Best Moving Container Companies in Idaho (2025)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: We’ve evaluated dozens of local and national moving container companies and found that PODS is the best option in Idaho. Their range of container sizes, flexible scheduling, and offering of both local and long-distance moves are hard to beat.
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The cost of moving containers in Idaho depends on how far you’re moving, the container size you select, and whether or not you need storage. Local moves with containers typically cost between $200 and $800, while long-distance moves can range from $2,500–$7,000+.
To get the most out of your move, we recommend comparing quotes from a few companies. Read on to see why PODS, U-Haul, MovingYourself, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and Zippy Shell made our list of the best moving container companies in Idaho.
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5 Best moving container companies in Idaho
To get started, take a look at our picks for the top Idaho moving container companies.
PODS: Best for nationwide availability
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Why we chose PODS
We found PODS to be one of the most widely available and flexible moving container options in the state. Whether you’re relocating within Boise, Idaho Falls, or Coeur d’Alene or moving out of state, PODS offers three container sizes to accommodate different moving needs.
PODS also includes 30 days of storage with every rental, making them a good choice if you need a little extra time to pack or store your belongings between moves. Their containers are built to withstand Idaho’s varying weather conditions, ensuring your stuff stays protected year-round.
Pros and cons
- Has more container options than most competitors
- Includes 30 days of complimentary storage with every rental
- Available for local and long-distance moves nationwide
- Phone call required to book long-distance moves
- Limited tracking during the move
How much does PODS cost?
PODS pricing depends on how far you’re moving, the containers you choose, and your storage needs. Our readers who hired PODS reported their long-distance moves cost between $2,836 and $5,090.
While there might be more affordable options than PODS, their built-in storage and flexible scheduling could be worth the slightly higher cost.
PODS container sizes
For local moves (50 miles or fewer), you can rent eight-, 12-, and 16-foot containers. Just note that PODS’ 12-foot container isn’t available for long-distance moves, so you’ll need to choose one of the other two sizes.
- Container sizes: Eight-foot, 12-foot (local only), 16-foot
- Container material: Steel frame, weather-resistant polymer siding
- Climate-controlled storage: No
- Capacity: 402–835 cubic feet, 4,200–5,200 pounds
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
Why we chose U-Pack
U-Pack is the best value option for long-distance container moves in Idaho. They allow you to pay only for the space you use, making them a cost-effective choice if you’re moving on a budget and aren’t exactly sure how much space to book.
U-Pack is known for their speedy delivery, and most of our readers reported that they received their stuff within two to five business days. U-Pack also offers instant online quotes and doesn’t require a deposit, making it easy to book a move.
Just note that their availability for pick-ups and drop-offs might vary based on your location. Some customers mentioned needing to pick up or drop off ReloCubes at a service center in certain areas instead of having them delivered.
Pros and cons
- Only pay for the container space you use
- Quicker delivery than competitors, on average
- Doesn’t require a deposit
- No long-distance moves, only local
- Only has one container size option
How much does U-Pack cost?
U-Pack’s pricing depends on how much space you use and the distance of your move, but they consistently offer some of the lowest rates of the container companies we’ve reviewed.
Our readers report paying between $2,352 and $6,109 for long-distance moves.
U-Pack container sizes
U-Pack lets you choose between two options—an eight-foot ReloCube that’s ideal for smaller moves and a 28-foot trailer for bigger moves.
- Container sizes: Eight-foot ReloCube, 28-foot trailer
- Container material: Steel
- Climate-controlled storage: No
- Capacity: ReloCube: 308 cubic feet, 2,500 pounds. Trailer: 1,944 cubic feet, 22,500 pounds
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
Why we chose MovingYourself
MovingYourself is an excellent option for large moves to or from Idaho because they use 53-foot moving trucks instead of traditional containers. This setup provides more space and flexibility, allowing you to pay only for the area you use. They’re a smart choice if you have large furniture or bulky items that might not fit into standard moving containers.
Unlike other moving container companies, MovingYourself also lets you ship your car. Their trailers come equipped with moving pads, straps, and dollies to simplify the loading process. However, MovingYourself only handles long-distance moves, so they’re not an option for local relocations within Idaho.
Pros and cons
- Only charges for the space you end up using
- Trailers provide more capacity than standard containers
- Includes moving equipment at no extra cost
- Not available for local moves within Idaho
- Service may be limited in some rural areas
How much does MovingYourself cost?
MovingYourself doesn’t provide instant online quotes like the container companies on our list. The cost of your move depends on how far you’re going and how much trailer space you use.
This custom pricing model allows you to control costs, but it also makes it challenging to estimate expenses without contacting the company directly.
MovingYourself container sizes
MovingYourself is a great option for long-distance moves because of their large trailer sizes. They’re ideal for cross-country moves with lots of belongings.
- Container sizes: 22-foot and 53-foot moving trucks
- Container material: Metal
- Climate-controlled storage: No
- Capacity: Varies depending on the space used
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for 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
Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT is a solid choice if you want durable, all-steel containers to protect your belongings throughout the move. Their steel construction offers better defense against weather and pests compared to some competitors’ mixed-material containers.
The company also has a convenient price-matching policy, which allows you to negotiate a better rate if you find a lower price with a competitor. Additionally, each rental includes 30 days of storage, which is helpful if you need extra time before unloading.
Pros and cons
- All-steel containers provide enhanced protection
- Price-matching policy helps you secure competitive rates
- 30 days of storage included with each rental
- Limited availability for moves out of state
- May require a phone call to get an exact quote
How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?
Some 1-800-PACK_RAT customers we spoke to reported paying $4,000 to $7,300 for long-distance moves, but your moving cost will depend on the specifics of your move.
Unlike some competitors, 1-800-PACK-RAT doesn’t give out instant online quotes. To get an accurate quote, you need to call a company representative.
1-800-PACK-RAT container sizes
Like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers three container sizes, but their all-steel construction makes them a more durable option.
- Container sizes: Eight-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot
- Container material: All-steel construction
- Climate-controlled storage: Yes (at some locations)
- Capacity: 404–830 cubic feet, 4,000–6,000 pounds
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
Why we chose Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell is ideal for city-to-city moves in Idaho, especially if you’re moving within urban areas like Boise or Idaho Falls. Unique from their competitors, Zippy Shell offers street-legal containers that don’t require special parking permits, making them a convenient choice for apartment or city moves.
Since Zippy Shell and 1-800-PACK-RAT are sister companies, you can expect some of the same benefits, like 30 days of storage.
Pros and cons
- Street-legal containers designed for city moves
- 30 days of free storage with all rentals
- Optional loading and unloading services
- Doesn’t provide instant online quotes
- Limited availability compared to PODS
How much does Zippy Shell cost?
Zippy Shell’s prices are generally competitive. Our reader, Danielle, said she paid $2,703 to move a three-bedroom home from Virginia to Florida.
Like 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell doesn’t provide instant online quotes, so you’ll need to call for exact pricing.
Zippy Shell container sizes
Zippy Shell offers two container options and a 22-foot trailer for bigger moves. Just keep in mind that their containers have slightly less internal space than PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT.
- Container sizes: 10-foot, 15-foot; 22-foot trailer
- Container material: Steel construction
- Climate-controlled storage: Yes (at some locations)
- Capacity: 420–680 cubic feet, 3,500–5,500 pounds
Local Idaho moving container companies
Looking for a local moving container company in Idaho? Here are some options:
- Big Boy Movers: Offers local and long-distance moving container services with flexible scheduling options.
- Container Movers: Picks up and delivers portable storage units in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls.
- UNITS Moving and Portable Storage: Delivers moving and storage containers with convenient drop-off and pickup options.
- BoiseBox: Provides three flexible portable storage container sizes, delivering them to your door.
Compare the best moving container companies in Idaho
| Provider | BBB Rating | State Availability | Container Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| PODS | A+ | 46 states | 8′, 12′, 16′ |
| U-Pack | A+ | 50 states | 8′ ReloCube, 28′ trailer |
| MovingYourself | A | 48 states | 53′ truck space |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | A+ | 31 states | 8′, 12′, 16′ |
| Zippy Shell | A+ | 35 states | 10′, 15′ |
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What real customers say about Idaho moving container companies
Idaho presents unique moving challenges, from rural access to navigating mountain towns. Here are some insights from moving customers who used some of Idaho’s most popular container companies.
- Average costs: Long-distance container moves ranged from $2,500 to $4,500, while local moves started at around $500 to $1,500. Costs tended to be higher for rural deliveries or moves during peak seasons when demand for moving containers spikes in remote areas.
- Surprise fees: Up to 55% of customers encountered unexpected costs. 1-800-PACK-RAT customers faced the highest rates of unexpected costs. Common fees included charges for extended storage, added labor help, and challenges with container placement in remote areas.
- Delivery delays: Delivery or pickup delays affected about 20-40% of customers. U-Pack had the most reliable delivery, while up to 40% of the PODS and Zippy Shell customers we spoke to experienced delays, especially for rural deliveries or during winter when road conditions impacted access.
- Damages: Damage reports were low across the top container companies in Idaho, falling between 5-20%. U-Pack reported the lowest damage rate, while 1-800-PACK-RAT had the highest. Customers noted that long transit routes and rough terrain increased the risk of minor damage, especially for fragile items.
- Would they use them again? Customer satisfaction remained high for most companies. 85% of U-Pack and PODS customers would choose them again, ranking the highest of all the container companies our readers used.
How we picked the best Idaho moving container companies
We chose the best storage container companies in Idaho by passing each company through our thorough methodology.
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: For 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 their container sizes.
- Reputation: To take it one step further, we investigated each company’s reputation in the 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 availability of each moving container company, including their storage facilities, availability in major cities and rural areas, and overall state and international availability.
- Payment methods: Moving companies don’t always make it easy to get a transparent quote, pay a deposit through a secure processing system, or take advantage of discounts, so we considered each company’s payment methods and how straightforward they were.
- Scheduling: Finally, we considered each company’s scheduling tools to assess how easy it is for customers to get their desired moving date.
Compare moving container sizes
Wondering which size container is right for your move? Here’s what you can expect to fit in common container sizes offered by moving companies:
| Container Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| 8-foot | Studio apartment, ~500 sq. ft. |
| 12-foot | 1-bedroom home, ~500–800 sq. ft. |
| 16-foot | 2-bedroom home, up to 1,200 sq. ft. |
| 28-foot | 3-bedroom home, ~1,500+ sq. ft. |
| 53-foot | Large moves, bulk shipments |
Moving containers vs. full-service movers
Moving containers
Moving containers are a budget-friendly and flexible alternative to full-service movers, allowing you to pack and load at your own pace. If you’re moving between Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, or even to another state, moving containers eliminate the need to drive a rental truck and often include built-in storage options.
Most moving container companies allow month-to-month storage, making them a great option if you need extra time before settling into your new home. However, you’ll be responsible for packing and loading your belongings unless you hire labor assistance.
Full-service movers
Full-service movers handle everything from packing to unloading, making them an excellent choice if you want to avoid the physical work of moving. They’re especially useful for large homes, long-distance moves, and specialty items like pianos or antiques.
While full-service movers cost significantly more than renting a moving container, they provide a hands-off experience, which can be worth the added expense for some movers. If you’re considering a full-service mover, Safeway Moving and Mayzlin Relocation are two of our favorites.
Our take
PODS is our top pick for moving containers in Idaho, thanks to their flexibility, built-in storage, and availability statewide. With a variety of container sizes and 30 days of included storage, PODS is a great choice for both local and long-distance moves.
That said, the best provider for your move depends on your specific needs. We think U-Pack is ideal for long-distance moves on a budget, while MovingYourself is great for large relocations with a truckload of flexible space.
If you want extra-durable steel containers, 1-800-PACK-RAT is a solid alternative, while Zippy Shell is perfect for city moves with their street-legal containers. Before choosing a company, compare quotes and features to ensure you get the best service at the lowest price.
FAQ
Can I keep my moving container on my property in Idaho?
Some container companies in Idaho, such as PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and Zippy Shell, allow you to keep your container at home while you load and unload. If you live in a city like Boise or Idaho Falls, you may need to check out local laws and permit requirements for street parking.
Are moving containers a good option for winter moves in Idaho?
Idaho winters can bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, so it’s important to choose a weather-resistant moving container. Companies like 1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS offer durable, steel-framed containers that can withstand harsh conditions. It’s also a good idea to give yourself extra time for weather-related delays.
What’s the best moving container company for small moves?
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment, a small container like an 8-foot PODS unit or a U-Pack ReloCube is usually the best option. These containers fit in a standard parking space and are great for college moves, downsizing, or relocations with minimal furniture.
Which moving container company offers the best storage options?
If you need long-term storage, PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT both provide secure, off-site storage facilities. Zippy Shell also includes 30 days of free storage with every move, making them a good choice if you need temporary storage between homes.
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