Best Moving Container Companies in Texas (2024)
Moving containers are a cost-effective solution if you’re renovating, moving house, or need a temporary storage solution for another reason.
We recommend using U-Pack, which quoted us just under $3,000 to move a one-bedroom apartment more than 1,800 miles from Texas to Massachusetts using one of their ReloCube containers.
Keep reading to find out how each of our five best moving container companies in Texas stands out, as well as the types of containers they offer and what you can expect to spend. In the end, you’ll want to request as many quotes as you can and take advantage of price matching to get the best value.
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The 5 best moving container companies in Texas
Five companies stood out as the best moving container companies in Texas:
- 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 Texas moving container companies
We didn’t just pull our top picks out of a hat. We spent countless hours researching and comparing dozens of moving container and storage companies to find the best choices for our readers.
Through this methodology, we developed our unbiased rating system, which considers the following:
- Customer satisfaction: We read countless customer reviews to better understand real-life experiences with each portable moving container company. Better moving experiences scored higher points.
- Services: We assessed each company’s moving and storage services. In the case of portable storage containers, we evaluated drop-off and pickup convenience, vetted access to climate-controlled storage facilities and storage units, considered the weatherproofing of its containers, and compared container sizes for various moving needs.
- Reputation: We investigated each company’s reputation in the broader moving industry by assessing Better Business Bureau accreditation, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure, and reputation with other professional associations.
- Add-on options: We looked into each company’s additional services, including moving labor — such as packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading — plus any available insurance options.
- Service area: We considered each moving container’s nationwide availability in major cities and rural areas, its overall state and international availability, and its access to brick-and-mortar storage facilities.
- Payment methods: We evaluated each company’s process for requesting an online quote with transparent pricing, paying a deposit through a secure processing system, and accessing various discount options.
- Scheduling: We secret-shopped 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 contacting the company to confirm your reservation is difficult.
Comparing the best moving container companies in Texas
Every company will have a unique service area, moving container options, reputation, and price point. Here’s a quick comparison of our best moving container companies in Texas.
| Provider | BBB Rating | State Availability | Container Options | Sample Pricing* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Pack | A+ | 50 | 8-foot | $2,961 |
| 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 Houston to Boston
U-Pack: Best overall
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack is our top pick overall because it offers competitive prices for moves of at least 250 miles and has a convenient online quote process. The company also simplifies the decision-making process by offering one straightforward container size, and it’s available in every U.S. state.
The website is well-built and user-friendly, which makes it easy to access a previous quote, track your shipment, add services, or consult dozens of moving resources, including packing advice, space estimators, fuel calculators, and do-not-ship lists.
Pros/Cons
- Ideal for moves between 250 and 500 miles
- Can add month-to-month storage rental
- Only provider on this list with an easy online quote process with transparent pricing
- Offers online tracking
- Doesn’t offer long-term storage beyond six months
- Doesn’t service local moves
How much does U-Pack cost?
It would cost $2,961 to move roughly a one-bedroom home from Houston to Boston, according to our quote from U-Pack.
Chloe used U-Pack to move from California to Utah in October 2022. She paid $2,952 for two ReloCubes, which was exactly the price she was quoted. U-Pack routinely returned quotes on the lower end of the range when we requested estimates.
Why we like U-Pack
- One standard storage container size
- Offers freight shipping for larger moves
- Convenient online quote process
PODS: Best for long-distance moves
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
PODS operates similarly to U-Pack, but it offers three container sizes to accommodate homes of all sizes. It services all states except Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, meaning it has excellent coverage in the South, West Coast, and Northeast areas of the country.
Although PODS isn’t available in every state, it is one of the most popular and recognized brands in the industry, and has the physical locations across the U.S. to prove it. This means you’re more likely to find a PODS nearby than you would with most of the other moving container companies on this list. In Texas alone, PODS has 35 locations in major cities and smaller towns alike.
Unlike U-Pack, PODS gives you unlimited time to load and unload your belongings, so you can take as much time as you need to pack your items carefully and load them at your own pace. You’ll get 30 days included in your rental, but can extend that time on a month-to-month basis for an additional rental fee.
The company also advertises a money-back guarantee, which provides peace of mind if you’re not 100% satisfied with your moving services.
Pros/Cons
- Unlimited loading and unloading time
- Includes 30 days of storage in the base rental price
- Has a money-back guarantee
- Doesn’t offer online quotes for long-distance moves
- Street parking can be difficult in urban areas
How much does PODS cost?
PODS doesn’t have a great online quote process, especially for long-distance moves. While you can start online, you’ll need to call a representative directly to finalize your estimate. That said, PODS monthly rentals start at $149 per month and pickup and delivery fees are about $75, but they’re often waived.
Kyle paid $3,252 for his 2022 move from Arizona to Washington — about 1,400 miles. He transported roughly four rooms of furniture, and his original estimate was exactly right.
Why we like PODS
- Reliable quote process
- Multiple container sizes
- Includes $10,000 in insurance coverage
MovingYourself: Best for large moves
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Despite not being a traditional portable storage container company, MovingYourself earns its spot on this list because it offers extra space on existing truck routes and only charges customers for the space they use. This flexibility makes it a potential cost-effective alternative for bigger moves or single shipments of large items that would otherwise be difficult to transport.
Unfortunately, MovingYourself exclusively offers interstate moving services, so you’ll need to look at one of the other providers on this list if you’re moving within Texas borders.
Pros/Cons
- Can ship bulk and large items, such as cars and outdoor equipment
- Only charges for the space you use
- Estimates are all-inclusive, with no hidden fees
- Isn’t a traditional portable storage container
- No in-state moves available
How much does MovingYourself cost?
MovingYourself is opaque with its pricing because it has to match you with an existing truck driver and route before it can consider all cost factors. However, once you receive an estimate, you can be confident it’s free of hidden fees. To get a quote, you can submit your information to the contact form or call the company’s direct line, 866-586-5970.
Why we like MovingYourself
- Up to 52 feet of available space
- Offers military moving services
- Can ship cars
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best containers
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
1-800-PACK-RAT is our pick for its container options and design. While its three containers are similar to PODS’ offerings, PACK-RAT wins this distinction because it will price-match its competitors.
Similarly, all its containers are steel construction, making them waterproof and safe for even the most precious valuables.
Because it doesn’t stipulate a specific pickup and drop-off day upon delivery, you can take the whole month’s rental time to load and unload your belongings at your own pace.
Pros/Cons
- Offers price-matching
- You have up to 30 days to load and unload
- Steel walls and weatherproof construction
- Doesn’t deliver on Sundays
- Tacks on fuel surcharges
How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?
1-800-PACK-RAT doesn’t offer online quotes, but it will collect your information and reach out within a few days to discuss your moving and storage needs. In February 2022, Batool paid $3,400 to move her one-bedroom apartment from California to Texas.
Why we like 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Steel container construction in three sizes
- Price negotiation if you can find a lower quote elsewhere
- Unlimited loading time
Zippy Shell: Best for city moves
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Zippy Shell and PACK-RAT operate under the same parent company, making them sister companies. The two companies maintain distinct service areas, however. Zippy Shell is much better equipped for urban moves.
While many portable storage containers require special permits or a driveway to guarantee secure delivery, Zippy Shell’s containers are street-legal, making them much more accessible if you live in a congested city center.
Pros/Cons
- Has street-legal storage containers
- Provides three insurance options
- Offers guaranteed and expedited delivery
- No shipment tracking
- Restricts loading and unloading to three days on either side of your reservation
How much does Zippy Shell cost?
Zippy Shell requires customers to call for an estimate, but you can start the quote process online. For reference, Danielle paid $2,730 to move her three-bedroom home from Virginia to Florida. Despite the larger scope of her move, her estimate was competitive with U-Pack’s estimate for a one-bedroom move from Texas to Boston.
Why we like Zippy Shell
- Competitive prices
- Great customer service
- Services local and long-distance moves
Moving container sizes
Moving containers come in three common sizes — eight, 10, and 16 feet — but the dimensions can vary by provider and the distance to your new home. Here are some simple guidelines to help you estimate the best moving container size for your needs.
| 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 |
Moving containers vs. full-service movers
Moving containers are a flexible temporary storage and moving solution that can help you keep a slim budget throughout the moving process, but they may not fit every situation. In some cases, hiring a full-service moving company may better accommodate your moving and storage needs.
Moving containers give you the autonomy to move at your own pace. You can keep them onsite at your property indefinitely or use your provider’s self-storage options at a secure facility. Either way, you have access to safe long-term storage options on your own terms. Because you DIY much of the moving labor, you have full control over how you pack your valuables.
On the flip side, moving containers are typically only weather-resistant, which isn’t the same as weatherproof. You’ll have to take precautions to ensure your valuables are protected from pests and weather while they’re in storage or transit. They can also be difficult to park if you don’t have a reserved parking space or you live in a busy urban area.
Full-service moving companies like Safeway Moving and JK Moving Services can handle nearly every part of the moving process, which often comes with a much steeper price tag than portable storage containers. However, they’re full-service nature frees you up to focus on other things, such as making arrangements for your pets or selling items you can’t bring with you. Many full-service movers offer short and long-term storage options, but they are rarely as accessible as a storage container in your yard or driveway.
In short, full-service movers are best if you’re moving on a time crunch and don’t mind shelling out a little extra for your moving services, but moving containers are an excellent option if you’re willing to DIY to save money or want temporary storage at home.
Take a look at our best moving companies to compare all your options.
Our take
The best moving container company in Texas will depend on your budget, location, and desired shipping destination. While many companies overlap in their services, the container size options, nationwide availability, and quote process vary tremendously.
U-Pack is our top pick in every state it serves because it offers a convenient online quote process and transparent pricing. PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and Zippy Shell are all excellent picks for people who may benefit from multiple containers in several sizes, but Zippy Shell, in particular, is great for city moves.
MovingYourself is a worthwhile consideration for anyone shipping bulk or large items that may exceed a portable storage unit’s typical capacity but aren’t enough to warrant full-service movers.
FAQ
What size shipping container will I need for my upcoming move?
The size shipping container you need for your upcoming move depends on the size of your home and how much you intend to bring with you. Generally, we recommend one eight-foot container for every bedroom a home has.
Many providers offer calculators to help you evaluate their available storage solutions. For large homes, you may need multiple portable moving containers.
How much do moving containers cost?
Moving containers costs between $350 and $550 for a local move, but long-distance, international, and cross-country moves have more variables. Get a quote from several providers to find the most affordable prices for your shipping needs or use our moving cost calculator to get started. Some companies offer price matching, so you can negotiate if you find a lower price.
How much does moving shipping containers cost from Texas to Oregon?
Moving shipping containers cost $3,123 to move a one-bedroom home from Austin, Texas to Portland, Oregon, based on a quote we received from U-Pack. Your quote may vary if you elect third-party moving services, need additional storage options, or have a larger home requiring more storage containers.
Other providers make it more difficult to get a quote, so you may need to call a few companies to find the most cost-effective solution.
Which moving container company offers the best value for long-distance moves in Texas?
The moving container company that offers best value for long-distance moves in Texas really depends on the distance of your move, the number of storage containers you need, the insurance plan you choose, and your required moving services.
U-Pack offers affordable prices at face value, but we recommend requesting a free quote from all the providers on this list. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers price matching, so you can lower your estimate if a competitor returns with a lower estimate.
Who is PODS’ biggest competitor?
U-Pack and 1-800-PACK-RAT are two of PODS’ biggest competitors. Zippy Shell is PACK-RAT’s sister company, so we recommend getting a quote from all four providers.
U-Haul U-Box and SMARTBOX are well-known competitors, but they didn’t make the cut for the best moving container companies in Texas.
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