Best Moving Container Companies in Texas (2025)

Quick answer: Based on our in-depth research, PODS and U-Pack are our top recommendations for the best moving container companies in Texas.

Keep reading to find out how each of the top moving container companies in Texas stands out, and learn what types of containers they offer as well as what you can expect to spend.

Ultimately, you’ll want to request as many quotes as possible and take advantage of price matching to get the best value.

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

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5 Best moving container companies in Texas

Five companies stood out as the best moving container companies in Texas:

PODS: Best for long-distance moves

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At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Why we chose PODS

PODS offers three container sizes to accommodate homes of all sizes. Although PODS isn’t available in every state, it is one of the industry’s most popular and recognized brands, and has the physical locations across the U.S. to prove it.

This means you’re more likely to find a PODS nearby than most moving container companies on this list. In Texas alone, PODS has 35 locations in major cities and smaller towns alike.

We love that PODS gives you unlimited time to load and unload your belongings, so you can take as much time as you need. 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 and 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 the most straightforward 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 move with PODS from Arizona to Washington —about 1,400 miles. He transported roughly four rooms of furniture, and his original estimate was exactly right.

PODS container sizes

For local moves, PODS gives the options of an eight-, 12- or 16-foot container. Just note that their 12-foot container is only available for moves of less than 50 miles.


  • Container sizes: 8-, 12-, 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

Best value container
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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Why we chose U-Pack

U-Pack is our pick for best overall value 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 and cons

  • Ideal for moves between 250 and 500 miles
  • Can add month-to-month storage rental
  • Only provider on the list with easy online quotes
  • Offers online tracking
  • No long-term storage beyond six months
  • Doesn’t service local moves

How much does U-Pack cost?

According to our quote from U-Pack, it would cost $2,961 to move a one-bedroom home from Houston to Boston.

Chloe used U-Pack to move from California to Utah in October 2022. She paid $2,952 for two ReloCubes, exactly the price she was quoted. U-Pack routinely returned quotes on the lower end of the range when we requested estimates.

U-Pack container sizes

  • Container sizes: 8-foot ReloCubes, 28-foot trailers
  • Container material: Steel
  • Climate-controlled storage: No
  • Capacity: ReloCubes: 308 cubic feet, 2,500 pounds. Trailer: 1,944 cubic feet, 22,500 pounds

MovingYourself: Best for large moves

best for large moves
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At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
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Why we chose MovingYourself

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 potentially 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 and 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’s pricing is opaque 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.

MovingYourself container sizes

 

  • Container sizes: 22-foot and 53-foot moving trucks
  • Container material: Metal
  • Climate-controlled storage: No
  • Capacity: Varies

1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for container options

Most container options
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At A Glance
  • 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
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Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT is our pick for its container options. 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 made of steel, 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 and 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, our reader, Batool, paid $3,400 to move her one-bedroom apartment from California to Texas.

1-800-PACK-RAT container sizes

  • Container sizes: 8-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

Best for city to city moves
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At A Glance
  • 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
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Why we chose Zippy Shell

Zippy Shell and PACK-RAT operate under the same parent company, making them sister companies. However, the two companies maintain distinct service areas. 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.

With Zippy Shell, it’s easy to add loading and unloading assistance, and your base price includes 30 days of free storage. We also like that you can choose from multiple insurance options to protect your belongings.

Pros and 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.

Zippy Shell container sizes

  • Container sizes: 10-foot and 15-foot; 22-foot trailer
  • Container material: All-steel construction
  • Climate-controlled storage: Yes (at some locations)
  • Capacity: 420–680 cubic feet, 3,500–5,500 pounds

Local Texas moving container companies

Looking for a smaller local moving container company in TX? Here are a few top options:


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
U-Pack A+ 50 8-foot
PODS A+ 46* 8-foot
12-foot
16-foot
MovingYourself A- 48** Up to 52 feet
1-800–PACK-RAT A+ 31^ 8-foot
12-foot
16-foot
Zippy Shell A+ 34^^ 16-foot

*Not in AK, MT, ND, or WY
**Not in AK or HI
^Not in AL, AK, AR, DE, HI, IA, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, WI, or WY
^^Not in AK, AR, DE, HI, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, or WY


How we picked the best Texas moving container companies

We spent countless hours researching and comparing dozens of moving container and storage companies to find the best choices for our readers.

We developed our unbiased rating system using this methodology, 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 evaluated drop-off and pickup convenience, vetted access to climate-controlled storage facilities and storage units, considered weatherproofing, and compared container sizes.
  • Reputation: We investigated each company’s reputation in the 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.

Compare 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

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. 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 movers

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. Many full-service movers offer short and long-term storage options, but they’re rarely as accessible as a storage container in your yard or driveway.

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, while 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 destination.

While many companies overlap in their services, the container size options, nationwide availability, and quote process can vary pretty significantly.

PODS is our top pick, with their flexible timeline, widespread availability, and multiple container sizes. U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and Zippy Shell are also excellent picks for a larger home that may benefit from multiple containers in several sizes.

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. 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?

Overall, PODS offers the best value for long-distance moves in Texas, with an extensive network, flexible services, and multiple containers to choose from.

The moving container company that offers the best value for long-distance moves in Texas ultimately epends on the distance of your move, the number of storage containers you need, the insurance plan you choose, and your required moving services.

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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