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Best Moving Container Companies

It’s not quite DIYing with a rental truck, and it’s not quite paying pro movers to handle the whole process. Moving containers are a perfect middle ground, and the team at iMoving is here to bring you up to speed.

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PODS

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  • Most Efficient Logistics
  • Best Customer Service
  • Innovative Container Design
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U-Pack

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  • Most Flexible Pricing
  • Easiest Booking Process
  • Most Secure Transport
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1-800-PACK-RAT

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  • Fastest Delivery and Pickup
  • Reliable Transport Network
  • Greenest Moving Practices
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Want to pack at your own pace? Don’t want to deal with a rental truck? Moving containers are the the answer. Pods, cubes, whatever you wanna call ‘em - in this article, we’ll talk all about the wonderful world of moving containers, and we’ll introduce you to a few of our faves, too.

In this article:

Why Use Moving Containers?

You’re ready to get out of town - or at least out of the hood - and you’re looking at your options. You can rent out a truck and do the long haul yourself. You can shell out for professional movers. Or… you can rent a moving container, and get a little bit of both worlds.

Think of moving containers like portable storage units. The container company drops it off at your doorstep, and you’re free to load the thing up at your own pace. When you’ve finished packing it all up, you call the container company, they pick up the container, and they’ll transport it for you - either to a secure storage location or to your new place.

There’s a lot of moving containers out there, and everyone’s trying to get in on the hype. Fortunately, iMoving sorted out the best from the worst, and we’ve got a whole marketplace full of vetted and verified moving container companies. All you have to do is enter your moving info, and you can shop and book from the comfort of your web browser.

Since we’ve got over 1000+ pro movers in our network, we know a thing or two about what you can expect from moving pods. But before we jump to our list, let’s look at the price.

iMoving’s Top 5 Moving Container Companies

Now that you know a little more about moving containers (and how much you’ll be paying), it’s time to get to know some of our favorite container companies in the game.

Take a look, and see which of our picks is the best for you:

1. PODS

2. U-Pack

3. 1-800-PACK-RAT

4. Zippy Shell

5. Smart Box Moving and Storage

1

PODS

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  • Most Efficient Logistics
  • Best Customer Service
  • Innovative Container Design
Book a Move

PODS is the company that really puts moving containers on the map. They’ve been in the game since the 90s, and they’ve been at the cutting edge of containers in general.

PODS has sturdy storage units, and they also use their own patented lift system to get your container safely loaded onto one of their trucks. They also offer specialized containers for construction and other commercial uses.

PODS is usually the first company people think of when they start looking for moving containers, and for good reason.

They’re easily the most famous container company, and they’re so widespread it’s easy to get in touch with your local branch and get a container delivered to your door.

That means a lot of added convenience, and we’re all about making things easy.

Pros

  • Sturdy storage containers
  • PODZILLA Lift system
  • Moving labor available
  • Specialized containers for businesses
  • Car transport available

Cons

  • Brand recognition may mean a higher price
2

U-Pack

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  • Most Flexible Pricing
  • Easiest Booking Process
  • Most Secure Transport
Book a Move

U-Pack is a great option if you’ve got a smaller move on your hands. They don’t base their pricing on your overall weight - instead, they’ll measure how much space you end up using.

To keep the whole process straightforward, they only use one size of moving container. If you need more space, you can just get more of their ReloCubes added to the final tally!

While it’s nice when container companies offer several different-sized options, we found that U-Pack’s ReloCubes were a pretty decent one-size-fits-all option.

You can get away with using one cube per room, and since U-Pack charges per cubic foot instead of pound, you can take care of your small move (studios or one-bedroom apartments) without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Containers and trailers available
  • Moving labor available
  • Prices based on space used, not by weight
  • Great for small moves
  • Useful online utilities

Cons

  • Only one container size
3

1-800-PACK-RAT

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  • Fastest Delivery and Pickup
  • Reliable Transport Network
  • Greenest Moving Practices
Book a Move

1-800-PACK-RAT may not be as widespread or well-known as PODS, but they’re really gunning for the top spot.

With multiple container options and an awesome range of discounts, they’re carving out a place for themselves as a budget-friendly alternative to the big names in the container game.

They also have their own no-tilt lift system so your stuff doesn’t get all shaken up when the container’s loaded onto the truck.

PACK-RAT is a great option if you’re trying to save some cash, but you still want the convenience of a solid container company. The only downside is they aren’t as widespread as the competition.

But, considering 1-800-PACK-RAT’s service and affordability, they’ll probably grow even more in the coming years. Keep an eye on them, because we know we will.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Multiple container options
  • Patented no-tilt lift system
  • Discounts available
  • Moving labor available

Cons

  • Nationwide, but not as widespread as competition
4

Zippy Shell

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  • Fastest Container Delivery
  • Secure Storage Facilities
  • Greenest Storage Practices
Book a Move

Zippy Shell is a moving container company that also offers full-service moving. If you’re in a pinch and you really don’t want to deal with any of the packing, loading, or hauling, their professional teams can take care of the whole process so you don’t have to.

They also offer on-site residential storage: You can book a container, and they’ll drop it off on your driveway (or a city-approved parking space) for as long as you need it.

Aside from the awesome convenience of a full-service moving company, we also really appreciate Zippy Shell’s short-term storage options.

If you just need a container for a few weeks during a remodel - heck, if you just need a container so you can free up the guest room - they’ve got you covered. And yes, they’ve got plenty of different container sizes, too!

Pros

  • Containers and trailers available
  • Full service moving available
  • On- and off-site residential storage
  • Short-term storage if needed
  • Multiple container sizes

Cons

  • Containers aren’t ground level
  • Nationwide, but not as widespread as competition
5

Smart Box Moving and Storage

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  • Fastest Delivery and Pickup
  • Highest Security Standards
  • Greenest Moving Practices
Book a Move

Smart Box Moving and Storage earns a spot on our list thanks to their awesome customer service, temporary storage, and delivery options. Let’s say you’ve got some items that are too big (or pricey) to ship with UPS.

Instead, you can rent a SmartBox container, load it up, and have their team ship it to your new place (or store it at one of their facilities until it’s moving day). Pretty sweet life hack.

We like Smart Box because they make booking easy, and if you’re a college student, they offer discounts for temporary storage and deliveries.

Like U-Pack, Smart Box only uses one size of storage container, but these are perfectly adequate for most bulky items.

And if you need more storage, you can always book a second (or third) and they can pick them up and transport them all at the same time.

Pros

  • Commercial moves available
  • Attentive customer service
  • Great for deliveries, too
  • Temporary storage if needed
  • Discounts available

Cons

  • Containers aren’t ground level
  • Only one container size

How Much Does a Moving Container Cost?

A moving container costs anywhere from $500 to $5,000. It depends on a few factors, the most important of which are the duration of the rental, and the size of the unit.

Moving containers are a lot like storage units but with added convenience. Some people actually use them as temporary on-site storage, but keep in mind, that you’ll be paying per month for all those extra square feet.

Aside from the duration, you also need to consider the size of the unit. Some companies offer multiple different options, ranging from closet-sized pods to the sort of container you’d see attached to a semi-truck. The bigger the unit, the bigger the price tag.

If you really want to save money on your moving container, it’s a good idea to downsize as much as possible. Get rid of the excess by selling, handing down, donating, or disposing of all of your unwanted, old, or unused items. Having less stuff means you can get away with a smaller unit - and you can pack it up and unpack it a lot faster.

Choose Item

Average Monthly Cost Range:$800 - $1,500

Average Monthly Cost Range:$800 - $1,500

Average Monthly Cost Range:$1,500 - $5,000

How to Make the DIY Part Easier

While the container company will be handling the long haul, a moving container still takes plenty of DIYing. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to make the packing and loading part a little easier.

1. Enlist help

Just because you CAN DIY the loading doesn’t mean you SHOULD. Some items are just too heavy for one person to deal with. Don’t ego lift, and don’t count on your family or friends to show up, either.

Instead, check with the moving container company to see if they offer moving labor. They’ll send some pros along with your container, and they can handle the bulky items.

2. Pay for packing services

Just like moving labor, some moving companies offer packing services. You may be scoffing at this. “Why would I pay for packing? I’m trying to save money!” Well, packing is the most time-consuming part of a move, and the most frustrating. If you think your sanity isn’t worth the extra cash, go nuts and pack by yourself.

3. Get your tools ready

Moving takes a lot of planning and prep. Get your dolly, furniture pads, and packing supplies together BEFORE the moving pod shows up.

This will also give you a chance to take stock of all the stuff you still need to wrap up, and you’ll get a better idea of what pieces of furniture will require the most helping hands.

4. Use a staging area

Moving container companies charge by the day, so you don’t want to spend any unnecessary time running around your place to wrangle boxes.

We recommend putting everything that’s packed up in a corner or a designated bedroom. This will make loading a lot faster and more efficient.

5. Pack an essentials bag

You don’t want to search through a million boxes to find your toothbrush. It’s a good idea to pack all of your must-have items in an essentials bag.

Suitcase, backpack, whatever you use for short vacations. Don’t forget your toiletries, and don’t forget your chargers for all of those electronics you use on a daily basis.

6. Make room at your new place

Did you make sure your new place has room for your moving container? Did you make sure your new place has room for all of your stuff? If possible, get there ahead of time, and make room for the incoming container.

Don’t forget to plan in advance and map out where your major items of furniture will go. This will cut down on extra time, and save you money in the long run.

Are Containers the Cheapest Way to Move?

Containers aren’t the cheapest way to move, but they’re a cost-effective alternative to paying for full-service movers - and they’re a lot easier to deal with than a complete DIY job.

Trying to save as much as possible? A rental truck and your own elbow grease is going to be the cheapest option… at least, on paper. If you’re feeling brave, don’t let us stop you from going full DIY.

Just remember that you’ll have to pay for gas, food, and lodging. Don’t forget, you’ll also have to take time off from work to deal with your packing and moving, and that means missed paychecks, too.

Want to cut out the driving (and all the long-haul expenses that come with it)? Just book a moving container, and let the container company handle the trucking.

Ready to Move? Let’s Get Packing!

You made it to the end! Thanks for sticking with us! Hopefully, you learned a thing or two about moving containers, and now you have a few solid options to consider if you decide to book a container for the big day.

Ready to get started? iMoving is here to help. We’ve made booking your moving container easier than ever: no phone calls and no house calls required. Just tell us more about your move, and let’s find the best container company for the job!

FAQ Section

A long-distance move can take anywhere from 1 to 21 days. Under federal rules and regulations, truck drivers can’t log more than 400 miles of interstate travel per day.

But aside from the miles between point A and point B, the physical size of your move also makes a big difference.

Most people assume a smaller amount of stuff means their move will be completed a lot faster. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. 

If your belongings don’t fill an entire truck or trailer, your movers may wait until they can bundle multiple moves together in the same vehicle.

This cuts down on empty space (and it means a lower price), but expect delays from those dropoffs and pickups along the way.

It’s a good idea to reserve your moving container 2 to 3 months in advance. This way, you’ll know your container company will have the right container ready for you on moving day, and you can use all the days in between to pack, organize, and stage your boxes for quick loading.

Fortunately, most moving container companies also offer packing supplies. Same with any place that rents out moving trucks. You can also purchase tools (such as dollies and furniture pads) at your local home improvement store.

But if you’re interested in getting boxes for cheap, we recommend asking bookstores, offices, and even liquor stores if they’ve got any boxes they’re planning on throwing out or recycling. They may be interested in donating to the cause!

Take our word for it: avoid a move in June, July, and August. “But that’s when the kids are out of school! It’s so convenient!” Sure, and everyone else is thinking the same thing.

If you don’t want to deal with extra-expensive rates (and a crowded market), try to schedule your move far away from any major holidays or vacation dates.

Avoid the first and last days of the month (those are when leases run out), and avoid weekends if you’re really trying to save.

Every moving company has its own go/no-go list. These lists usually include flammable materials, pressurized containers, guns, perishable foods, and living things such as pets, plants, and people. Basically, anything that can damage a truck (or a moving container).

If you were hoping to LARP as John Wick and use a shipping container as a gun safe… you’re outta luck. (Instead, you’ll have to transport them yourself, or have them shipped from one FFL to another.)

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Harrison Gough

Harrison has been writing for real estate and moving companies for the past three years, but his knowledge isn't just from behind a desk. Having moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with professional help and sometimes on his own, he's learned firsthand what makes moving smooth and what makes it stressful. When he's not writing, he's looking into ways to make his next move simpler.

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