These Are the Cheapest Moving Containers

With something as potentially expensive as moving, finding a low-cost moving option is extremely important for lots of people. Hiring full-service professional movers isn’t cheap, and embarking on a DIY cross-country move from New York to LA isn’t for everyone.

For those who’d rather leave the driving to the professionals but who’d also like to save money by doing the packing, loading, and unpacking themselves, a moving container company can be an attractive alternative to full-service moving companies.

Most moving container companies allow you to load up each container at your own pace, then contact the company when it’s ready for pickup. They’ll haul the container to your new home and schedule a drop-off on your desired move date, at which time you’ll then be able to unload your container.

A moving container company is much cheaper than using full-service movers, but you still don’t have to worry about driving your belongings. On the downside, some moving container companies only offer interstate moving services and thus aren’t available for local relocations.

In this post, we’ll help you compare cheap moving container companies so you can find great service at affordable prices for your move.

Factors that affect portable moving container pricing

Before getting any moving quotes from the most affordable moving container companies, keep in mind the following variables that could affect final cost:

• Each container provider’s base price structure
• The distance between your old and new homes
• The number of containers you plan to use (it’s generally easier to use moving containers for a studio apartment than a five-bedroom home simply because of the difference in the number of containers)
• The time of year you’re moving (summer is peak moving season)
• Whether or not you’ll require storage and/or other additional services — some movers can keep your container at their storage facility for several months so you don’t have to worry about loading and unloading a storage unit, but that extra storage time will cost you
• Whether you want extra content protection insurance coverage for your items while they’re in transit
• Any available promotions and discounts

The cheapest moving and portable storage container companies

U-Pack is our pick for all-around value

U-Pack (not to be confused with U-Haul U-Box containers) is among the largest and most well-established moving and portable storage container companies in the United States. Their equipment options include ReloCubes (one of the cheapest moving containers in the industry) and 28-foot freight trailers.

U-Pack pricing at a glance

Distance / home size	1 bedroom	2 or 3 bedrooms	More than 3 bedrooms
Local	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable
Under 250 miles	$1,000 – $1,450	$1,100 – $1,700	$1,250 – $1,950
More than 250 miles	$1,500 – $2,600	$2,450 – $3,900	$3,550 – $6,650

Remember, these are just “average cost” figures based on a relatively small sample size.

The only way to get an accurate quote for your move is by contacting each of the moving container companies individually. But you can always use our moving cost calculator to get a free estimate of how much your move will cost.

U-Pack equipment options

Stats/mode of transportation	Relocube	Freight trailer
Approximate internal dimensions	5’10” x 6’1″ x 7’9″	27′ x 8′ x 9′
Volume (cubic feet)	308	1,944
Weight limit	2,500 pounds	22,500 pounds
Container material	Metal	Metal
Popular use	Partial and apartment moves with limited parking	Large apartments and multi-bedroom single-family homes with ample parking
Coverage area	Nationwide (no local moves)	Nationwide (no local moves)
Storage	Yes	Yes

What makes U-Pack such a good value?

U-Pack pricing is especially competitive for moves between 100 and 250 miles thanks to its cheap moving containers. Customers only pay for the space they use on a trailer or the number of ReloCubes they need. If you order too many ReloCubes, you don’t have to pay for the ones you don’t use!

Other U-Pack benefits include:

• An extensive national coverage area (including many remote towns)
• Quick delivery times
• No deposit required
• Short- and long-term storage solutions available
• Online shipment tracking
• Transparent pricing with online quotes

Possible deal breakers

• U-Pack doesn’t offer local moving services
• Long-distance move prices are typically on the higher side
• Parking for freight trailers can be an issue
• Due to their deck height, freight trailers are more difficult to load than a moving container
• Only three days to load and three days to unload

The U-Pack value verdict

There’s a reason U-Pack is one of our picks for best moving container companies. Featuring accurate pricing, multiple equipment options, and responsive customer service representatives, online reviewers generally agree that U-Pack is a premium provider of moving container services.

Plus, the company offers ReloCube services to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In short, U-Pack definitely deserves your consideration when planning an upcoming move.

Check out our deep dive into U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box to see how the company stacks up against one of its biggest competitors.

PODS is hard to beat for long-distance moves

Since PODS was founded in 1998, the moving container company has become a leader in the industry.

On the other hand, that name recognition can mean higher container prices. If you’re looking for the cheapest moving pods container rentals available, you might need to look to another brand. However, the PODS experience and level of service speak for themselves.

Below is a comparison of PODS cost and container sizes.

PODS pricing at a glance

Distance / home size	1 bedroom	2 or 3 bedrooms	More than 3 bedrooms
Local	$225 – $450	$350 – $650	$330 – $830
Less than 250 miles	$470 – $825	$770 – $2,000	$930 – $2,150
More than 250 miles	$2,110 – $4,110	$3,100 – $4,960	$5,560 – $7,700

PODS container options

Moving container size	8-foot	12-foot	16-foot
Approximate external dimensions	8′ x 7′ x 8′	12′ x 8′ x 8′	16′ x 8’ x 8″
Volume (cubic feet)	402	689	835
Weight limit	5,200 pounds	4,700 pounds	4,200 pounds
Container material	Metal	Metal	Metal
Popular use	Partial and small apartment moves	Local moving and storage	Large apartments and single-family homes
Coverage area	Long-distance only	Local only	Local, long-distance
Storage	Yes	Yes	Yes

What makes PODS such a good value?

With three moving container sizes and 30 days of storage built into each quote, PODS is a great option for relocations, no matter the distance.

Here’s our full list of PODS pros:

• Flexible short- and long-term storage options
• 30 days of free storage included with every move
• Containers can be stored at your place or in one of PODS’ facilities
• Multiple insurance options are available
• An extensive national coverage area
• Customers can add labor for loading and unloading
• Online shipment tracking
• Easy online quotes and booking for local moves
• Military discounts

Possible deal breakers

• Doesn’t give long-distance quotes online
• In some cases, PODS pricing is higher than the moving container industry average
• Their containers are popular, so early booking is a must
• Larger containers have lower weight limits than smaller ones

The PODS value verdict

Featuring flexible storage options, accurate quotes, and nationwide coverage with relatively few downsides, it’s no wonder the moving container company is so popular.

If you’re getting multiple moving container quotes, PODS should definitely be on your list.

1-800-PACK-RAT shines in multiple areas

1-800-PACK-RAT has provided local and long-distance moving container services for more than 15 years. They’ve garnered a loyal following by offering competitive prices and great customer service.

1-800-PACK-RAT pricing at a glance

Distance / home size	1 bedroom	2 or 3 bedrooms	More than 3 bedrooms
Local move	$180 – $550	$225 – $650	$350 – $820
Less than 250 miles	$500- $975	$710 – $1,960	$1,100 – $3,500
More than 250 miles	$1,250 – $3,825	$2,420 – $4,650	$5,125 – $6,925

1-800-PACK-RAT equipment options

Moving container sizes	8-foot	12-foot	16-foot
Approximate internal dimensions	8’3″ x 7’3″ x 6’10”	11’10” x 6’11” x 7’7″	15’10” x 6’11” x 7’7″
Volume (cubic feet)	404	620	830
Weight limit	4,000 pounds	6,000 pounds	6,000 pounds
Container material	Metal	Metal	Metal
Popular use	Studio apartment and college student moves	Large apartments and moderately furnished homes	Larger single-family homes
Coverage area	Local, long-distance	Local, long-distance	Local, long-distance
Storage	Yes	Yes	Yes

What makes 1-800-PACK-RAT such a good value?

Though it might not sound important, the barn-style doors on 1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers increase the usable space inside the container and make loading and unloading much easier.

Other features and services include:

• Multiple moving container sizes
• $10,000 of insurance included, with more available for purchase
• 30 days of storage services included in the base price
• 16-foot containers (larger than some competitors)
• Higher weight limits relative to moving container size
• Price matching may be available

Possible deal breakers

• Fewer locations than other companies
• Storage fees can’t be prorated
• Big fuel surcharges on long-distance moves
• Need to speak with a representative to get a long-distance move quote

The 1-800-PACK-RAT value verdict

To recap, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers several moving and storage container sizes, barn-style doors that make the moving process easier, and 30 days of storage with each quote.

In short, this moving container company is a serious contender in the moving container space. If it’s available in your area, it’s well worth checking out before your next relocation.

Zippy Shell is a favorite with young professionals on the move

Zippy Shell is changing the way people move between cities with their revolutionary lightweight steel-cage moving containers.

Zippy Shell pricing at a glance

Distance / home size	1 bedroom	2 or 3 bedrooms	More than 3 bedrooms
Local	$205 – $265	$335 – $675	$355 – $755
Less than 250 miles	$560 – $975	$750 – $1,660	$1,160 – $3,180
More than 250 miles	$1,830 – $3,955	$2,855 – $4,560	$5,250 – $7,100

Zippy Shell equipment options

Moving container sizes	10-foot	15-foot
Approximate internal dimensions	7” x 7” x 10′	7′ x 7′ x 15′
Volume (cubic feet)	385	625
Weight limit	3,500 pounds	5,500 pounds
Container material	Metal cage	Metal cage
Popular use	Partial and small apartment moves	Large apartments and single-family homes
Coverage area	Local, long-distance	Local, long-distance
Storage	Yes	Yes

What makes Zippy Shell such a good value?

Zippy Shell’s slightly smaller moving container dimensions make it a great option when parking is limited.

Here are some additional benefits:

• Option to add reasonably-priced loading and unloading labor
• Guaranteed and expedited delivery options available
• Street-legal trailers and hydraulic lift trucks enable delivery in a variety of settings
• Innovative cage-style containers promote airflow
• Available for both local and long-distance moves
• Multiple insurance options

Possible deal breakers

• Only three days to load and three to unload
• Slightly smaller containers than competitors’
• Only available in 33 states plus Washington, D.C. (many states also have a limited service area centered around big cities)

The Zippy Shell value verdict

When moving between major metropolitan areas like Chicago and New York, Zippy Shell is hard to beat.

Since their containers are about the same size as the average car, they can be safely placed in standard parking spaces, which eliminates the effort and cost of securing special permits. We also like the fact that their containers are more open to airflow, which is great when moving sensitive items in hot and humid climates.

That being said, their availability is fairly limited, particularly outside of the East Coast.

Still, we highly recommend including Zippy Shell on your list of prospective moving container companies, especially if there’s a city-to-city relocation in your future.

Moving Place is making waves in the moving container space

MovingPlace has some of the most competitive pricing and high-quality customer service in the long-distance moving game.

Moving Place pricing at a glance

Move type/home size	1 bedroom	2 or 3 bedrooms	More than 3 bedrooms
Local	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable
Less than 250 miles	$1,130 – $1,330	$1,250 – $1,740	$1,425 – $2,155
More than 250 miles	$1,055 – $2,555	$1,925 – $3,225	$2,950 – $4,755

Moving Place equipment options

Stats / trailer sizes	Freight trailer	Full-size commercial moving trailer
Approximate internal dimensions	27′ x 8′ x 9′	50′ x 8′ x 9′
Volume (cubic feet)	1,800	3,800
Weight limit	22,000 pounds	44,000 pounds
Container material	Metal	Metal
Popular use	Single-family homes	Single-family homes plus a vehicle
Coverage area	Long-distance only	Long-distance only
Storage	Yes	No

What makes Moving Place such a good value?

If you’re moving more than 500 miles away and are looking for a reasonably-priced moving company, look no further than MovingPlace.

Unlike their competitors, MovingPlace offers full-size moving vans.

Other services and features include:

• Best prices on freight trailers
• Trailers available to reserve for dedicated use
• Fast and predictable delivery times
• Top-notch customer service
• Vehicle shipping availability

Possible deal breakers

• No online quotes
• Poorly organized website makes it hard to find information
• No local moving options
• Only three days to load and unload trailers

The Moving Space value verdict

Our customers consistently rate MovingPlace highly when it comes to professional customer service and rock-bottom pricing.

However, what sets them apart is that they offer full-size moving vans similar to the ones used by van lines. Plus, their trailers are equipped with moving pads, straps, and dollies.

Bottom line: They’re definitely a standout option in the cross-country interstate moving space.

Last-minute moving and storage container tips

On moves requiring multiple containers, individual units may be delivered to your new home at different times throughout the same day.

Remember, as long as the containers are delivered within normal business hours on the agreed-upon date, the company has technically fulfilled its obligations.

It’s also worth noting that although most of the best moving container companies give customers three days to load and unload, if you finish faster than that, they may be able to pick up your unit early if you let them know in advance. However, if you end up needing more time to pack or unpack, you may end up paying extra.

And lastly, if you’re moving during the peak summer months, it’s a good idea to reserve your moving container and move date at least a month in advance to avoid being unable to find available moving containers.

Making the most of the cheapest moving pods and storage container companies

Depending on your moving plans, portable moving containers can deliver a cost-effective and hassle-free moving experience. Containers cost much less than full-service movers — but in exchange, you’ll have to do most of the heavy lifting yourself. At the same time, you won’t have to worry about driving like you would with a moving truck rental.

As with any other type of moving service, be sure to get quotes from multiple moving container companies and check out customer reviews so you can find the cheapest container providers you feel comfortable using.

Finally, use our moving cost calculator to compare the average prices of moving containers with those of other move options so you can find the best fit for your move!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here’s what people are asking about the most affordable moving container companies

Are portable storage containers weatherproof?

Yes. Unless they’re damaged, metal moving and storage containers will protect your items from the elements as well as any pesky critters. However, they’re usually not climate-controlled, so containers may still be susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Do all portable containers come with storage options?

Not all moving containers can be used for storage, so if you won’t be able to move into your new home or apartment immediately, ask the companies you’re considering if they offer storage and get their storage unit prices.

Also keep in mind that while storing your goods in steel containers for a prolonged period of time could leave them vulnerable to damage from extreme temperatures.

What’s the best way to get free quotes for moving containers?

Most container providers offer online quotes for local moves, though for long-distance relocations you’ll probably need to pick up the phone and speak with a representative to get an estimate.

And remember, moving quotes should always be free. Make sure your quote includes all your moving costs so you don’t get surprised with hidden fees later.

Do moving container companies require deposits and/or other upfront costs?

Some moving container providers require a deposit when reserving equipment and booking move dates, while many container rental companies offer “pay-as-you-go” pricing that keeps payments small and manageable. Be sure to ask how payment works when you request a quote.

Also, check out our guide on the best cheap moving companies!