7 Best Moving Container Companies (2023 Reviews)
When it comes to moving, choosing the right container company can make all the difference.
We’ve taken a look at the best moving container companies out there, focusing on factors like price, service, and reliability. In this post, we’re sharing our top picks to help you make an informed choice and simplify your moving journey.
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Our Ratings of the Best Moving Container Companies
Here are our top picks:
- 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 by U-Haul
- Best for price matching: SMARTBOX Portable Storage
U-Pack: Best overall value
ABF U-Pack is one of the oldest and largest container companies offering both relocation containers (ReloCubes) and larger moving freight trailers. If you’re moving long distance or to another state you’ll definitely want to get a quote from U-Pack.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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
How much does U-Pack cost?
<250 miles Cross Country 1 bedroom $945-$1,430 $1,485 – $2,570 2-3 bedrooms $1,075 – $1,665 $2,420 – $3,885 4-5 bedrooms $1,225 – $1,925 $3,535 – $6,635 Pros & Cons of U-Pack
- Only pay for the space you use
- Fast delivery time frames
- Nationwide coverage
- Competitive pricing on 100 to 250 mile moves
- No deposit or initial fees
- Monthly storage available
- Online shipment tracking
- No local moving options
- Parking can be a challenge
- Only 3 days to load/unload the container
- Tend to be more expensive for cross-country moves
- The 8′ tall freight trailer can be challenging to pack
- Storage is limited to 3-6 months
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.
Our Full Review: U-Pack
PODS: Best nationwide coverage
PODS invented the portable storage container in 1998 and has been an industry leader in containerized moving and storage ever since. While their brand name can sometimes come with a higher price tag, their experience performing nearly 4 million deliveries makes them one of the top moving container companies.
LicensedInsuredPrice
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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
How much does PODS cost?
Local Move <250 miles Cross Country 1 bedroom $225 – $435 $465 – $815 $2,110 – $4,110 2-3 bedrooms $345 – $650 $760 – $1,970 $3,060 – $4,960 4-5 bedrooms $330 – $830 $930 – $2,130 $5,560 – $7,660 Pros & Cons of PODS
- 30 days storage included
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Various levels of insurance coverage available
- Online shipment tracking
- Military discounts
- Local and long distance moving options
- Store on property or at a facility
- Nationwide locations
- Online quoting and booking
- No online quotes for long distance moves
- Pricing can be higher than competition
- Need space to park container
- Reservations need to be made in advance during summer peak moving season
Our PODS Review
Coming in at number two, 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.
Our Full Review: PODS
1-800-Pack-Rat: Best container options
1-800-Pack-Rat provides cost-effective self-service local and long-distance moving containers with unlimited loading time and convenient storage solutions. They’re a direct competitor to PODS Moving & Storage, offering very similar services.
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rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
1-800-Pack-Rat is perfect for people who…
- Live nearby to a Pack Rat location
- Prefer the affordability of self-service moving
- Don’t want to rush through pre-set loading times
- Need a slightly larger container to fit everything
- Want to price match against PODS
How much does 1-800-Pack-Rat cost?
Local Move <250 miles Cross Country 1 bedroom $180 – $535 $500- $950 $1,230 – $3,825 2-3 bedrooms $220 – $650 $710 – $1,960 $2,420 – $4,635 4-5 bedrooms $350 – $820 $1,055 – $3,470 $5,125 – $6,925 Pros & Cons of 1-800-Pack-Rat
- Offers a military discount
- Can add third-party packing services
- Price matches competitors
- Several insurance options
- No ramps necessary
- Professional driving
- Fast delivery time frames
- Competitive pricing on 100- to 250-mile moves
- No deposit or initial fees
- Monthly storage available
- Online shipment tracking
- 8-, 12-, and 16-foot container sizes
- Climate-controlled storage facilities
- Parking can be a challenge
- No online quotes
- Only services 29 states
- Possible fuel surcharge
- Tend to be more expensive for cross-country moves
- No Sunday deliveries
Our 1-800-Pack-Rat Review
Looking for a cost-effective moving solution that fits your busy schedule? 1-800-Pack-Rat offers many of the same services as PODS at competitive prices, plus they have a few stand-out qualities we’d be crazy not to mention.
Better Moves Project participants Desmond and Batool chose 1-800-Pack-Rat for its affordability and had satisfactory experiences. Desmond’s move with 1-800-Pack-Rat required a 16-foot container––Pack Rat’s largest container––for all his items, and there was plenty of room to spare, which worked well for his 3-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot home.
1-800-Pack-Rat offers several container size options including 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers for moves big and small. While many competitors have plastic or wood-constructed containers, 1-800-Pack-Rat containers have steel frames, walls, and doors. The metal construction provides weather resistance, so you don’t have to worry about your things getting wet, moldy, or mildewy during storage. This degree of protection makes 1-800-Pack-Rat an excellent choice if you’re moving antiques or specialty items.
1-800-Pack-Rat’s containers make moving less hassle by offering door-to-door local and long-distance container services. The containers feature barn-style doors, making loading and unloading easier than elevated containers with ramps. Plus, the door design increases the usable space inside the container so you can fit more stuff.
With Batool’s move with 1-800-Pack-Rat, she chose the smaller 8-foot container for her move, which went well despite a few communication issues. While her container still arrived during her agreed-upon delivery window, she had to reschedule her hired unloading services when the container arrived one day later than initially planned.
Batool paid exactly what 1-800-Pack-Rat quoted her, giving her peace of mind and no surprises. Desmond was also ultimately satisfied with the bang for his buck.
All containers come with 30 days of storage included in the base price. You can store the container on your property or at one of the 65 1-800-Pack-Rat storage facilities — some of which are climate-controlled. For long-distance moves, you’ll get 20 moving blankets per container to protect your things on the long journey, but you can always add more.
A few of Desmond’s items got damaged in transit, but he admitted that he didn’t rent enough moving blankets to protect his items adequately.
Overall, 1-800-Pack-Rat can be a convenient and cost-effective moving solution; the company’s various container sizes allow it to accommodate moves of all sizes. We recommend requesting quotes from several providers because the company may price match the lowest estimate.
Our Full Review: 1-800-Pack-Rat
Zippy Shell: Best for city to city moves
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. The company also makes it easy to book moving labor and purchase additional insurance options with their containers. Zippy Shell is the perfect option for young professionals changing cities.
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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
How much does Zippy Shell cost?
| Local Move | <250 miles | Cross Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $205 – $255 | $560 – $960 | $1,830 – $3,955 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $335 – $665 | $750 – $1,660 | $2,855 – $4,560 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $355 – $755 | $1,160 – $3,160 | $5,240 – $7,100 |
Pros & Cons of Zippy Shell
- Street legal containers perfect for city parking
- Expedited and guaranteed delivery options
- Multiple insurance choices
- Innovative metal cage containers that promote airflow
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- Easily add moving labor help
- Containers are slightly smaller than competitors
- Website doesn’t contain a lot of information
- Only 3 days to load/unload the container
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.
Our Full Review: Zippy Shell
Moving Place: Best for large moves
If you’re moving long distance, Moving Place is the best priced moving container we’ve found. With an excellent customer service track record among moveBuddha reviewers, Moving Place is high on our list!
rating
4.0 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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
How much does Moving Place cost?
| <250 miles | Cross Country | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,130 – $1,330 | $1,055 – $2,555 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,250 – $1,740 | $1,925 – $3,225 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $1,425 – $2,155 | $2,950 – $4,755 |
Pros & Cons of Moving Place
- Best pricing on freight trailers
- Ship your home goods and car option
- Excellent customer service
- Very fast long distance delivery times
- No online quotes
- No local moving options
- Only 3 days to load/unload the container
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.
Our Full Review: Moving Place
U-Box by U-Haul: Best for college students
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.
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Box is perfect for people who…
- Are in a rural location or not near other container companies
- Have a studio or dorm room
How much does U-Box cost?
| Local Move | <250 miles | Cross Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $115 – $215 | $830 – $1,160 | $960 – $2,055 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $120 – $390 | $1,330 – $1,975 | $1,660 – $2,555 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $390 – $780 | $1,750 – $2,440 | $1,955 – $3,555 |
Pros & Cons of U-Box
- Most locations nationwide
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- 2 dozen furniture pads included
- A lot of insurance level options
- Store at your residence or a U-Haul location
- One month of storage included
- Instant pricing and checkout online
- One of the smallest moving cubes on the market
- Larger moves can require 4+ containers
- Container is made out of wood
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.
Our Full Review: U-Box
SMARTBOX Portable Storage: Best for price matching
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.
rating
3.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
SMARTBOX is perfect for people who…
- Have a studio or dorm room
- Good for low-value items
How much does SMARTBOX cost?
| Local Move | <250 miles | Cross Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $125 – $240 | $1,055 – $1,855 | $1,520 – $2,540 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $220 – $390 | $1,655 – $2,410 | $1,655 – $2,410 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $360 – $755 | $2,110 – $3,055 | $2,110 – $3,055 |
Pros & Cons of SMARTBOX
- Store at your home or at a facility
- Local and long distance moving options
- Free container locks for interstate moves
- Very competitive pricing
- Great price matching policy
- Long term container rental available
- Limited locations
- Strict cancelation policy
- Small, wooden container only
- Online pricing tool is hard to use
- Large pricing variations
Our SMARTBOX 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.
Our Full Review: SMARTBOX
Pros and cons of using moving containers
Moving containers make moving easier in many ways, but they aren’t perfect. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding if using a moving container is right for your move:
- Flexible loading time: Pack on your own schedule vs. mover’s.
- Price: Moving containers can cost less than full-service movers.
- Control: You control what gets loaded and how it’s packed.
- Security: Containers are secure and weatherproof.
- Storage: Can store the moving container for additional time if needed.
- Loading yourself: No help packing up the container.
- Restricted space: Containers have size limits.
- Logistics: You handle delivery/pickup and final transport.
- Timeline: Need to work on company’s schedule for delivery.
- No insurance: Damage protection costs extra.
Factors to consider when choosing a moving container company
With so many options to pick from, how do you select the right moving container company for your relocation needs? Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Availability: Check if the company operates in your area and has containers available on your timing. Avoid delays.
- Container Sizes: Make sure they offer a container big enough to fit your stuff. Don’t cram and risk breaking your belongings.
- Loading Access: Do they drop off containers for home loading or offer facility loading? Choose what suits you best.
- Extra Services: See what’s included or can be added like packing help, appliances servicing, storage insurance. Know what you’re getting!
- Customer Service: Look for responsiveness and knowledgeable support. You’ll have questions.
- Reviews: Read reviews and look for consistent satisfaction. Other customers say a lot!
- Cost: Compare total costs, not just container rental. Watch for fees.
- Policies: Review cancellation, refunds, damage coverage. The fine print matters!
Keeping these key factors in mind will help you zero in on the right moving container company to match your specific relocation needs and avoid surprises down the road.
Average Cost of Moving Containers
For local moves, portable moving container costs can range from $150 to $400 for a single container and 1 month of storage. For larger moves that require multiple containers, costs can range from $800 to $1,100.
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?
Which container size is right for your move is a tricky question. The answer will depend on the total volume of all the items you’re moving and which size containers the company offers. To give you a general idea:
- 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.
FAQs about moving container companies
Are moving containers better than hiring movers?
Storage is the biggest advantage of moving containers over moving companies. With a moving container, you can have continual access to all your items while in storage and store for as long as you like. With moving companies, you typically don’t have access to the items and long term storage can get expensive. If your move requires long term storage, moving containers are an excellent option.
Are moving containers weatherproof and secure?
All moving containers are generally weatherproof and can be locked for security. But over time containers will get beat up so you should always check for damage to the container upon arrival.
Do moving pods include moving labor?
Most moving container companies offer moving labor as an add-on service. Hourly rates usually vary from $100 to $300 per hour depending on the size of the move and how long you need the labor help. The best way to find labor-only moving services is on a website like HireAHelper.
How long can I store a moving container?
Most moving container companies will allow open-ended storage on a month-to-month basis. You can store the container on your property or at the closest company location for a monthly fee.
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.
What is a moving pod?
A “moving pod” is a generic nickname sometimes used to refer to moving containers in general. This nickname stems from the popularity of the PODS moving container company (just like calling any brand of tissue a Kleenex). Moving containers offered by various companies and are called all sorts of names including “storage pods,” “relocation pods,” “portable moving containers,” and “portable storage units.” Whatever you call them, these moving containers offer a convenient option for do-it-yourself moves. Just load them up yourself, and the company will transport your belongings to your new home.
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