Best Moving Container Companies in California (2024)
You can expect to pay around $2,500 on the low end and $7,000 on the high end to rent a portable storage container to move to or from California.
Don’t skip shopping around, because moving container pricing and services in California can vary significantly based on your unique situation. We always recommend requesting at least three quotes and planning at least eight weeks in advance to get the best price and services for your moving needs.
To get started, take a look at picks for the top moving container companies in California.
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The 5 best moving container companies in California
- U-Pack: Best overall
- PODS: Best for long-distance moves
- MovingYourself: Best for large moves
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best containers
- Zippy Shell: Best for city moves
How we picked the best California moving container companies
We arrived at our best storage container companies for California by passing each company through our methodology, which we’ve developed to be unbiased and acutely attuned to the needs of our readers.
We look at key factors like:
- Customer satisfaction: In our rating system, we prioritized the moving experiences of real-life customers. The more satisfied customer reviews, the better the portable moving container company fared.
- Services: Next, we considered each company’s available moving solutions and how well they could fulfill various customer needs. In the case of storage units, we considered whether drop-off and pickup were included and if they offered climate-controlled storage facilities. We assessed the weatherproofing of their containers and evaluated container sizes for various moving needs.
- Reputation: To take it one step further, we investigated each company’s reputation in the broader moving industry by vetting Better Business Bureau accreditation and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure.
- Add-on options: In this section, we looked at the available add-on options, including moving labor, such as packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, plus any available insurance options.
- Service area: We considered the nationwide availability of each moving container associated with storage facilities, their availability in major cities and rural areas, and their overall state and international availability.
- Payment methods: Believe it or not, moving companies don’t always make it easy to request an online quote with transparent pricing, pay a deposit through a secure processing system, or take advantage of available discounts. So, for this section, we considered each company’s payment methods and how straightforward they were throughout the moving process.
- Scheduling: Finally, we considered each company’s scheduling mechanisms to assess how much of a hassle it would be for customers to get their desired moving date. Portable storage solutions give you the flexibility to pack and load at your own pace, but it doesn’t mean much if it’s difficult to get in contact with the company to confirm your reservation.
Comparing the best moving container companies in California
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you choose the best storage container company for your moving needs.
| Provider | BBB Rating | State Availability | Container Options | Sample Pricing* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Pack | A+ | 50 | 8-foot | $2,368 |
| PODS | A+ | 46 (not in AK, MT, ND, or WY) | 8-, 12-, and 16-foot | N/A |
| MovingYourself | A- | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Up to 52 feet | N/A |
| 1-800–PACK-RAT | A+ | 31 (not in AL, AK, AR, DE, HI, IA, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, WI, or WY) | 8-, 12-, and 16-foot | N/A |
| Zippy Shell | A+ | 34 (not in AK, AR, DE, HI, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, or WY) | 10-foot (limited availability) and 16-foot | N/A |
*For a one-bedroom home from San Diego to Chicago
U-Pack: Best overall
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack earned the top spot on this list because it can be an extremely cost-effective option. With U-Pack, you only pay for the space you actually end up using, so estimating the amount of containers you need isn’t an issue. It’s also easy to get an instant quote online, and they have nearly 250 convenient locations in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Canada.
However, U-Pack’s space is more limited than its competitors because it only offers the eight-foot ReloCube. If you end up needing more space, you can always reserve more than one ReloCube and send back any containers you don’t use.
The company has a mandatory distance of at least 250 miles for rentals, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you need a moving or storage solution for a local move.
Pros/Cons
- No deposit required
- Highly competitive pricing for moves between 250 and 500 miles
- Can add month-to-month storage rental
- Doesn’t service local moves
- Only one container size
How much does U-Pack cost?
According to the website, the average cost of a long-distance move with U-Pack is $2,600. U-Pack was the only company on this list that actually provided an online quote and it came in at $2,368 to move a one-bedroom home from San Diego to Chicago.
If you end up needing storage, you can pay $150 per month to keep your ReloCube at a secure facility or inquire about month-to-month storage on your property.
Why we like U-Pack
U-Pack stands out among the pack in the following ways:
- Free 30 days of storage included in quote
- Weatherproof container
- Frequent promotions, plus military discounts
PODS: Best for long-distance moves
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
PODS takes what U-Pack does well and expands on it by offering multiple container sizes — eight, 12, and 16 feet — and unlimited time to load and unload your belongings (additional charges apply after the first 30 days).
We specifically called out its nationwide coverage because it offers competitive prices for shipments all the way to Hawaii and tracking in transit for additional peace of mind. As a well-recognized brand name, PODS is a popular choice with lots of physical locations throughout the country, even though it isn’t available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, or Wyoming.
Pros/Cons
- Offers discounts for military members and college students
- Provides shipment tracking while your container is in transit
- Has multiple insurance plans to choose from
- Not available in every state (isn’t in AK, MT, ND, or WY)
- Is busier than competitors during the summer peak season (may need to make reservations far in advance)
How much does PODS cost?
PODS estimates on their blog that an interstate move costs about $5,700, but the company doesn’t make it easy to request a quote online, especially if you’re moving long-distance.
Instead, they will collect your information, then provide a code to call a representative for more information. That said, PODS also has low prices for local moves, estimating a move of less than 250 miles to cost between $350 and $500.
Storage rental starts at $149 per month and pickup and delivery fees are usually about $75, but can be waived during promotional periods.
Why we like PODS
PODS has a few stand-out features:
- Marketplace of pre-vetted third-party labor you can add to your reservation (for an added fee)
- Free pickup and delivery when you need storage for at least three months
- Three container sizes to service a wide scope of moves
MovingYourself: Best for large moves
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
MovingYourself isn’t the typical moving container company, but it follows the same you-load-we-drive service model, so it’s a worthwhile consideration for movers who don’t mind loading themselves but don’t want to drive.
MovingYourself can accommodate much larger homes than the typical moving container company because it brokers extra space on 52-foot trucks. As such, it can ship cars or unconventional vehicles, as well as numerous moving boxes and furniture.
It shouldn’t be ruled out for smaller moves, though, because you’ll only have to pay for the space you use. But it’s important to note that they don’t service moves within the same state.
Pros/Cons
- Accommodates car shipping
- Offers substantially more space than the typical moving container
- Only pay for the space you need
- Does not actually offer a portable storage container (provides truck space)
- Doesn’t offer any local moving services
How much does MovingYourself cost?
MovingYourself isn’t as upfront about its costs as other providers on this list, but we get it. It’s more difficult to estimate costs because the company fully customizes their services to your needs. As such, your costs will depend on how far your belongings are going and how much space they take up.
Why we like MovingYourself
- Can ship a few items or a whole house due to the flexible service model
- Specializes in DITY and PPM moves for military members
- Ships vehicles
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best containers
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
1-800-PACK-RAT offers three container sizes to accommodate local and long-distance moves. While its container sizes are similar to PODS, the interior dimensions are slightly more generous, and its barn-style doors mean you won’t need extra equipment or ramps to load your items.
You can store items on your property indefinitely, transport them to your new home, or take advantage of the company’s partnerships with climate-controlled storage facilities.
Pros/Cons
- Will match competitors’ prices
- Offers climate-controlled storage options
- Doesn’t require ramps to load or unload
- Only services 31 states
- Tacks on fuel surcharges, which can make longer-distance moves more expensive
How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?
Desmond ended up paying $7,300 to move his three-bedroom home from Oregon to Ohio, but PACK-RAT is surprisingly tightlipped about its estimated shipping costs.
Like PODS, you’ll submit your info to its online form and then call a representative for more information. While PACK-RAT isn’t the least expensive moving container option at face value, the company is willing to negotiate or price match if you can find a lower quote elsewhere.
Why we like 1-800-PACK-RAT
- $10,000 of insurance included
- Will haggle with customers
- Free lock provided
Zippy Shell: Best for city moves
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Zippy Shell and PACK-RAT are sister companies, so they tend to have a lot of overlap despite their different service areas. Zippy Shell, however, stands out as an excellent option for those moving out of busy urban areas because it has street-legal container options. This accommodation offers major added value because many storage container companies restrict availability in congested city centers.
Pros/Cons
- Offers street-legal storage containers for urban areas
- Innovative metal cage is weather-resistant while improving airflow
- Guaranteed and expedited delivery options available
- Containers are slightly smaller than competitors
- No shipment tracking
How much does Zippy Shell cost?
Zippy Shell charged Danielle $2,703 when she moved three bedrooms’ worth of belongings from Virginia to Florida, but requesting a quote online is somewhat of a hassle. You can input your information, but you’ll need to provide specific details of your move by phone before the company will provide any pricing details.
Why we like Zippy Shell
- Services local and long-distance moves
- Containers are transported in weatherproof trailers
- Has several add-on insurance options to protect your belongings
Moving container sizes
Moving containers are ideal for small moves you don’t mind DIY throughout the moving process. Let’s break down their space allowances.
| Container Size | Ideal for |
|---|---|
| 8-foot containers | Studio apartment, or approximately 500 square feet of belongings |
| 10-foot containers | One-bedroom home, or approximately 500–800 square feet of belongings |
| 16-foot containers | Two-bedroom home, or up to approximately 1,200 square feet of belongings |
While you can purchase additional portable storage containers if your moving needs exceed these guidelines, you may want to consider a moving truck, like MovingYourself, if you have a lot of household goods. In general, storage containers are great if you take a few irreplaceable possessions to your new home, but you may want to consider other options for larger moves.
Moving containers vs. full-service movers
Portable storage containers are a flexible moving solution that allows you to pack and load at your own pace, take advantage of onsite and facility storage, and save money by DIY-ing some or all of the moving process. Moving containers are a great option for short- and long-term storage, as you can keep items on your property, often with at least one free month included in your reservation.
However, not all storage containers are weather-resistant, which can leave your valuable items at risk. While it’s generally a perk that you don’t have to drive like you would with a moving truck rental, you may end up at the mercy of your provider’s schedule for long-distance moves. Local moves can often be delivered the same day they’re picked up.
While full-service moving companies are less cost-effective, they offer a more stress-free experience by handling more parts of the moving process, which frees you up to complete last-minute tasks at home while the professionals handle the heavy lifting.
Full-service movers can coordinate other services like car shipping if you have a logistically complex move. We’re big fans of Mayzlin Relocation’s stellar customer service and Safeway Moving’s wide service area to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Want to compare your options? Take a look at our best moving companies based on our ratings.
Our take
U-Pack, PODS, and MovingYourself are our top three picks for moving container companies in California. U-Pack is our pick for best overall due to its competitive and easy-to-access pricing process. While it only offers one container size, you can order as many as you want and transport it to all 50 states, plus Canada and Puerto Rico.
We like PODS because it delivers all the way to Hawaii and has GPS tracking while your items are in transit. MovingYourself isn’t a traditional storage container company, but it allows you to use the convenient you-load-we-drive service model without the rigid space restrictions of smaller containers.
FAQ
What is the cheapest container shipping company?
U-Pack is the cheapest container shipping company in California, but we recommend you get a quote from several providers or use our moving cost calculator to ensure you get the best value for your needs. Many companies offer price matching, so you’ll want to consider portable storage container availability and add-ons in your decision.
How much do moving containers cost?
Moving containers cost between $500 and $5,000, but there are a lot of variables that affect these costs, including:
- Distance
- Labor needs
- Container size and amount
- Insurance options
- Rental time
That said, moving containers are much more cost-effective than full-service moves. We recommend requesting a free quote from several providers and taking advantage of price matching where you can.
What are the best moving container companies in California for a cross-country move?
The best moving containers companies in California for a cross-country move are U-Pack, PODS, and MovingYourself.
Can I put a shipping container on my property in California?
Yes, you can put a shipping container on your property in California, but you may need to request a permit if it exceeds your municipality’s square footage requirements or if you intend to keep it for longer than 180 days.
How do I get a moving quote for long-distance moves?
You can get a moving quote for long-distance moves by requesting an online quote from any storage container or full-service moving company. We recommend you compare your quotes and each company’s service area to our moving cost calculator to ensure you get competitive pricing free of hidden fees.
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