Best Moving Container Companies in 2024
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Moving isn’t an easy feat. While a full-service move can help alleviate the hassle of packing and unpacking your personal items, expenses can quickly add up and put unnecessary strain on your finances. If you’re looking for options outside of booking a full-service move, the best moving container companies can offer an affordable way to move your belongings to a new home.
After comparing moving container companies, we’ve chosen 1-800-PACK-RAT as our top overall pick for those looking for a cheaper alternative to traditional, full-service movers. Learn more about 1-800-PACK-RAT and the other providers we picked below.
Top Moving Container Companies
Based on our research and overall ratings of moving container companies, we’ve chosen the following as the best in the industry:
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Our Top Pick
- PODS: Most Flexible Moving and Storage Solutions
- U-Haul: Best DIY Mover
- U-Pack: Best for Guaranteed Delivery
- Zippy Shell: Best Moving Deals
Comparing the Best Moving Container Companies
Compare our picks for the best moving container companies based on our ratings, average pricing, shipment tracking, and availability. Note that all companies offer the option of packing, loading, and unloading services in varied capacities if you’d like a more hands-off approach to your container move.
| Company | Logo | Our Score (Out of 5) | Average Price* | Availability | Deposit | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $2,547 | 30 states | Varies | Get Quote | ||
 | $3,306 | 44 states | None | Read Our Review | ||
 | $2,768 | All 50 States | Varies | |||
 | $3,705 | All 50 states | None | Get Quote | ||
 | $2,800 | 34 States | None |
*We calculated the above moving costs by averaging together five quotes from each company for a two-bedroom move ranging between 500 and 800 miles.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Container Companies
Take a closer look at the moving container providers we’ve named as our top picks below.
Average Cost: $2,547
Shipment Tracking: No
Our Review
We chose 1-800-PACK-RAT as the best moving container company overall. The company will deliver a portable moving container to your home for up to 30 days, allowing you to pack your belongings at your own pace. It also offers long- and short-term storage solutions if needed, with 30 days of free on-site or warehouse storage if you plan on storing your items for at least three months. We especially appreciate how the company’s all-steel containers are high-quality, sturdy, and weatherproof. In addition, the company offers discounts for military members, first responders, teachers, and more.
With 1-800-PACK-RAT, you can choose from three rental container sizes ranging between 8–16 feet each. If you’re looking for other moving services to complement your self-service move, the company partners with HireAHelper for loading, unloading, and packing assistance. Note that you can extend your container rental if you need more time to pack up your belongings.
Company Overview
- Provides local and long-distance moving services
- Offers all-steel, weatherproof moving containers
- Includes $10,000 worth of protection for long-distance moves
Keep in Mind
- Outsources loading, packing and unloading assistance, which could affect service
- Not available in all 50 U.S. states
Customer Experiences
After reading through customer reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, we found mixed reviews for 1-800-PACK-RAT across the board. Common themes found in positive reviews included satisfaction with communication from customer service personnel and drivers throughout the moving process. Most negative reviews centered around delayed delivery times and missed pickup deadlines.
Here’s what real customers had to say about their experience with 1-800-PACK-RAT:
“So far, so good. [Every time] I have interacted with this company, they have been honest, responsive, and so far have done everything to meet my needs. They dropped [off] the container on time and picked it up on time. I am still awaiting [the] arrival of my container in my current location. But so far I have nothing negative to say. Prices were very reasonable and less expensive [than] other options.” —Natalie W. via Trustpilot on July 26, 2024
“Customer service is appalling. I’ve been on hold for as long as two hours! [The driver] was supposed to deliver my pod yesterday. More than 24 hours later, I still have no idea when it will be delivered. I’ve arranged helpers now for two days in a row and looks like [it] will be another day. I am very disappointed.” —Leslie O. via Trustpilot on Aug. 25, 2023
Average Cost: $3,306
Shipment Tracking: Yes
Our Review
We picked PODS as the moving container provider with the most flexible moving and storage solutions. Its reservation policy allows for a moving container delivery to your home and it can stay on-site as long as necessary. We also appreciate how the company’s cancellation and rescheduling policy offers flexibility, with no fees if you cancel or reschedule at least three days before your container delivery. PODS also offers various promotional offers throughout the year in addition to a military discount.
PODS offers three different sizes of steel-frame, weather-resistant containers that feature impact-resistant wall paneling, built-in tie-down rings, and roll-up doors that don’t require extra space to open. The company also allows you to pay as you go, so you won’t need to pay for your container upfront if you’re unsure how long you’ll need it. Note that if you’re looking for help with packing, loading, and unloading, PODS doesn’t provide these services directly but can connect customers with partner companies instead.
Company Overview
- Has been in business for over 25 years
- Offers a generous cancellation and rescheduling policy that requires at least three days notice
- Allows you to pay as you go for your moving container
Keep in Mind
- Not available in all 50 U.S. states
- Outsources packing and loading services
Customer Experiences
After reading through reviews on the company’s BBB and Trustpilot profiles, we found the majority of customers had a positive experience using PODS for their moving container needs. Many positive reviews centered around communication from company representatives and an easy reservation process. Negative reviews cited delivery issues and difficulty resolving problems with customer service agents.
Here’s what real customers had to say about their experience with PODS:
“Clear expectations and instructions were provided for every step of the process. All of the drivers were friendly and super helpful, answering questions and suggesting optimal [container] placement. This was genuinely the easiest part of this move. I can’t fathom the frustration that was avoided in not needing to coordinate storage units and moving trucks. I would highly recommend PODS services.” —Jeri D. via Trustpilot on Nov. 5, 2024
“Issues every step of the way—initial drop off [was] on the sidewalk, picked up [the] incorrect unit at [the] wrong address, [and] refused pickup twice.” —Kimberly M. via Trustpilot on May 20, 2024
U-Haul
Average Cost: $2,768
Shipment Tracking: No
Our Review
U-Haul is our pick for the best do-it-yourself (DIY) mover and can benefit customers planning a move abroad. While other providers on our list, such as PODS, offer international moving services between the U.S. and Canada, U-Haul advertises moving and storage to almost any port or door in the world with its U-Box storage containers. However, U-Haul’s storage containers only come in one size, so you may need more than one depending on your home and belongings. Don’t worry about ordering too many, though—the company will refund you for what you don’t use.
U-Haul also provides free furniture pads with your order to help you protect your belongings. If you need help with packing or heavy lifting, the company can help connect you with movers within its network. Also, note that U-Haul advertises its U-Box containers as weather resistant, not weatherproof.
Company Overview
- Offers international moving services using containers
- Refunds you for any containers you don’t use
- Provides free furniture pads to help with your move
Keep in Mind
- Customer service quality may vary by location, based on customer reviews
- Only offers one U-Box size
Customer Experiences
After reviewing third-party platforms such as Trustpilot, we found that most customer reviews written for the company were negative. However, many reviews specifically referenced U-Haul’s truck rental services, and experiences seemed to vary based on location. You may want to read reviews for the U-Haul in your area versus general reviews to get a better picture of the service you could receive.
Here’s what real customers had to say about their experience with U-Haul:
“We were very nervous using [U-Haul’s U-Box] service given all of the negative reviews. But I’m glad we went ahead anyway as it was a great experience. All went smoothly. They delivered the box on time with minimal damage. It was an easy process with no hiccups of note.” —Jae via Trustpilot on Aug. 15, 2022
“U-Haul did not consider it important to notify [me] that my otherwise confirmed reservation for a container drop off was canceled internally by their local site. I got to know about this when [I] called 24 hours before the drop off date to re-confirm the time.” —Piki G. via Trustpilot on Aug. 15, 2024
Average Cost: $3,705
Shipment Tracking: Yes
Our Review
U-Pack is a moving container company that focuses its services on long-distance and cross-country moves, meaning you’ll need to relocate at least 100 miles away from your current residence to use this provider. You’ll have the option to choose from one of U-Pack’s ReloCubes or a moving trailer, but like U-Haul’s U-Box, the company only offers one size of ReloCube. In addition, you’ll only have three business days to pack up your belongings instead of the 30 days that companies such as 1-800-PACK-RAT provide.
Despite its singular type of moving container and shorter packing window, U-Pack offers guaranteed delivery as an optional purchase. This guarantees your shipment will arrive on time, and if it doesn’t, the company will waive your transportation fees up to the full payment amount. If you’re concerned about your moving container arriving on time or have a tight schedule, U-Pack could fit your needs. Note the company also offers discounts for military members, students, and seniors.
Company Overview
- Focuses on long-distance moving container services
- Offers a guaranteed delivery option
- Transports most shipments within 4–6 business days
Keep in Mind
- Limits your loading time to three business days
- Only provides one ReloCube size
Customer Experiences
U-Pack has mixed customer feedback across multiple third-party sites, although the company has a lower volume of reviews than other moving container providers featured in this guide. Positive reviews mentioned a smooth experience from start to finish and courteous and professional moving staff. Negative reviews centered around broken items and denied insurance claims.
Here’s what real customers had to say about their experience with U-Pack:
“We had a great experience with [U-Pack]. They were easy to work with on scheduling. The container was in excellent shape and traveled from Virginia to Maine quite quickly. They picked it up Tuesday and it was delivered today, [on Friday]. We had a terrible experience with another company previously and are grateful this was so smooth and easy. They also beat the competitors’ prices with[in] a healthy margin. We will definitely recommend them to people we know, and may use them again this year for household items going to another location.” —John via Trustpilot on April 26, 2024
“We had lots of damage to our furniture and the insurance would not cover it as they said freight containers are not as cushioned as trucks. We used the recommended loaders and they packed heavy objects on top of wood furniture and literally crushed the furniture. The insurance was useless. I would never move using containers again.” —Lou G. via Trustpilot on July 9, 2024
Zippy Shell
Best for Quick Moves Average Cost: $2,800
Shipment Tracking: Yes
Our Review
A subsidiary of 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell offers moving container services in 34 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. If you live in a city center with limited parking, Zippy Shell extends a unique benefit compared to the other providers in this review. The company offers galvanized steel mesh moving containers inside a weatherproof trailer with license plates and wheels. This means you can legally park the containers on the street and load them at your convenience. It also provides protection plans that can cover container and personal belongings damage.
If you’re looking to save additional money on your move, Zippy Shell offers the option to bring your items to a storage facility and load your container there versus having it dropped off at your home for packing. However, this may only seem worthwhile if you live near one of the company’s storage locations and are willing to do the extra legwork. The company also offers discounts of up to 10% for military members.
Company Overview
- Offers a container option with a license plate and wheels, which can help with city parking
- Provides 30 days of free storage with long-distance moves
- Offers temperature-controlled container storage
Keep in Mind
- Must pack your container within 1–3 days
- Has the most limited state availability out of the companies mentioned in this review
Customer Experiences
Zippy Shell’s customer reviews across several third-party review platforms primarily trend negative. Note that its A+ review score with the BBB is reflective of its parent company, 1-800-PACK-RAT. Positive reviews mentioned helpful and informative phone agents and courteous moving teams. Negative reviews mostly centered around delayed container shipments and damaged items.
Here’s what real customers had to say about their experience with Zippy Shell:
“I had the best possible experience with Zippy Shell on my long distance move. From start to finish, the phone agents were helpful and informative. All schedules were met as setup, all my stuff arrived safely, and the team that unloaded my two pods were awesome! Thank you to everyone at Zippy Shell.” —Roxie C. via Trustpilot on June 21, 2023
“This company is also known as 1-800-Pack-Rat. They failed to pick up our container despite us confirming multiple times that yes, it’s ready for pickup. The pod was shipped to the wrong state and the customer service either didn’t know or refused to tell us where it was. Then, it was stuck at a local warehouse because they were overbooked and couldn’t deliver it. At no point would they give us an arrival estimate, which meant we had to book and cancel movers multiple times. We paid $4,000 and received $400 back after the debacle.” —Elina S. via Trustpilot on Feb. 22, 2024
Should You Consider Other Moving Options?
Renting a container and opting for a DIY move isn’t your only option when it comes to your move. We recommend considering other alternatives, such as full-service moves and moving truck rentals, before settling on the best method for your needs. You’ll find that every moving method has its pros and cons, and what works for one person may not work for you.
Moving Container Moves vs. Full-Service Moves
A full-service move typically means that a moving company handles every aspect of the process from start to finish. This includes packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking your belongings, offering a more convenient and stress-free experience. However, this is typically the most expensive type of moving service. Note that many of the best moving companies in the industry offer full-service moving packages.
Moving container moves, on the other hand, may offer more benefits for DIY movers. This method involves loading your belongings in a portable storage container delivered to your home, allowing you to pack at your own pace. Once you’re all packed, the company will pick up the container and transport it to its final destination. While this can offer a cheaper alternative to a full-service move, note that you will have to pack, load, and unpack your items on your own.
Moving Container Moves vs. Moving Truck Rentals
Moving containers and truck rentals have benefits and drawbacks when compared to one another. A moving container allows you to leave the transportation of your items up to the professionals, which can help you pack at your own pace, whereas a moving truck rental offers more control and flexibility over the transport and delivery of your belongings.
If you value convenience and a more hands-off approach to transporting your belongings, hiring a moving container company could offer the best option for you. If you’re comfortable with driving and would prefer consistent access to your items during your move, you might consider a rental truck instead.
How Much Does a Moving Container Cost?
Based on our research, the average cost for a moving container from our top-rated companies is around $3,025. We calculated this average based on quotes for a two-bedroom move ranging between 500 and 800 miles for each provider in this review. However, your actual moving container costs will likely vary depending on factors such as the distance of your move, home size, number of containers, seasonality, and location.
The best way to determine how much a moving container will cost is to shop around and price out rentals from various companies. This way, you can compare each provider’s offerings against the quoted cost to determine what will meet your needs.
Single-Day vs. Multiday Moves
If you’re considering a single-day move over a multi-day move solely because you think it will save you money, note that many companies, such as 1-800-PACK-RAT, enforce a minimum container rental time of 30 days. As multi-day moves leave more time for gradual packing, loading, and unloading your belongings, you may not need to consider cost as a deciding factor unless you plan on keeping your container for longer than 30 days.
Full-Service vs. Partial Service Moves
While moving containers can benefit customers who prefer DIY moves, some companies offer professional packing services if you’d prefer the help. Of course, this will come at an additional cost. Based on our research, partial-service moves cost less than a full-service move with a moving container. Still, DIY packing and unpacking is typically the cheapest option.
How To Get a Good Price
Getting the best price on a container for your move doesn’t have to feel complicated. Following these key tips can help ensure you get a fair price for your moving needs.
- Shop around: Gathering and comparing quotes from multiple shipping container companies is the easiest way to find the best price.
- Consider your moving date: If you have a flexible moving date, you might secure a lower price during the off-season, which is in the fall or winter, versus moving during peak months in the spring or summer.
- Book your container early: A last-minute booking could result in a higher price, but booking your move early—at least two or three months in advance—may result in a better deal on a container.
- Ask about discounts: It never hurts to ask companies about available container discounts that could apply to your situation. For example, you might receive a discount for renting multiple containers at once or for long-term rentals.
- Check for local deals: Depending on your location, a regional competitor could offer you a better price than a national moving container company.
Nailing Down Your Moving Timeline
Figuring out a timeline leading up to the big day can help you make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. While you may find that some steps have room for flexibility, it is important to complete others—such as booking your moving container or other services—weeks before your moving date. To help you get started, we’ve listed some sample steps in detail below:
6–8 Weeks Before Your Move
Start researching moving companies that offer moving containers or other services you might need. Create a comprehensive checklist of things you must take care of between now and your moving day. Find out when you need to notify utility companies of your move. Start thinking about packing supplies needed for items in your home.
4–5 Weeks Before Your Move
Start the decluttering process by removing or donating items in your home you don’t plan to take with you. Gather boxes and other packing materials needed and begin packing non-essential items. Decide on a container size and get quotes for moving containers from several companies to compare costs. Book your moving reservation and choose your container delivery date.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
Keep packing your items and confirm your booking with your chosen moving container company. Now is the time to ask any outstanding questions about container pickup and the moving process—it is important that you fully understand what to expect on the day of your move so you can prepare accordingly.
1 Week Before Your Move
Finish packing all of your non-essential belongings. Clearly label your boxes by room, which can help you to more easily unpack your items in your new home. Start packing essentials you’ll need immediately upon moving, such as clothes and toiletries. Have your moving container delivered to your home to begin the loading process.
Moving Day
Ensure your boxes, furniture, and other belongings are properly loaded into the moving container. Take a final walkthrough of your home and check that any essential items, important documents, and valuables are on hand before your container is picked up and makes its way to its destination. If you’ve decided to stagger your move over multiple days, make sure everything is ready to go by the time your container is scheduled for pickup and transport.
How We Evaluated Moving Container Companies
To best inform our moving container company rankings, we closely examine each provider using our detailed rating methodology and determine scores based on a 5-star scale. We also consider factors that matter the most in a moving container provider versus a traditional moving company.
Our Rating Methodology
When rating each moving container company, we considered the customer service, reputation, cost and value, service offerings, item protection, and scheduling options offered. Companies with positive customer reviews, a good reputation in the moving industry, various services, item protection plans, and an easy quote and booking process received the highest ratings from our team.
Specific factors that we considered to help us identify the top moving container companies for this review included the following:
- Overall score: Companies with a higher overall star rating—based on factors such as customer service, reputation, value, and options—were ranked higher in this review.
- Container options: Moving companies offering several different sizes of moving containers made of durable, high-quality materials were ranked higher than those offering limited options.
- Storage options: We took note of providers with perks such as on-site storage options in climate-controlled storage units. We also gave companies offering a free month of storage when renting a moving container higher ratings.
- Price and discounts: While your costs for a moving container will vary due to factors unique to your move, we considered whether companies offer any discounts to help lower rates. Providers advertising discounts such as student, military, or senior discounts ranked higher than those without.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Container Companies
What is the best portable storage company?
According to our review of moving container companies, our pick for the best portable storage company is 1-800-PACK-RAT. However, the provider that best suits your needs may vary.
What company is PODS’ biggest competitor?
According to our research, some of PODS’ biggest competitors include moving container companies such as 1-800-PACK-RAT, U-Haul, U-Pack, and Zippy Shell.
What company offers the cheapest moving containers?
Based on quotes we received for each moving container provider in this review for a two-bedroom move between 500 and 800 miles, the cheapest moving container company is 1-800-PACK-RAT. Note that the cheapest company for your move may differ based on your location, number of containers, container size, and other factors.
Is 1-800-PACK-RAT better than PODS?
While we ranked 1-800-PACK-RAT higher than PODS in this review, the best moving container provider for your move and circumstances may vary. Read more about each company in our 1-800-PACK-RAT review and PODS review to find the better provider for you.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
