Full-service moving can get expensive, especially if you have a large household or many belongings. One alternative to full-service movers and traditional moving trucks is a portable storage container that you pack and a moving company transports. 

1-800-PACK-RAT, one of the best moving container companies, offers these types of containers for both local and long-distance moves. Read more about what you can expect from 1-800-PACK-RAT throughout the moving process.

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About 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT has physical locations in 33 states but can service 97% of the country with moving and storage solutions. The company has an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and it purports to offer the only customer satisfaction pledge in the storage container industry. Read our full 1-800-PACK-RAT review for more details.

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The Process

Estimate how many containers you need to get an accurate moving quote. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers three storage container sizes, each of which features weather-resistant, all-steel construction and barn-style doors on one side.

• 8-foot container: This unit measures 8 feet by 8 feet by 7.5 feet and holds one to two rooms of furniture or up to 4,000 lbs.
• 12-foot container: Measuring 12 feet long by 8 feet wide by 7.5 feet high, this container holds up to three rooms of furniture, or 6,000 lbs.
• 16-foot container: At 16 feet by 8 feet by 7.5 feet, the largest container holds three to four rooms of furniture, or up to 6,000 lbs.

Rent as many containers as you need. Use the company’s space calculator for help with estimates. When you’re ready to start your move, you can schedule a 1-800-PACK-RAT employee to deliver all of the containers at once, or stagger the drop-off as you need the containers. You can take as much time as you need for loading.

When a container is full, call 1-800-PACK-RAT again for pickup, and a driver will retrieve the unit. The company will store full containers at a secure location until you’re ready to move them, or movers can transport containers directly to your new home.

Take all the time you need to unpack your containers—you can even use them as on-site storage. When you’ve emptied the containers, contact 1-800-PACK-RAT for a final pickup.

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Reserve Parking

Containers from 1-800-PACK-RAT must sit on flat, weight-bearing surfaces, but the surfaces don’t have to be paved. Trucks need 13.5 feet of height clearance, 12 feet of width clearance, and about 55 feet of maneuverability for drop-off and pickup. Driveways should have no more than six degrees of slope. If you’re not sure your space will meet these requirements, call 1-800-PACK-RAT to speak to a customer service representative.

Ensure there’s a space ready in your driveway or along the street when the drop-off truck arrives. Talk to your building management or homeowner’s association to ensure that it’s permissible to park the container, and reserve parking as soon as you can. You may need to pay for a moving permit from the city to block off the space.

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Preparing for Your Container

You don’t have to rush to load your containers, but it’s a good idea to pack in advance. Gather your moving supplies, including boxes or bins, labels, markers, tape, and bubble wrap or packing paper.

Cardboard boxes are sufficient for local moves and non-fragile items, but transparent plastic storage bins will provide more structure and allow you to see each bin’s contents. Plastic bins are a good idea if you plan to hold your containers in a storage facility for any length of time. Label everything clearly, and consider keeping a detailed inventory of what’s in each box.

Break down furniture as much as possible, and ensure you have moving blankets or other materials to place between items. Protect any floors across which you plan to move heavy items with floor mats or rugs that are secured with tape. Clear a path from your front door to the outdoor space where the container will go. If you want any additional equipment, such as dollies or hand trucks, you’ll need to rent or purchase them yourself.

1-800-PACK-RAT will provide customers who are making long-distance moves with a lock for the container doors, but those making local moves will need to supply their own locks or rent locks for additional fees.

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Packing and Loading Tips

1-800-PACK-RAT doesn’t offer moving labor, but it can recommend trusted local packers and movers through its partnership with Hire A Helper. You’ll pay hourly for labor. Professional movers can pack and load containers quickly and safely.

Below is a moving guide with helpful techniques for loading containers yourself.

• Brace your packed items every few feet. The containers have steel cut-outs where you can secure ropes or straps.
• Don’t load all your heavy items on one side. Try to keep the weight balanced by spreading heavy items throughout the container and using them as a base layer.
• Everything that goes into the container should be dry, especially for long-term storage. That means you should wait until it stops raining to load.
• Pack items as tightly as possible, and use blankets, pillows, towels, or other soft items to fill in the gaps. This will minimize shifting.
• Stand furniture vertically and place it against the walls of the container.
• Write a list with the contents of each container if you’re using multiple containers.

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Preparing for Delivery

Contact a local 1-800-PACK-RAT service center to schedule pickup once your containers are full, and ensure that your containers are locked. Once the containers are on a company truck, you and your family members can move to your new home. 1-800-PACK-RAT provides a guaranteed delivery window and a reminder call when drivers are on their way.

If your plans change, or if your new home isn’t ready when you arrive, you can ask 1-800-PACK-RAT to store your containers at one of its secure, climate-controlled facilities until you’re ready for them. You can access containers at any time as long as you contact the company at least one day ahead of time. This gives 1-800-PACK-RAT the time to move any containers to an area in which you’ll have space to open them.

You can pay a small delivery fee for the company to deliver containers to a separate location, at which you can more easily pack or empty containers.

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Returning Your Container

1-800-PACK-RAT containers are available in 30-day increments so you can unload them at your own pace. When the containers are empty, call your local 1-800-PACK-RAT branch, and a driver will pick them up.

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Our Conclusion

1-800-PACK-RAT offers affordable portable storage container rates, whether you’re planning a DIY cross-country move or a cross-town move. It ranks as one of the cheapest moving container companies and provides storage services as well. We recommend getting a quote and comparing it to rates offered by similar companies, such as PODS and U-Pack.

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FAQ About 1-800-PACK-RAT

What can I pack in a PACK-RAT container?

1-800-PACK-RAT containers fit up to 830 cubic feet and 6,000 pounds’ worth of items. Don’t pack perishable, hazardous, or highly valuable items.

What are some pros and cons of moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT?

The pros of moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT include a free contents protection plan, price matching with other moving companies, and all-steel containers. Customer reviews on the BBB website are mixed, though, and the company only has physical locations in 33 states and Washington, D.C.

What is the weight limit for 1-800-PACK-RAT?

An eight-foot container has a weight limit of 4,000 pounds, and 12- and 16-foot containers have weight limits of 6,000 pounds.

How long can you keep a PACK-RAT container?

You can keep a 1-800-PACK-RAT container on your property for loading, unloading, or on-site storage as long as you want. Container rentals are billed in 30-day increments.

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