to produce a contract which matches the service they are providing. I had to trust Paul's word (and I managed to get in writing via text messages).
The driver did a really good job. He coordinated with me the day before the move. He showed up on time. And he did a good job prepping me on how the day should go. There was quite a bit of confusion on the movers and packers. The movers showed up a little late. When they arrived, they informed us that they don't pack, they only move.
For several hours (maybe 3-4) it was unclear if the move would be finished by the end of day, as was promised by Paul. However, a second moving contractor was hired. They showed up midday and really kicked ass. They had everything packed up and moved out in a few hours.
At the destination (Columbia, MO), we had the same driver. He showed up within a couple days of the move day from Scottsdale. We were just moving everything into a storage unit, so it all was pretty easy and went smoothly.
In all, the driver was great. Paul was helpful, responsive, etc. Their new full-service move process requires some refining (i.e. the contract and sub-contractor hiring needs improvement). And their price beat everyone else (I think the closest bidder was about 10% more in price.)
Our Zippy Shell Review
Zippy Shell continues to be one of our favorite container moving companies especially for moves out of major metros like New York City or Chicago. Their containers are street legal and can be parked just like cars, removing a lot of permit headaches.
The company offers a 15-foot size container. The internal capacity of the containers is slightly smaller than competitors so be sure to compare sizes when evaluating Zippy against the competition.
Something we also like is Zippy Shell makes it relatively easy to add loading and unloading help and their base package includes 30 days of storage. They also have a number of different insurance options to protect your goods in case of an accident.
For anyone seriously considering using a container for their next move we highly recommend adding Zippy Shell to your list of potential options and getting a quote.
Read the full reviewMoving Place
How much does Moving Place cost?
1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
---|---|---|---|
Local Move | N/A | N/A | N/A |
< 250 Miles | $1,130 - $1,330 | $1,250 - $1,740 | $1,425 - $2,155 |
Cross Country | $1,055 - $2,555 | $1,925 - $3,225 | $2,950 - $4,755 |
Moving Place is perfect for people who...
- Are moving over 500 miles and want the best pricing
- Want a dedicated trailer with only their items in it
- Don't need more than 3 days to load or unload the container
- Require fast and predictable delivery
- Have a large move and want to ship a car with their items
Pros
- Best pricing on freight trailers
- Excellent customer service
- Ship your home goods and car option
- Very fast long distance delivery times
Cons
- No online quotes
- Only 3 days to load/unload the container
- No local moving options
Moving Place Container Options
Freight Trailer | Full 52' Moving Van | |
---|---|---|
Capacity | 1-5 bedroom homes | 5+ bedroom homes |
Popular Usage | Single family homes | Large moves + auto |
Types of Moves | Long distance only | Long distance only |
Storage Available | Yes | No |
Internal Dimensions | 27'x8'x9' | 50'x8'x9' |
Cubic Footage | 1,800 cf | 3,800 cf |
Container Material | Metal | Metal |
Weight Limit | 22,000 lbs | 44,000 lbs |
Moving Place Reviews
Ryan at moveBuddha was very helpful in assisting us with our cross country move. He recommended Moving Place, who I had not heard of through my own research and they charged 1000s less than the more well-known companies I was looking at. Our truck was on time on both ends of the move, and the Moving Place rep I worked with, Stuart, was very helpful and always prompt at answering my questions.
We could not have been more pleased with how our move turned out, and especially with the great service we received from moveBuddha and the Moving Place. We really booked our move about as close to the last minute as you can get, and involved transporting our son's furniture and assorted belongings from Indiana to Oregon where he was entering his junior year of college. We were convinced there was no way to get the move accomplished in time, but moveBuddha and Moving Place got it done, and at a cost well below every other estimate we had. Ryan at moveBuddha was simply wonderful to work with as was Stuart at Moving Place. They were on top of the move from the start and seemed to care about getting our son moved in almost as much as us. Great service, great people, and just a satisfying experience all the way around. We will definitely be using them again, and will gladly recommend moveBuddha and Moving Place to anyone planning a move. We plan to use them again when we finalize our move to California in the next few months.
Great option for a large household move without breaking the bank. The trailer drop-off and pick-up on both ends were right on time. We went over a bit on our quoted linear feet for the trailer, but since we are the only household in the truck it was not a problem, we just paid a little more, but still much more reasonable than a full service mover.
We had a great experience with our move. Rich, our driver, was amazing - professional, hard working, and he clearly took pride in his business. Highly recommended!
Our Moving Place Review
moveBuddha customers consistently score Moving Place number one for customer service and competitive pricing. The company continues to be a leader in the moving container industry and our preferred option for long distance moves.
A number of things make Moving Place stick out, but by far their most unique offering is the option to rent an entire 52′ professional moving van. This option is hard to beat for those doing large moves. The trailer comes equipped with all the moving pads, straps and dollies you’ll need. You can even transport a car in the trailer directly with your home goods. You load and they drive everything to your destination.
For smaller, 1 – 3 bedroom moves, Moving Place has a moving trailer option where you only pay for the space you use. The trailer is dedicated to your move and offers up to 3 days to load and unload your items. Short term storage is also available with this option.
Unfortunately, the company doesn’t have any options for local moves. They also don’t provide instant quotes online, you’ll have to submit a form first.
Minor drawbacks aside, Moving Place is absolutely a company to consider if you’re moving interstate or cross country.
U-Box
Yes, even the rental truck giant, U-Haul has gotten into the portable storage container game with their very own U-Haul U-Box, wooden container. While not the highest quality or largest moving cube on the market, U-Haul boasts a huge number of locations and very competitive pricing.
How much does U-Box cost?
1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
---|---|---|---|
Local Move | $115 - $215 | $1210 - $390 | $390 - $780 |
< 250 Miles | $830 - $1,160 | $1,330 - $1,975 | $1,750 - $2,440 |
Cross Country | $960 - $2,055 | $1,660 - $2,555 | $1,955 - $3,555 |
U-Box is perfect for people who...
- Are in a rural location or not near other container companies
- Have a studio or dorm room
Pros
- Most locations nationwide
- Store at your residence or a U-Haul location
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- One month of storage included
- 2 dozen furniture pads included
- Instant pricing and checkout online
- A lot of insurance level options
Cons
- One of the smallest moving cubes on the market
- Container is made out of wood
- Larger moves can require 4+ containers
U-Box Container Options
7 ft | |
---|---|
Capacity | Studio/small apartment |
Popular Usage | College students |
Types of Moves | Local & long distance moves |
Storage Available | Yes |
Internal Dimensions | 7'11'' x 4'8'' x 7'5'' |
Cubic Footage | 255 cf |
Container Material | Wood |
Weight Limit | 2,000 lbs |
U-Box Reviews
My load was too small for moving companies, yet too big for me to pack and load myself. U-Haul contracts with loaders who will load your boxes and furniture. My team was excellent in knowing how to pack one of those Big Boxes. That's all he does and knew what he was doing! The company that unloaded the box at my destination was just as good. Cost effective and easy for me. Plus, they kept in touch with me every step of the way - reporting all moves and arrivals. Excellent service from start to finish.
I did an independent quote with UHaul and their Ubox container system It came out significantly lower than any other freight means with a slightly shorter move time
Moved a one bedroom apartment cross country (North Carolina to California), used two U-boxes. Everything was good, a few hiccups getting the scheduled delivery in California but they were fixed with a few calls. Just make sure you confirm everything, etc, your service will depend on who handles your order at the end office. They have moving helpers integrated into the system so it's easy to hire people to help you, which is nice! Overall I was really happy with the service, my stuff arrived safely, and it was a great option for my needs.
Our U-Box Review
U-Haul is a household name when it comes to affordable moving. The “do-it-yourself” truck rental brand is known as one of the cheapest ways to move and its new U-Haul U-Box moving container is no exception. While not the largest or highest quality, the U-Box is consistently the lowest price container option on the market.
We really love how affordable U-Haul is making containerized moving. The U-Box is perfect for recent college grads or anyone moving a small amount of stuff. From our research, U-Box pricing is almost always very competitive with other container options.
We also can’t get over how easy U-Haul’s website makes it to book a moving container. It’s one of the best booking experiences in the moving and storage industry. U-Haul also has more locations than any other company making it easy to find a local store.
U-Haul is known for no-frills and the U-Box stays true to this motto. The container has the smallest internal dimensions of any moving container on the market. That’s why we say, it’s a good option for really small moves.
The U-Box is also made out of fairly thin wood. It’s certainly not the most durable option, with most competitors using steel or metal for their containers. We have seen complaints and issues regarding the containers falling apart or instances of water damage.
But if you’re on a tight budget and looking for the most affordable way to ship, U-Box is definitely an option worth looking into. In less than 30 seconds you can get a price off of U-Haul’s website for pretty much any interstate move.
Read the full reviewSMARTBOX Portable Storage
Since 2002, SMARTBOX Portable Storage has been offering an 8-foot, wooden storage container for both local and long distance moving and storage. The company has locations in roughly 50 cities throughout the US. With only one size container option and limited locations, SMARTBOX struggles to compete with other container moving companies. Nonetheless, the company is still worth considering for those trying to find the best deal.
How much does SMARTBOX Portable Storage cost?
1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
---|---|---|---|
Local Move | $125 - $240 | $220 - $390 | $360 - $755 |
< 250 Miles | $1055 - $1,855 | $1,655 - $2,410 | $2,110 - $3,055 |
Cross Country | $1,520 - $2,540 | $2,140 - $3,160 | $2,955 - $4,300 |
SMARTBOX Portable Storage is perfect for people who...
- Have a studio or dorm room
- Good for low-value items
Pros
- Store at your home or at a facility
- Very competitive pricing
- Local and long distance moving options
- Great price matching policy
- Free container locks for interstate moves
- Long term container rental available
Cons
- Limited locations
- Online pricing tool is hard to use
- Strict cancelation policy
- Large pricing variations
- Small, wooden container only
SMARTBOX Portable Storage Container Options
8 ft | |
---|---|
Capacity | Studio/small apartment |
Popular Usage | College students |
Types of Moves | Local & long distance moves |
Storage Available | Yes |
Internal Dimensions | 7'8'' x 4'8'' x 6'6'' |
Cubic Footage | 233 cf |
Container Material | Wood |
Weight Limit |
SMARTBOX Portable Storage Reviews
Smart box had a better price compared to the other cubes but their customer service was disappointing. They were late to deliver the items by 2 days. I never got a call or any updates. I had trouble getting anyone on the phone.
Did not deliver the container on time, very poor communication.
Happy with the service, no major problems. I would recommend.
Our SMARTBOX Portable Storage Review
SMARTBOX Portable Storage was founded not long after shipping containers started to take off in the US but the company has struggled to grow compared to other storage companies that entered the market later.
SMARTBOX is all about low-cost and that’s why we’ve included them on this list. The company prides itself on its low rates and price matching policy. For college students or super budget conscious movers, SMARTBOX can be a great way to save some money.
The primary issue with SMARTBOX is a lack of locations. Keep in mind, if you’re moving long distance you will need a SMARTBOX location on both ends of the move. If that’s not the case, well then you can’t use them.
Wooden portable storage containers also aren’t the best moving container on the market. They are more susceptible to weather damage and can sometimes fall apart during moves. Something to keep in mind if you’re shipping nice furniture or expensive items.
Overall, if SMARTBOX has a location in your area and your move is relatively small you should at least get a free quote. Moving into a new home is pretty much always expensive so doing as much price comparison as possible is recommended.
How much do moving containers cost?
If you’re moving long-distance, moving pod costs can range from $1,000 to $7,000+ depending on the distance and number of containers your move requires. You’ll have to call most companies to get pricing for interstate moves.
To get a ballpark estimate of moving costs check out our moving container cost calculator.
Which size moving container do I need?
- A Few Items - 7 ft container (392cf)
- Studio (400-600 sq feet) - 7 ft container
- 1 Bedroom (800-1000 sq ft)- 12 ft container
- 2 Bedroom (1000-1500 sq ft) - 12 ft container
- 3 Bedroom (1500 -2000 Sq ft)- 16 ft container
- 4 Bedroom (2000-3000 sq ft) - 16 ft + 12 ft container
- 5 Bedroom plus (3500+ sq ft) - (2x) 16 ft containers
Note: these estimates are based on average household sizes. You should work directly with each company to determine what size and how many containers you need.
Are moving containers better than hiring movers?
Are moving containers weatherproof and secure?
Do moving pods include moving labor?
How long can I store a moving container?
The only exception is freight trailers. Freight trailers typically only allow for a maximum of 30-60 days storage and the trailer must be stored at a company location.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!