8 Best Moving Containers (2026 Review)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: PODS offers the best moving containers for most people, thanks to the widest availability and 30 days of included container use. U-Pack is the best value for long-distance moves, and UNITS is best for locally owned service, but the right pick depends on your move and budget. Container moves typically cost $125 - $400 for a small local move and $1,000 - $7,000 long-distance, according to moveBuddha research, and our moving cost calculator can price yours in minutes.
Jump to the moving container info you’re looking for:
8 best moving containers of 2026
We compared dozens of moving container companies on price, container quality, availability, and firsthand customer experiences. Here are our top picks:
PODS: Best nationwide coverage
For the widest availability and the most flexible loading time, PODS is the top choice, with local moves from $225 - $830.
PODS pros & cons
- Available in most states
- First 30 days included
- Online shipment tracking
- Local & long-distance moves
- Military & storage discounts
- Higher prices than some rivals
- Book early in summer
- No climate-controlled storage
Why we chose PODS
PODS, one of the largest moving container companies, was founded in 1998 and pioneered the portable storage container. While the brand name can come with a higher price tag, PODS’ 7 million moves and wide availability make it the most proven option in the industry.
Who PODS is best for: PODS is great if you’re staging a home or need a lot of time for loading or unloading. It’s also ideal if you want additional insurance options or third-party moving labor to help load your container.
PODS container sizes
PODS offers three container sizes, flexible storage options, and local and long-distance moving pods. Local moves (within 50 miles) can use an 8-, 12-, or 16-foot container, but the 12-foot container is only available for local moves.
| Container sizes | 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel frame, aluminum panels |
| Climate control | No |
| Capacity | 402 - 827 cubic feet, 4,200 - 5,200 pounds |
All PODS rentals allow open-ended monthly storage. You can keep your containers on your property or at a nearby PODS storage center, which is a perk U-Pack and MovingYourself don’t offer.
PODS cost
PODS’ cost is often higher than competitors, especially if a PODS location is more than 50 miles away, but PODS regularly runs military and storage promotions that can bring the price down.
| Home size | Local | Under 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | $225 - $435 | $459 - $845 | $2,110 - $4,110 |
| 2 - 3 BR | $300 - $650 | $760 - $1,970 | $3,060 - $4,960 |
| 4 - 5 BR | $330 - $830 | $930 - $2,130 | $5,550 - $7,600 |
We also interviewed moveBuddha readers Bethany, Michele, and Hassan, who used PODS for their interstate moves. Watch their honest reviews of their PODS experiences below.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
UNITS: Best for locally owned service
Locally owned franchises give UNITS a personal touch that national brands can’t match, plus flexible self-storage options and quotes of $300 - $7,500 in our research.
UNITS pros & cons
- 12- & 16-foot containers
- Local first-month promos
- ROBO-UNIT delivery for tight spaces
- Steel-frame, ground-level containers
- Locally owned franchises
- Only two container sizes
- Smaller footprint than PODS
- Insurance & promos vary by location
Why we chose UNITS
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage offers flexible DIY moves with durable containers, flexible scheduling, and the option to store at home or in climate-controlled warehouses. Its ROBO-UNIT delivery system keeps containers level and fits tight or uneven spaces.
Who UNITS is best for: If you want a local, personal touch, consider UNITS. Its locally owned franchises bring smaller teams and local knowledge to your relocation.
UNITS container sizes
UNITS offers 12-foot and 16-foot containers with steel-frame, weather-resistant construction and ground-level placement. Both sizes hold up to 8,000 pounds.
| Container sizes | 12-foot & 16-foot |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel frame, weather-resistant |
| Climate control | Yes, at warehouse facilities |
| Capacity | Up to 8,000 pounds |
UNITS cost
UNITS’ pricing depends on location, distance, rental length, and container size. Each franchise sets its own rates and promotions, so get quotes from UNITS and its competitors with the details of your move.
UNITS customer experiences
None of our Better Moves Project participants have used UNITS yet, but recent customer reviews across multiple locations are consistently strong. Customers praise UNITS’ professionalism, careful handling, clean containers, and reliable delivery and pickup. Some mention unexpected fees, scheduling issues, or uneven communication depending on the franchise.
- Locally owned branches
- Steel containers in multiple sizes
- Level delivery for tight spaces
- Flexible month-to-month service
- Climate-controlled storage
1-800-PACK-RAT: Most container options
With all-steel containers in three sizes and both home and facility storage, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers the most container options on our list. Local moves start at $180 - $820.
1-800-PACK-RAT pros & cons
- Third-party packing help
- Several insurance options
- 8-, 12- & 16-foot all-steel containers
- Barn-style doors
- High weight limits on larger sizes
- Fewer locations than PODS
- Lower 8-foot weight limit than PODS
Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT made our list for its sturdy steel containers, competitive prices, multiple container sizes, and insurance options.
Who 1-800-PACK-RAT is best for: 1-800-PACK-RAT is best for homeowners who need sturdy, weatherproof containers and want both at-home and facility storage.
1-800-PACK-RAT container sizes
1-800-PACK-RAT offers the same container sizes as PODS, but its containers have steel frames, walls, and doors. The all-steel build is weatherproof, which makes 1-800-PACK-RAT a strong choice if you’re moving antiques or specialty items.
Barn-style doors also make loading easier than elevated containers with ramps and increase the usable space inside. When Desmond rented a 16-foot container, he fit the contents of his three-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot home.
| Container sizes | 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot |
|---|---|
| Material | All-steel |
| Locations | 37 states & D.C. |
| Capacity | 4,000 - 6,000 pounds |
1-800-PACK-RAT cost
1-800-PACK-RAT costs range from a couple hundred dollars for a local move to close to $7,000 for a long-distance relocation. For local moving and storage, you pay rental and delivery fees once the container is dropped off.
| Home size | Local | Under 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | $180 - $535 | $500 - $950 | $1,230 - $3,825 |
| 2 - 3 BR | $220 - $650 | $710 - $1,960 | $2,420 - $4,635 |
| 4 - 5 BR | $350 - $820 | $1,055 - $3,470 | $5,125 - $6,925 |
Better Moves Project participants Batool and Carrie also appreciated 1-800-PACK-RAT’s flexible container options and the control it gave them. They hit a few hiccups like minor damage and delivery timing, but both found the service affordable and convenient.
- 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
U-Pack: Best overall value
Pay-for-what-you-use pricing keeps U-Pack’s cost low on long-distance DIY moves, where trips under 250 miles run $945 - $1,925.
U-Pack pros & cons
- Pay only for the space you use
- Fast delivery
- Monthly ReloCube storage
- Online quotes & tracking
- One container size
- No local moves
- Three days to load or unload
Why we chose U-Pack
With wide availability, transparent pricing, instant online quotes, and a pay-for-what-you-use system, U-Pack tops our list of the cheapest moving container companies. It provides the best overall value.
Who U-Pack is best for: U-Pack is best for long-distance moves where you want to save money by loading yourself. It’s ideal if you don’t need on-site storage.
U-Pack container sizes
U-Pack offers two shipping options: ReloCube containers and a 28-foot moving trailer, one reason it landed on our list of the best moving trailer rentals. You can order multiple ReloCubes and pay only for the ones you use, and on the trailer you pay only for the space you fill.
| Container sizes | ReloCube (about 6 x 7 x 8 feet), 28-foot trailer |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Climate control | No |
| Capacity | ReloCube: 308 cubic feet, 2,500 pounds. Trailer: 1,944 cubic feet, 22,500 pounds |
U-Pack cost
U-Pack consistently beats the competition on pricing for moves of around 250 miles and offers good prices for longer distances. See how it stacks up in our U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box comparison, or get a quote with our moving cost calculator.
| Home size | Local | Under 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | N/A | $945 - $1,430 | $1,485 - $2,570 |
| 2 - 3 BR | N/A | $1,075 - $1,665 | $2,420 - $3,885 |
| 4 - 5 BR | N/A | $1,225 - $1,925 | $3,535 - $6,635 |
Better Moves Project participant Ryan also praised U-Pack’s communication, accurate pricing, and timely delivery. U-Pack serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, with extra charges for Hawaii, but it doesn’t handle local moves and only offers storage at its service centers.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Zippy Shell: Best for city moves
Street-legal containers that fit in a standard parking space make Zippy Shell our pick for city moves. Local moves cost $190 - $750.
Zippy Shell pros & cons
- Street-legal containers
- Multiple insurance choices
- Steel mesh containers for airflow
- Local & long-distance moves
- Smaller containers than rivals
- Three days to load or unload
- Not available in every state
Why we chose Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell’s steel mesh containers are street-legal and fit in a standard parking space, which removes a lot of permitting headaches on busy city streets.
Who Zippy Shell is best for: Zippy Shell is a great option for young professionals relocating within a big city or from one metro area to another.
Zippy Shell container sizes
Zippy Shell offers 10-foot and 15-foot containers. Their internal capacity is slightly smaller than competitors’ containers, so compare sizes when weighing Zippy Shell vs. PODS.
Zippy Shell makes it easy to add loading and unloading help, and long-distance moves include 30 days of storage. It also has several insurance options to protect your goods.
| Container sizes | 10-foot & 15-foot |
|---|---|
| Material | Galvanized steel mesh |
| Climate control | Yes, at storage centers |
| Capacity | 420 - 680 cubic feet, 3,500 - 5,500 pounds |
Zippy Shell cost
Request a quote through Zippy Shell’s online form or call 1-888-947-7974. Zippy Shell prices each move by container size and distance.
| Home size | Local | Under 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | $190 - $240 | $500 - $920 | $1,800 - $3,900 |
| 2 - 3 BR | $300 - $630 | $730 - $1,600 | $2,800 - $4,500 |
| 4 - 5 BR | $350 - $750 | $1,100 - $3,100 | $5,200 - $7,000 |
Zippy Shell customer experiences
Better Moves Project participants Michelle and Danielle appreciated Zippy Shell’s flexibility and affordability. Danielle’s move went smoothly, while Michelle dealt with communication issues and delivery delays that led her to rent a U-Haul to finish the job.
- 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
MovingYourself: Best for large moves
When your belongings won’t fit in a standard container, MovingYourself sells up to 53 feet of trailer space, and moves under 250 miles run $1,130 - $2,155.
MovingYourself pros & cons
- Pay only for the space you use
- Vehicle shipping available
- Guaranteed all-in estimates
- Available in most states
- Three days to load or unload
- No in-state moves
- No packing supplies for sale
Why we chose MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a you-pack, we-drive service. Instead of renting a container, you pay for the trailer space you use on a truck driven by professional drivers, with room for up to 53 feet of belongings.
Who MovingYourself is best for: MovingYourself is a great DIY option for moves that are larger than what moving containers can hold.
MovingYourself trailer space
MovingYourself is hard to beat for large moves. The trailer comes with free ramps and bulkheads, and the company can also ship your vehicle.
| Trailer space | 4 - 53 linear feet |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal trailer |
| Climate control | No |
| Capacity | Varies by space booked |
MovingYourself gives you up to three days to load and unload, handles state-to-state moves only, and emails your quote instead of showing an instant online price.
MovingYourself cost
MovingYourself estimates include fuel, tolls, and taxes, so you won’t be hit with hidden fees. Once you confirm your quote, the price is guaranteed.
| Home size | Local | Under 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | N/A | $1,130 - $1,330 | $1,055 - $2,555 |
| 2 - 3 BR | N/A | $1,250 - $1,740 | $1,925 - $3,225 |
| 4 - 5 BR | N/A | $1,425 - $2,155 | $2,950 - $4,755 |
MovingYourself customer experiences
We evaluated dozens of Google and BBB reviews for MovingYourself. Customers frequently praise its customer service, responsiveness, professionalism, timely delivery, and prompt pickup.
- Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
- Only pay for the truck space you use
- Offers vehicle shipping
Flex Moving & Storage: Best for small moves
Same-day and next-day availability and three service tiers set Flex Moving & Storage apart for small moves, with quotes of $150 - $6,700 in our research.
Flex pros & cons
- Three service tiers
- Same-day & next-day availability
- FlexHaul trailer option
- Climate-controlled trailers
- Limited to 15 states
- Booking fee non-refundable close to move day
- Budget tier has fewer inclusions
Why we chose Flex Moving & Storage
Flex Moving & Storage builds each move around the customer’s budget instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Its FlexHaul option delivers a trailer to your door, you load it at your own pace, and Flex handles the driving.
Who Flex is best for: Flex is a strong pick for budget-conscious movers in studios, condos, apartments, or small homes who want flexible service options and the ability to book fast.
Flex trailer options
Flex’s climate-controlled trailers can go to any address in its service area, or Flex can hold your belongings at one of its secure storage lots. Flex doesn’t publish trailer dimensions, so ask which size fits your home when you request a quote.
Flex Moving & Storage cost
Flex offers three packages: Premium, Full-Service, and Budget. Premium covers full home packing and furniture disassembly and reassembly, while Budget keeps costs low for movers who handle more of the work.
Booking requires a fee of 10% of your high estimate, or $150 for moves under $1,500. You get a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of booking, but bookings made within 48 hours of your move are non-refundable.
Flex Moving & Storage customer experiences
Recent Flex reviews show crews that arrive on time, work efficiently, and treat belongings with care. Several customers noted they paid exactly what they were quoted.
- Same-day & next-day availability
- Specialty services and protection for furniture
- Three tiered moving packages
- FlexHaul: Trailer delivered to your door
- No-contract portable storage
SMARTBOX: Best for price matching
In the metro areas it serves, SMARTBOX’s price-matching policy can cut your total, and local moves cost $125 - $755.
SMARTBOX pros & cons
- Local & long-distance moves
- Free locks for interstate moves
- Price-matching policy
- Long-term rentals
- Serves about 50 metro areas
- Strict cancellation policy
- One small wooden container
Why we chose SMARTBOX
SMARTBOX has been in the moving container business since 2002. It made our list for its competitive rates and price-matching policy.
Who SMARTBOX is best for: If you’re looking for a deal and don’t have a large amount to move, SMARTBOX can save you money.
SMARTBOX container sizes
SMARTBOX offers a single 8-foot plywood container with a weather-resistant cover, smaller and lighter than most competitors’ options. Wooden containers are more susceptible to damage, so keep that in mind if you’re shipping nice furniture or expensive items.
| Container sizes | 8-foot only |
|---|---|
| Material | Plywood, weather-resistant cover |
| Climate control | No |
| Capacity | 280 cubic feet, 3,000 pounds |
SMARTBOX cost
Local SMARTBOX moves typically cost $125 - $755, and long-distance moves run $1,055 - $4,300 depending on distance and home size. The first month of storage is free, then onsite storage is $89 per month and warehouse storage is $69 per month, plus a $99 delivery fee.
| Home size | Local | Under 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | $125 - $240 | $1,055 - $1,855 | $1,520 - $2,540 |
| 2 - 3 BR | $220 - $390 | $1,655 - $2,410 | $2,140 - $3,160 |
| 4 - 5 BR | $360 - $755 | $2,110 - $3,055 | $2,955 - $4,300 |
Marilyn’s experience echoes many third-party reviews we evaluated, which suggest SMARTBOX is a reliable option for a simple move.
Best moving containers compared
PODS has the widest availability, while 1-800-PACK-RAT and SMARTBOX have the lowest starting prices at $180 and $125. Compare all eight companies below.
| Company | Sizes | States | Avg. quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PODS | 8′, 12′, 16′ | Most states | $225 - $7,600 |
| UNITS | 12′, 16′ | 35 | $300 - $7,500 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 8′, 12′, 16′ | 37 & D.C. | $180 - $6,925 |
| U-Pack | ReloCube, 28′ trailer | 50 | $945 - $6,635 |
| Zippy Shell | 10′, 15′ | 38 & D.C. | $190 - $7,000 |
| MovingYourself | Up to 53′ of trailer | Most states | $1,055 - $4,755 |
| Flex | Not listed | 15 & D.C. | $150 - $6,700 |
| SMARTBOX | 8′ | 23 | $125 - $4,300 |
*Price ranges are estimates based on sample quotes we collected and prices our readers reported. Your cost depends on your container needs and the distance of your move.
How do moving containers work?
A moving container is a portable storage unit that a company drops off at your home, you pack yourself, and the company then transports to your new home or a storage facility.
- Quote process: Request quotes online or by phone from companies like PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT. Have your home size, addresses, and move dates ready so the price reflects your actual move.
- Delivery: The company drops the container in your driveway or at the curb. Check whether your city requires a parking permit, and see our guide to moving container street laws.
- Loading: You load at your own pace or hire labor help. U-Pack, Zippy Shell, and MovingYourself give you up to three days, while PODS includes the first 30 days of container use in its price.
- Transport or storage: The company picks up the container and delivers it to your new address or holds it in storage for a monthly fee. You unload at your destination, and the company hauls the empty container away.
Is a moving container right for you?
Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers, but they aren’t the right fit for every move. Use these lists to decide.
A moving container is a good fit if you:
- Want to spend less than you would on full-service movers
- Don’t want to drive a rental truck
- Are moving locally or moving a small-to-medium home long-distance
- Need storage time before delivery
Skip a moving container if you:
- Want full packing and loading service
- Need guaranteed fast delivery
- Have a very large household
- Have no space or permit for a container at your home
If full service makes more sense, the moveBuddha Mover Marketplace collects up to five no-obligation quotes from vetted movers with one request, so you can compare prices without calling around.
How to choose a moving container company
Keep these factors in mind as you compare moving container options:
- Consumer rights: Read the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move guide
- Availability: Serves your area, has your dates
- Container size: Fits everything, multiple containers if needed
- Extra services: Storage, packing help, insurance
- Reviews: Consistent patterns, good and bad
- Total cost: Storage unit prices, delivery and pickup fees
- Policies: Cancellation, refunds, damage coverage
How much do moving containers cost?
Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, which makes them one of the most cost-effective ways to move without renting a truck yourself. Here are average price ranges by move size and distance:
- Small local moves: Portable container costs range from $125 - $400 for a single container and one month of storage.
- Large local moves: Moves that need multiple containers can cost $800 - $1,500 or more, depending on the number of containers and the company.
- Long-distance moves: Long-distance container moves cost $1,000 - $7,000 or more depending on distance and number of containers, with an average of around $3,000 in our research.
Our moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together and runs on 1,000+ live price points collected monthly, so you can compare container costs against full-service and truck rental options side by side.
Pro tip: Schedule your container move for fall or winter to avoid peak summer rates, and check our guide to the best time to move for more timing tips.
What size moving container do you need?
The right moving container size depends on how much you’re moving and which sizes the company offers. Many companies let you rent multiple containers. Here’s how the most common sizes compare:
| Size | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft. | 257 - 404 cu. ft. | Studios |
| 12 ft. | 620 - 689 cu. ft. | 1 - 2 bedrooms |
| 16 ft. | About 830 cu. ft. | 3 bedrooms |
Why use moveBuddha
- Save 30% on average: On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- $1,000 in added coverage: When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- Dispute mediation included: If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
FAQs
What is the best moving container company overall?
The best moving container company overall is PODS, thanks to its broad availability, three container sizes, and 30 days of included container use. It’s the safest all-around choice for most moves. Compare it with other options in our guide to PODS competitors.
What is the cheapest moving container company?
The cheapest moving container company is U-Pack, because you only pay for the space you use. SMARTBOX and Flex can also be affordable for small moves. See more options in our list of the cheapest moving container companies.
Which moving container company is best for long-distance moves?
The best moving container company for long-distance moves is usually U-Pack, since you pay only for the space you use on a long-distance moving container or trailer. Its rates often beat competitors on moves of 250 miles or more. Get at least three quotes, since the cheapest company changes by route.
Is PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT better?
PODS is better for coverage, while 1-800-PACK-RAT is better for durability and price. PACK-RAT’s prices usually come out a bit lower in our research, and its all-steel containers are tougher. Compare all three major brands in our PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack breakdown.
Are moving containers cheaper than moving companies?
Yes, moving containers are cheaper than full-service moving companies, costing about 30% less on average because you pack and load yourself. PODS can cost more than some container competitors, so compare quotes. If you need help with heavy lifting, compare the best moving companies instead.
How did moveBuddha pick the best moving containers?
moveBuddha picked the best moving containers by comparing container quality, pricing, availability, storage options, quote transparency, and customer reviews. Our research draws on more than 1 million reviews, 4,500+ companies scored across 72 data points, and firsthand interviews from our Better Moves Project. Companies ranked highest for flexible scheduling, fair pricing, durable containers, and strong customer experiences.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
