Cheapest Moving Container Companies

Though it exclusively provides its services for long-distance moves, U-Pack offers some of the cheapest prices for moving container services. In fact, we found that U-Pack can be as much as 60% cheaper than many other moving container companies. The company offers its branded portable storage containers, called ReloCubes (70” x 82” x 93”), as well as a unique pay-for-what-you-use policy with its 28-foot moving trailers (27-foot internally).

We found this provider to be the best option for larger DIY moves. Its trailer option, along with its nationwide shipping capabilities, makes it easier to move large homes without overpaying. U-Pack is available for long-distance moves across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

U-Pack offers some of the most affordable rates on moving container moves. The company provides a pay-for-what-you-use policy that offers flexibility in pricing based on how much space you utilize. You may want to consider another provider on this list if you need more assistance with packing and loading, as U-Pack’s offerings for moving labor vary by location. That said, its quote process was the smoothest we encountered compared to its competitors. U-Pack doesn’t provide local moving assistance. However, its shipping capabilities throughout all 50 states and its affordable pricing make it an excellent option.

U-Pack will drop off either its ReloCubes or a moving trailer at your original home when you request it. Customers have three business days to pack the container with their belongings. This window is shorter than some competitors, including PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT, which offer 30-day rentals. Additionally, ReloCubes come in only one size—a 70” x 82” x 93” container. Both U-Pack’s container and trailer options feature barn-door openings, which allow you to take full advantage of the interior space.

U-Pack offers a unique pay-for-what-you-use policy. This allows you to pay per footage of a 28-foot moving trailer from ABF Freights. This feature is great if you’re uncertain about how much space you require. U-Pack can also offer tiered insurance for all trailer and unit contents. These plans begin at $75 for $20,000 of trailer contents coverage or $2,500 of ReloCube contents coverage.

U-Pack offers the option to purchase guaranteed delivery, backed by U-Pack’s 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. This guarantee states that if your shipment doesn’t arrive on the promised date, U-Pack will reduce your transportation charges, sometimes up to 100%.

U-Pack Services:

• Fuel calculator
• GPS tracking
• Loading and packing advice guides
• Moving checklist
• Moving container moves
• Moving labor via third-party companies
• Moving videos
• Pay-for-what-you-use moving trailer services
• Protection plans
• Space estimator

We created an instant ballpark quote with U-Pack for a move from Buffalo, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee, with three ReloCubes and received a price of $2,262. However, opting to use 15 feet in a moving trailer would only cost $2,381. U-Pack states these prices are all-inclusive and contain no hidden fees. Complete this short form to get an online quote from U-Pack.

Sample quote: $2,381 for a two-bedroom move between Nashville, TN, and Buffalo, NY

Deposit: None required

Payment methods:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• PayPal

U-Pack offers its services in every state, as well as Puerto Rico. However, your move must be at least 150 miles to use its services.

Zippy Shell has provided portable moving containers since 2007 and partnered with 1-800-PACK-RAT in 2018 to serve more customers. It assists with both local and long-distance moves but not international. Zippy Shell is known for helping movers on short notice and quickly delivering street-legal storage containers. This is handy if you don’t have a driveway and must leave your container parked on the curb on residential streets.

Zippy Shell is not only competitively priced, but it offers three insurance plan options. Your quote includes standard coverage. That’s $50,000 of coverage with a $5,000 deductible. You can choose to pay $149 for Plus coverage and lower that deductible to $2,500, or get Premium coverage for $399 and drop the deductible to $1,500.

Zippy Shell provides two container sizes for local and long-distance moves. The smaller is a 7-by-7-by-10-foot container totaling 420 cubic feet. It’s made to hold one large or two small rooms and a maximum weight of 3,500 pounds. The larger is a 7-by-7-by-15-foot container with a storage capacity of 680 cubic feet. It can store two to three rooms or up to 5,500 pounds.

Zippy offers short- or long-term storage and vehicle shipping. If you have some time between moving out of your current residence and into your new one, you can store your container(s) at one of Zippy’s secure, temperature-controlled facilities for any length of time. If you need to move your car along with household items, Zippy works with automotive transportation partners to ship your vehicle.

You can also add loading, unloading, and packing services through a Zippy partner.

Zippy Shell Services:

• Local moves
• Long-distance moves
• Moving guides
• Ongoing storage
• Optional loading, unloading, and packing
• Protection plans
• Provides moving supplies in some locations
• Vehicle shipping

Sample quote: $3,180 for a two-bedroom move between Nashville, TN, and Buffalo, NY

Deposit: 50% due two days before scheduled drop off

Payment methods:

• Credit card

The company has locations in the following 34 states and Washington, D.C.:

Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

PODS is the most recognizable name in the DIY moving space. We consider it to be the most convenient due to its sprawling service area, sheer number of locations, and container size options. It offers local and long-distance moves in 46 states through more than 230 service centers.

PODS’ storage facilities offer useful features for long-term and short-term storage, such as climate-controlled storage units and 24/7 security.

PODS offers more flexibility in your schedule than U-Pack due to its 30-day rental periods and comprehensive storage options. The company also acts as an excellent option for moving assistance if you require help with packing or loading services. PODS is more expensive than U-Pack, but the company offers ongoing promotions on its website. PODS gets our vote for the most convenient option due to the speedy quote process we experienced, and the different storage unit sizes it provides.

PODS gives customers a generous 30-day window to load and unload their belongings from their containers. Extending your PODS rental for an additional 30 days is roughly $100 cheaper than 1-800-PACK-RAT, making the units great for both moving and short- or long-term storage. PODS offers insurance coverage for all contents ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 in total value protection.

PODS offers three moving containers: 8 feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet. Its 12-foot containers are only available for local moves. These weather-resistant containers feature roll-up doors, so they do not require as much space to open in your driveway. They also feature ramp-free loading.

Customers are able to receive reputable moving assistance with PODS through HireAHelper, MovingStaffers, and Pack & Load. Services with these partners include packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking.

PODS Services:

• Commercial moving services
• Contents protection plans
• Loading and unloading services via third parties
• Long-term and short-term storage solutions
• Moving blog
• Moving checklist
• Moving supplies
• Packing and unpacking services via third parties
• Portable storage container moves

PODS functions on a pay-as-you-go model, so you pay for specific portions of your move a week before they happen. We obtained a quote from PODS to move two of its 16-foot containers from Buffalo, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee, for a total of $7,201 without taxes.

Upon initial delivery of your container, 15% to 20% of your final total is due. The rest is due upon pickup and after transportation to your new home. Any insurance or extra rental time you purchase beyond the initial month will add to your cost.

Sample quote: $7,201 for a two-bedroom move between Nashville, TN, and Buffalo, NY

Deposit: None required

Payment methods:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Check (for local moves in some locations)

PODS features locations in 46 states and Washington, D.C. PODS doesn’t have a physical branch in the following states:

• Alaska
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Wyoming

1-800-PACK-RAT is one of the most all-inclusive moving container companies on the market. We noted that the company offers competitive rates, high-quality moving containers, a partnership with HireAHelper, and a wide selection of online resources and tools. The company offers its services for local and cross-country moves, as well as short-term and long-term storage. It’s available in 33 states and Washington, D.C.

1-800-PACK-RAT may feature fewer locations than some companies on this list, but it offers more tools and services. The company offers competitive rates, though it is pricier than U-Pack. It’s the only company on this list to provide all-steel containers, which offer superior protection for all contents. These containers and PACK-RAT’s tiered protection plans make it the best option for DIY moving if you’re transporting high-value items.

A move with 1-800-PACK-RAT includes 30 days of rental. If you need more time for loading and unloading, you can extend the rental for another 30 days for an additional flat-rate fee. This provider offers tiered protection plans that cost as little as $34.95 per month per unit. This minimum protection plan covers $5,000 in total value, with up to $75,000 available for $149.95.

1-800-PACK-RAT offers container options in three sizes: 8 feet (suitable for 1–2 rooms), 12 feet (2–3 rooms), and 16 feet (3–4 rooms). However, it only offers its 12-foot containers for local moves. The containers are all-steel, sturdy, and weatherproof. Each container features barn-door openings that swing outward to maximize storage space in the interior.

In addition to its self-service moving service, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers assistance with loading and unloading or packing and unpacking through HireAHelper. The company also features a user-friendly website with various tools, such as a space calculator, location guides, a moving blog, and more.

1-800-PACK-RAT Services:

• Auto-shipping services
• Loading and unloading via HireAHelper
• Location guides
• Moving blog
• Moving checklist
• Moving supplies
• Packing and unpacking via HireAHelper
• Portable moving containers
• Short-term and long-term storage services
• Space calculator
• Videos
• Weight calculator

1-800-PACK-RAT quoted us to move two 16-foot containers from Buffalo, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee, for a total of $7,885. This quote includes $10,000 in contents protection, a no-cut security lock, and 10–14 days of transportation.

Billing would be broken down into a $500 deposit due 10 days before the first delivery. A month’s worth of rent would be charged upon delivery, and the remaining balance would not be due until 1-800-PACK-RAT begins transporting the container.

To keep renting the container, as well as $10,000 in contents protection, it would cost $299 per container per month. Complete this online survey to get your free 1-800-PACK-RAT quote.

Sample quote: $7,885 for a two-bedroom move between Nashville, TN, and Buffalo, NY

Deposit: $500 due five days before your container delivery

Payment methods:

• Credit card

1-800-PACK-RAT supplies its services within a 100-mile radius of each of its locations. The company also claims it can most likely help with a move in the United States, even if a location is not nearby. We encourage you to call the company to figure out if it can help you.

The company has locations in the following states and Washington, D.C.:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

• State Availability: 50 states
• Learn more: International Van Lines Review

International Van Lines (USDOT #: 2293832) is our top choice for a full-service moving company due to its competitive rates and extensive range of services. International Van Lines (IVL) provides comprehensive moving options for local and long-distance moves nationwide. It offers full-service, partial-service, and self-service options and additional services such as packing and unpacking, specialty services for pianos and antiques, and storage.

IVL offers full-service moving options. You can pack your items or have IVL’s team do it for you. The company also provides several add-on services to make difficult moves stress-free, such as:

• Bulky item relocation
• Large vehicle shipping
• Motorcycle shipping
• Piano moving
• Temporary or permanent storage

IVL offers a quick quote process for all types of moves. You can receive an estimate using its cost calculator or by filling out a quote form on its website with your contact information and moving details for a more detailed estimate. We obtained the following sample quote from an IVL representative over the phone:

• Long-distance sample quote: $2,519–$4,306 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Local sample quote: $2,519–$4,306 (two-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin)
• Deposit: 25%
• Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card (deposit only), money order

IVL has received an A rating on the BBB site, but it’s important to note that it isn’t accredited. Customers generally appreciate IVL’s speedy service, but some have expressed concerns about quality variations between locations. Recent discussions on Reddit have shed light on instances where customers have reported possible changes to their quotes by IVL’s partners. Ultimately, your experience with this national moving company may depend on the performance of the local agents in your area.

Allied Van Lines is one of only two companies on our list that offers packing services alongside portable moving containers in addition to full-service moves. These containers come in different sizes and are great for long-distance moves since they’re less expensive than traditional full-service options. Allied will drop the container off at your home and pick it up once it’s packed. The company also guarantees its portable container delivery date and will pay you $75 per day if your container shipment is delayed. This adds a level of accountability that many movers don’t provide.

Allied’s guarantee is especially notable because it has a slightly higher-than-average rate of truck breakdowns, which can lead to potential delays. As of November 2024, the company’s truck out-of-service percentage is 30.1%—about 8% more than the national average. Booking your move six to eight weeks in advance can improve your chances that Allied will be able to arrange a backup vehicle or crew for your move if needed. During peak seasons, like the summer months, we recommend booking as far out as eight to 12 weeks.

According to the customer reviews we read, Allied Van Lines’ claims process can be slow, which may cause frustration if any of your items are damaged during your move. Some customers claim it took several months to receive compensation, while others never heard back at all. To work around this, we recommend documenting all of your belongings before the move. Following up promptly during or after delivery can also help you get compensation in a timely manner. Extra third-party insurance can help protect valuable items if there are any delays with your claims. We talk a bit more about insurance options later on.

• Offers lower-cost portable storage containers that come with the option of professional packing
• Will pay you $75 for each day your container shipment is delayed
• Has the largest network of international moving agents on this list

Keep in Mind

• Has broken-down or undriveable trucks more often than other movers on our list
• Has a slower-than-average claims process, according to customer reviews

Allied Van Lines has the lowest BBB rating of the movers on our list, with 1.07 out of 5 stars based on 56 customer reviews. It has a higher rating and larger sample size on ConsumerAffairs, with 3.4 out of 5 stars based on 804 reviews. Many customers are happy with Allied’s communication and timeliness, but other reviewers mentioned a tedious claims and refund process.

“They were extremely nice, punctual, and efficient. They communicated very well and showed up on time. During the unloading stage, they were very careful and ensured everything was in its appropriate place prior to leaving.” —James via ConsumerAffairs, November 2023

“I paid based on an estimate of 13,000 pounds. My contract stated that it would be adjusted down if I did not have that much weight. The final weigh-in came in at 10,000 pounds. They have yet to send me a refund for the additional monies I have spent. They said it was being audited, but that was over three months now.” —Tess via ConsumerAffairs,  September 2024

Our quote for a three-bedroom move from Buffalo, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee, resulted in a quoted price of $5,915–$6,536. Allied’s representative was thorough and mentioned that estimates couldn’t be binding without an in-person or video call survey. The rates we received were a ballpark price range.