7 Best Moving Container Companies of 2025
Quick answer: Based on our thorough evaluation, PODS, U-Pack, and MovingYourself are the three best moving container companies. We chose these companies for their strong customer reviews, affordable rates, widespread availability, and flexible container options.
|
|
|
|
We’ve talked to real-life customers through our Better Moves Project, reviewed third-party ratings, and analyzed dozens of container options to compile our list.
Based on Better Moves data, customers value the flexibility, affordability, and control that container moves offer, but they also report some issues with delays, communication, and unexpected fees. Read on for more firsthand customer insights and our take on each company.
The best moving containers of 2025
After reviewing dozens of moving container options, here are our top picks for a container move.
- Best nationwide coverage: PODS
- Best overall value: U-Pack
- Best for large moves: MovingYourself
- Most container options: 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Best for city-to-city moves: Zippy Shell
- Best for college students: U-Box by U-Haul
- Best for price matching: SMARTBOX Portable Storage
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Pros and Cons
- Available in 46 states (all but AK, MT, ND, WY)
- Allows 30 days for loading and unloading
- Online shipment tracking
- Local and long-distance moving options
- New customer discounts
- No online quotes for long-distance moves
- Pricing can be higher than competitors
- Reservations need to be made in advance during summer
Why we chose PODS
PODS invented the portable storage container in 1998 and has been an industry leader ever since. While their brand name can sometimes come with a higher price tag, their experience performing nearly six million deliveries and widespread availability make them the best in the industry.
WHO PODS IS BEST FOR: PODS is great if you’re staging a home or need a lot of time for loading or unloading. They’re also ideal if you want additional insurance options or third-party moving labor to help load your container.
Container sizes
There’s a lot to love about PODS, especially their three container sizes, flexible storage options, and local and long-distance moving pods and storage services. If you’re moving locally (within 50 miles), you can use an eight-, 12- or 16-foot container. The 12-foot container is only available for local moves, however.
| Container sizes | 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot |
|---|---|
| Container material | Steel frame, weather-resistant polymer siding |
| Climate-controlled storage available? | No |
| Capacity | 402–835 cubic feet, 4,200–5,200 pounds |
All container rentals allow for open-ended monthly storage. You can store your containers on your property or at a nearby PODS storage facility, which is a perk that U-Pack and MovingYourself don’t offer.
PODS cost
PODS’ cost is often higher than competitors, especially if a PODS location is more than 50 miles away, but they’re known for routinely offering discounts and promos that can significantly bring pricing down.
Discounts: PODS is giving new customers the following discount through Aug. 12 on local and long-distance moves when you book through our moving cost calculator:
- 25% off initial delivery
- 25% off the first month’s rental
- 25% off redelivery and final pickup
Long-distance customers will also get an additional 10% off transport (on top of the 25% off deals) through Aug. 12.
| Distance | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $225–$435 | $300–$650 | $330–$830 |
| < 250 miles | $459–$845 | $760–$1,970 | $930–$2,130 |
| Cross-country | $2,110–$4,110 | $3,060–$4,960 | $5,550–$7,600 |
Video recap: Four moveBuddha readers try PODS
We interviewed four moveBuddha readers, Bethany, Kyle, Michelle, and Hassan, who used PODS for their interstate moves.
Take a look at their honest reviews of their PODS experiences.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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
Pros and cons
- Only pay for the space you use
- Fast delivery time frames
- Monthly storage available for ReloCubes
- Online quotes and shipment tracking
- Only one container size available
- No local moving options
- Only three days to load/unload the container
Why we chose U-Pack
With widespread availability, transparent pricing, instant online quotes, and an only-pay-for-what-you-use system, U-Pack tops our list of the cheapest moving container companies, providing the best overall value.
Who U-Pack is best for: U-Pack is best for long-distance moves where you’re looking to save money by handling the loading yourself. It’s ideal if you don’t need storage and want a simple, pay-for-the-space-you-use option.
Container sizes
As a well-established leader in the DIY moving space, U-Pack offers two shipping options: their eight-foot ReloCube storage containers and a 28-foot moving trailer.
You can order multiple ReloCubes for your move if needed and only pay for the space you use — meaning you won’t pay for empty space on the trailer or for any ReloCubes you don’t end up using.
| Container sizes | 8-foot ReloCubes, 28-foot trailers |
|---|---|
| Container material | Steel |
| Climate-controlled storage available? | No |
| Capacity | 308 cubic feet, 2,500 pounds (ReloCubes); 1,944 cubic feet, 22,500 pounds (trailer) |
U-Pack cost
U-Pack tends to consistently beat the competition on pricing for moves of around 250 miles and offers good prices for longer distances, as well.
We like U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box, another leader in the moving container industry. You can easily get a quote using our moving cost calculator to see how they compare.
| Distance | 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 customer experiences
Better Moves Project participants like Chloe and Ryan praised U-Pack’s moving process, shouting out the company’s quality communication, accurate and transparent pricing, and timely deliveries.
While U-Pack serves the entire continental U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, they don’t handle local moves and only provide storage at off-site locations. If you don’t need on-site storage or local moving services, customer reviews suggest U-Pack is a dependable pick.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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
Pros and cons
- Only pay for the space you use on 53-ft truck
- Can ship your vehicle inside the trailer
- Comprehensive estimates with no hidden fees
- Available in most locations throughout the U.S.
- Only provides three days to load/unload
- Doesn’t service in-state moves
- No packing supplies available for purchase
Why we chose MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a you pack, we drive truck service. Rather than renting a container, you pay for the space you use on a moving truck driven by professional movers. If you’ve got a lot of items to relocate, MovingYourself’s 53-foot trucks provide ample room.
Who MovingYourself is best for: MovingYourself is a great DIY moving solution for moves that are larger than what moving containers can hold.
Container sizes
MovingYourself is hard to beat for 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.
| Container sizes | 22-foot and 53-foot moving trucks |
|---|---|
| Container material | Metal |
| Climate-controlled storage available? | No |
| Capacity | Varies |
For smaller moves, MovingYourself also has 22-foot trucks. Whatever truck size you choose, you’ll load it up and they’ll drive everything to your destination.
Like many other moving container companies, MovingYourself offers up to three days to load and unload. In addition, the company doesn’t provide local moves or instant online quotes.
MovingYourself cost
MovingYourself requires you to submit a contact form for a callback or contact them directly during business hours. Estimates include sales tax, fees, and toll charges, so you won’t be hit with any hidden fees. Once you confirm your quote, it’s guaranteed for that amount.
| Distance | 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 |
MovingYourself customer experiences
We evaluated dozens of Google reviews and BBB reviews for MovingYourself to gauge their customer experience. MovingYourself has garnered positive reviews, frequently earning praise for their customer service, responsiveness, and professionalism. Multiple reviews also called out their timely delivery and prompt pickup.
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best 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
Pros and cons
- Can add third-party packing services
- Price matches competitors
- Several insurance options
- Eight-, 12-, and 16-foot all-steel containeers
- Climate-controlled storage facilities and on-site storage
- No online quotes
- Only has physical locations in 34 states
- Per-mile fuel surcharge can make cross-country moves costly
Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT is a leader in the moving container space, and they made our list for their sturdy steel containers, competitive prices, multiple container sizes, and insurance options.
Who 1-800-PACK-RAT is best for: 1-800-PACK-RAT is best for homeowners who need sturdy, weatherproof containers and want the flexibility of both at-home storage and secure facility storage.
Container sizes
1-800-PACK-RAT offers the same container size options as PODS. While many competitors have plastic or wood-constructed containers, 1-800-PACK-RAT containers have steel frames, walls, and doors.
The metal construction is weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your things getting wet, moldy, or mildewy in storage. This degree of protection makes 1-800-PACK-RAT an excellent choice if you’re moving antiques or specialty items.
They also feature barn-style doors, making loading and unloading easier than elevated containers with ramps.
| Container sizes | 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot |
|---|---|
| Container material | All-steel construction |
| Climate-controlled storage available? | Yes (at some locations) |
| Capacity | 404–830 cubic feet, 4,000–6,000 pounds |
Plus, the door design increases the usable space inside the container so you can fit more stuff. For example, when Desmond rented one of the company’s 16-foot containers, he was easily able to fit the contents of his three-bedroom, 2,000-square foot home.
The company says they can accommodate moves in all 50 states. If you don’t live in one of the states with a PACK-RAT branch, we recommend contacting the company directly to ensure they can handle your relocation and storage request.
1-800-PACK-RAT cost
PACK-RAT costs range from a couple hundred dollars for a local move to close to $7,000 for a long-distance relocation. With local moving and storage, you’ll pay rental and delivery fees once the company drops off your container. Cross-country moves require a $500 deposit, due about five days before container delivery.
| Distance | 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 customer experiences
Better Moves Project participants like Batool, Desmond, and Carrie appreciated 1-800-PACK-RAT’s flexible container options and the control it gave them over their moves.
While there were a few hiccups like minor damage or delivery timing issues, they all found the service to be affordable and convenient. Their experiences show that with clear communication and planning, 1-800-PACK-RAT can be a solid choice for a balance of cost and control.
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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
Pros and cons
- Street-legal containers for city parking
- Expedited and guaranteed delivery options
- Multiple insurance choices
- Innovative metal cage containers promote airflow
- Available for local and long-distance moves
- Internal space is slightly smaller than competitors
- Only three days to load/unload
- Only available in 34 states and Washington, D.C.
Why we chose Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell is changing the way people move from city to city with their innovative, metal cage containers that make parking on busy city streets easy. Their containers are street-legal and can be parked just like cars, removing a lot of permitting headaches.
Who Zippy Shell is best for: Based on our research, Zippy Shell is a great option for young professionals relocating within a big city or from one metropolitan area to another.
Container sizes
The company offers 10-foot and 15-foot containers, as well as a 22-foot trailer. The internal capacity of the containers is slightly smaller than competitors, so be sure to compare sizes when evaluating Zippy Shell vs. PODS and other top companies.
We like that Zippy Shell makes it relatively easy to add loading and unloading help, and their base package includes 30 days of storage. They also have several insurance options to protect your goods in case of an accident.
| Container Sizes | 10-foot and 15-foot; 22-foot trailer |
|---|---|
| Container Material | All-steel construction |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Available? | Yes (at some locations) |
| Capacity | 420–680 cubic feet, 3,500–5,500 pounds |
Zippy Shell cost
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 the customer service number at 1-888-947-7974 to receive a quote over the phone. Zippy Shell calculates costs by considering the storage container size and distance for a given move.
| Distance | 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 |
Zippy Shell customer experiences
Better Moves Project participants like Michelle and Danielle appreciated Zippy Shell’s flexibility and affordability. While Danielle’s move went smoothly, Michelle experienced communication issues and delivery delays, which ultimately led her to rent a U-Haul to finish the job.
Like 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell is only available in 34 states and Washington, D.C. You can’t get an instant quote online, and their customer reviews aren’t as strong as other moving container companies.
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Haul U-Box: Best for college students
- 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
Pros and cons
- Has the most locations nationwide
- 24 furniture pads included
- Multiple insurance options
- One month of storage included at home or a U-Haul location
- Instant pricing and checkout online
- One of the smallest moving cubes on the market
- Larger moves can require 4+ containers
- Container is made of wood
Why we chose U-Haul U-Box
Even U-Haul has gotten into the portable storage container game with their own U-Box wooden container. While it’s not the highest-quality or largest container option on the market, U-Haul boasts a huge number of locations and very competitive pricing.
Who U-Haul U-Box is best for: U-Box is a good choice for college students and people who are planning a smaller move without many high-value items.
Container sizes
Unlike PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT, which have three container sizes to choose from, U-Box only offers one container option.
| Container sizes | 8-foot containers only |
|---|---|
| Container material | Plywood and weather-resistant cover |
| Climate-controlled storage available? | No |
| Capacity | 257 cubic feet, 2,000 pounds |
U-Haul’s container has the smallest internal dimensions of any moving container on the market and is made of fairly thin wood. We’ve seen some complaints about the containers falling apart and suffering from water damage, which is worth noting if you have valuables or are moving a long distance.
U-Haul U-Box cost
From our research, U-Box pricing is almost always competitive. U-Box is definitely worth looking into for moves on a budget.
We can’t get over how easy U-Haul’s website makes it to book a moving container. Based on our secret shopping, we found that it’s one of the best booking experiences in the moving and storage industry. In less than 30 seconds, you can get a price from U-Haul’s website for pretty much any interstate move.
| Distance | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $115–$215 | $210–$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-Haul U-Box customer experiences
Better Moves Project participants like Jarom, Nancy, and Janelle chose U-Haul U-Box for their moves, valuing their DIY flexibility and affordability. While Jarom had a smooth move, Nancy and Janelle ran into logistical challenges. Nancy had to hire local movers when her container couldn’t be delivered to her apartment, and Janelle dealt with damaged items and a delay.
Their experiences show that U-Box can be a budget-friendly option, but delivery logistics and careful handling are important to consider.
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
SMARTBOX Portable Storage: Best for price matching
- Store at your home or at a facility
- Great price matching policy
- Free container locks for interstate moves
Pros and cons
- Local and long-distance moving options
- Free container locks for interstate moves
- Competitive pricing, with a price-matching policy
- Long-term container rental is available
- Only services roughly 50 metro areas
- Strict cancellation policy
- Small wooden container only
Why we choose SMARTBOX
In business since 2002, SMARTBOX is all about providing low-cost moving container options, making our list for their competitive rates and price-matching policy.
Who SMARTBOX is best for: If you’re looking for a deal and don’t have a massive amount of stuff to move, SMARTBOX can be a great way to save some money.
Container sizes
| Container sizes | 8-foot containers only |
|---|---|
| Container material | Plywood and weather-resistant cover |
| Climate-controlled storage vailable? | No |
| Capacity | 280 cubic feet, 3,000 pounds |
SMARTBOX’s wooden portable storage containers aren’t the best moving container on the market. While they feature a weather-proof covering, we found that they’re more susceptible to damage, something to keep in mind if you’re shipping nice furniture or expensive items.
SMARTBOX cost
Local moves with one SMARTBOX container cost about $200, and long-distance moves cost about $1,800, on average. The company offers the first month’s storage for free. After that, onsite storage is $89 per month and warehouse storage is $69 per month. SMARTBOX also charges a $99 delivery fee.
Overall, if SMARTBOX has a location in your area and your move is relatively small, you should at least get a free quote, especially since they’re likely to price match quotes you receive from other companies.
| Distance | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | $125–$240 | $220–$390 | $360–$755 |
| < 250 miles | $1,055–$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 customer experiences
Our Better Moves Project participant Marilyn chose SMARTBOX for her move and appreciated the convenience of their container delivery and the option to hire unloading help.
Her experience went smoothly with no major issues to report, echoing a lot of the customer reviews we evaluated on third-party sites. These reviews suggest SMARTBOX is a reliable option for a simple move.
rating
3.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Compare the best moving container companies
| Company | Our rating | Container sizes | State availability | Average quotes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PODS | 4.8 / 5 | 8′, 12′, 16′ | 46 states | $200–$7,600 |
| U-Pack | 5 / 5 | 8′ ReloCube, 28′ trailer | 50 states | $945–$6,635 |
| MovingYourself | 4.5 / 5 | Up to 53′ trailer | 48 states | $1,045–$4,755 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 4.45 / 5 | 8′, 12′, 16′ | 31 states | $180–$6,925 |
| Zippy Shell | 4.2 / 5 | 10′, 15′ containers; 22′ trailer | 34 states | $190–$7,000 |
| U-Box by U-Haul | 3.95/ 5 | 8′ | 50 states | $150–$7,000 |
| SMARTBOX Portable Storage | 3.9 / 5 | 8′ | 23 states | $125–$4,300 |
*The price ranges above are estimates based on sample quotes we collected and prices our readers reported. The cost of your move will depend on your container needs and the distance of your move.
Other container companies we considered
Not every moving container company we evaluated made our list. While the companies below didn’t quite make the cut, they’re still legitimate companies to consider.
Read our full reviews to see what they have to offer:
Best moving container companies near me
Looking for the best moving container companies near you in your state?
Check out these local guides to your best moving container options:
Factors to consider when choosing a moving container company
Here are the key factors to keep in mind as you compare moving container options:
- Moving process: Before choosing a company, it’s smart to review your rights as a consumer. The FMCSA’s Protect Your Move guide is a great starting point.
- Availability: Check if the company operates in your area and has containers available for your needed timeframe.
- Container sizes: Make sure they offer a container big enough to fit your stuff or that you can rent multiple containers if needed. Don’t cram everything in and risk breaking your belongings.
- Extra services: See what services are on offer, like storage, packing help, appliance servicing, and storage insurance.
- Reviews: Read reviews and look for consistent satisfaction. Look out for patterns that are consistently mentioned in online reviews.
- Cost: Compare total costs (including storage unit prices, if applicable), not just container rental prices. Watch for hidden fees like pickup or delivery charges.
- Policies: Review the company’s cancellation, refund, and damage coverage policies. The fine print matters.
How much do moving containers cost?
Moving container costs vary depending on the specifics of your move, but here are some average price ranges for moves of different sizes and distances:
- Small local moves: For local moves, portable moving container costs can range from $150 to $400 for a single container and one month of storage.
- Large local moves: For larger moves that require multiple containers, costs can range from $800 to $1,100.
- Long-distance: If you’re moving long-distance, moving costs can range from $1,000 to $7,000 or more depending on the distance and number of containers. On average, long-distance moves cost around $3,000 with a moving container.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a cross-country relocation where container rental costs could reach $3,000 or more, you may want to consider purchasing a shipping and storage container instead.
Boxhub, for example, sells new and used containers that may end up being more affordable than your quote with a moving container company. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll have to arrange transport yourself.
To get a ballpark estimate of what you can expect to pay for moving containers, check out our moving cost calculator.
Moving container sizes
The container size that’s right for your move will depend on the total volume of all the items you’re moving and which size containers the company offers. Many companies let you rent multiple containers if needed. Here’s a quick look at how the most common moving container sizes compare:
| Moving Container Size | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 8 feet | 257–404 cubic feet, 2,000–5,200 pounds | Studio apartments |
| 12 feet | 620–689 cubic feet, 4,200–6,000 pounds | 1- to 2-bedroom home/apartment (800–1,500 square feet) |
| 16 feet | 830–835 cubic feet, 4,200–6,000 pounds | 3-bedroom home/apartment (1,500–2,000 square feet) |
How we chose the best moving container companies
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.
FAQ
Who is better: PODS or PACK-RAT?
Whether PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT is better depends on your unique moving needs. PODS has a much wider coverage area than PACK-RAT, and more container availability overall. In our research, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s prices usually come out a bit lower, and their containers are a bit tougher with all-steel walls, doors, and framing.
What is the cheapest moving container company?
U-Pack is the cheapest moving container company in terms of overall value. With U-Pack, you only pay for the space or containers you use. Other low-cost options like U-Haul U-Box and SMARTBOX could potentially be cheaper than U-Pack, but their containers are not as high-quality.
We recommend that you get moving quotes from three moving container companies in your area to compare your options.
Who is PODS’ biggest competitor?
PODS’ biggest competitors are U-Pack and U-Haul U-Box. 1-800-PACK-RAT is also a major competitor for PODS.
What other moving container companies are there besides PODS?
Other moving container companies besides PODS include our top picks:
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
