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Home United States America’s 5 Best Moving Container Companies

America's 5 Best Moving Container Companies - Find the perfect moving and storage container near me.

Last updated on: July 26, 2022

Moving day involves a lot of stress. Not only moving day, but all the steps leading up to the move. There are so many different companies that provide moving container transport, so it can take time and effort trying to find options that suit your needs. Here we have compiled America’s 5 best moving container companies to make your moving day and/or storage process easier.

We based our recommendations on factors such as company locations around the country, container specifications and range, extra features that the company offers, as well as previous customers’ reviews. Making an informed choice ensures that your move is less stressful and guarantees that your possessions are safe. We understand that when it comes to moving, needs and preferences are always going to differ, but these carefully selected moving container companies can accommodate all your moving requirements.

What are the main differences between moving container services and standard moving services?

Standard Moving Services

Loading and Unloading included
Transport in between home included
Adapted to all types of homes
More expensive option

Find a moving company near you here.

Moving Containers

Loading and Unloading not included (DIY)
Transport in between home included
Limited service for condo/apartment buildings*
More affordable option

*Unless you have space for the container for at least one month.

There is no shortage of services that aim to help people move and store their belongings, and some are more involved and hands-on than others. Many people prefer to pack and move as independently as possible, choosing to hire a DIY truck rental or moving container. These rental services are extremely hands-off, simply providing the truck or container, and in most cases involving containers, transporting it to the final destination – they do not assist with packing or unpacking in any way. The moving container alternative comes with a lot a flexibility!

Alternatively, there are fully-catered moving services that help with every aspect of a move, by providing packing and unpacking services, as well as appropriate transportation. They are far more hands-on and involved in the move or storage process, meaning that customers themselves can step back, knowing it is cared for.

Neither option is better than the other, but most people will have a preference, based on factors such as budget. Most moving container/storage unit rental companies offer a range of services so that customers can find what works best for them.

MovingWaldo’s list of the 5 best portable storage container companies in America

1. PODS

 4.5/5

4.5 stars based on 13,760 reviews from around the web

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About

An industry pioneer and leader since 1998, PODS provides residential and commercial moving and storage services – with contactless delivery and pick-up – across a vast service network that spans North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The company, with its unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and control, makes for a great choice as your local or long-distance moving and storage partner. A PODS portable container is delivered to you, loaded on your schedule, and either kept in your driveway for 24/7 access, stored at one of their secure indoor facilities, or moved to your new home. Click on the link to the Website to get 10% on your move!

Services offered

Local Moving
Long Distance Moving
Commercial Moving & Storage
PODS Container Moving
Contents Protection
Storage Services
Storage On-Site
Store at their facilities
Moving Supplies
Packing and Loading Assistance

Available on demand - Save 10% off retail rates through MovingWaldo!

Type of moving containers

Container Dimensions	Construction Type	Capacity (rooms)	Weight Limit (lbs.)	Interior Space (cu. ft.)	Clearance Area Required
16’ x 8’ x 8’	Metal	3 or 4	4,200	835	40’ x 12’ x 15′
*12’ x 8’ x 8’	Metal	2 or 3	4,700	689	40’ x 12’ x 15′
7’ x 7’ x 8’	Metal	1	5,200	385	40’ x 12’ x 15′

* The 12’ x 8’ x 8’ container is only available for local moving and storage, but the other two container sizes are available for long-distance moves.

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

1998

Area Covered

Serves 46 states. The four states PODS doesn’t service are Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

Pros

Contactless delivery and pick up
They do all the driving
You control the schedule – so you can take your time
Flexible, easy storage options – in your driveway or in their secure indoor facilities
Pay-as-you-go pricing.
Offers car storage for smaller vehicles

Cons

Must be reserved in advance to ensure availability
Packing and loading services are add-ons
12’ x 8’ x 8’ feet containers are only available for local moving and storage
Need an available parking space or driveway at each location for loading and unloading

Why choose this moving container company?

For more than two decades, PODS has offered a flexible, convenient way for Americans to move and store their belongings. This moving and storage container company can help you whether you are moving across town, across the country – or if you need storage – in one of their secure indoor facilities.

Mix and match among a range of portable moving and storage containers to fit your needs. Unlike traditional moving companies, PODS does not require a deposit, nor requires you to pay for your entire move upfront. The company offers pay-as-you-go pricing, since you rent your PODS container(s) by the month, putting you in control of your schedule, so you can take your time. Not to mention, you do not need to greet their driver for delivery or pick-up as PODS is a contactless service.

PODS can also help make packing and loading/unloading easier by referring you to highly-rated, hourly labor in your area. These pros know their containers inside and out to help maximize your space, and they will do as much as you need them to do.

PODS also offers a discount for people who book through MovingWaldo, which may be a great cost-saving option for some.

Find your closest PODS location here.

 4.5/5

2. 1-800-PACK-RAT

 4.4/5

4.4 stars based on 2165 reviews from around the web

About

Since 2003, 1-800-PACK-RAT is a portable storage and moving company providing a simple way to store or move your belongings. Their growing network of containers and trucks and their several storage facilities across America can get you anywhere you need to go in no time.

The company even built an innovative system that can lift and deposit a fully loaded moving container without swaying or shifting it. Most importantly,1-800-PACK-RAT has a strong corporate model ensuring every single customer is entirely satisfied.

Services offered

Portable moving containers
Local moving
Long-distance moving
Military moving
Packing & loading help
Storage
Moving supplies

Locations

Over 65 locations across the United States

Available on demand

Note that there are some factors that affect the cost of moving your container. Depending on how far you need to move your container, the cost will vary. You might however save money if your moving date aligns with other customers on the same 1-800-PACK-RAT truck. The availability of the container also has an impact on the price of your rental. You may use a larger- so more expensive- container if the one you need is not available.

Type of moving containers

16-foot moving container (16’ x 7.8’ x 7.5’)	12-foot moving container (12’ x 7.8’ x 7.5’ )	8-foot moving container (8.5’ x 7.2’ x 7.8’ )
Generally holds 3-4 rooms of furniture	Generally holds 2-3 rooms of furniture	Generally holds 1-2 rooms of furniture
830 cu. ft.	620 cu. ft.	404 cu. ft.
Holds up to 6,000 lbs	Holds up to 6,000 lbs	Holds up to 4,000 lbs

*Clearance Area Required: 55’ x 12’ x 13.5′
*Construction Type: Steel (the only all-steel moving containers on the market)

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

2003

Area Covered

Located in over 30 states

*1-800-PACK-RAT provides its services within a 100-mile radius of each of its locations but the company also states that it can provide services for a move in the United States even if a local branch is not nearby. We suggest you contact the 1-800-PACK-RAT directly to see if this option is available in your area.

Pros

All-steel and weatherproof containers
Recurring promotions
Customers have a full 30 days to use their container
$10,000 in contents protection insurance included with all long-distance moves
Patented lift system to keep your items level
Ground level design to facilitate packing

Cons

No option to book online
No online quotes for long-distance moves

Why choose this moving container company?

1-800-PACK-RAT provides reliable moving services across the US making their clients’ moving experience much easier. Known for their high-quality and weatherproof containers, they are the only portable storage company with all-steel containers.

1-800-PACK-RAT even offers tons of discounts throughout the year. Also, their moving containers are available in three sizes and customers can pack at their own pace having a full 30 days to use their container(s).

Find your closest 1-800-PACK-RAT location here.

 4.4/5

3. SMARTBOX

 4.7/5

4.7 stars based on 215 reviews from around the web

About

SMARTBOX is an American moving container company that was founded in 2002. With more than 100 locations across the US, the company offers portable moving containers for local and long-distance moves. Storage units, moving & packing supplies, and loading & unloading assistance are offered as well.

The system they have developed gives customers less stress, more flexibility, and excellent service.

Services offered

Portable moving containers
Storage units
Local moving
Long-distance moving
Corporate moving
Military moving
Moving & packing supplies
Loading & unloading assistance

Locations

Over 100 locations across America

About the SMARTBOX Portable Moving Container

The company has a 8-foot moving container (8’ x 5’ x 7’) that includes a weatherproof vinyl cover to protect against damage. One portable moving container generally holds 1 ½ rooms of furniture (up to 3,000 lbs).

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

2002

Area Covered

Located in over 23 states

Pros

No fuel surcharges
Weatherproof vinyl cover (protecting against damage)
Door to door transportation
College student discounts
Long-distance moves include up to $10,000 in insurance coverage while the container is in transport

Cons

Container available in one size only
Limited availability (in selected cities in only 23 states)

Why choose this moving container company?

SMARTBOX provides moving container services for local and long-distance moves that include fuel in their price. The company has a weatherproof vinyl that covers each SMARTBOX portable moving container to protect your stuff against damage. Moreover, long-distance moves include up to $10,000 in insurance coverage while your container is in transport.

SMARTBOX is especially recommended for college students, as they can benefit from a moving container discount. This moving container company has straightforward pricing meaning that there are no hidden fees, so you know what you pay for and you only pay for the storage containers you need.

Find your closest SMARTBOX location here.

 4.7/5

4. U-Pack ReloCube

 4.5/5

4.5 stars based on 472 reviews from around the web

About

Established in 1997 with the intent of providing affordable long-distance moving solutions, U-Pack offers safe and reliable ReloCube containers across America. U-Pack is owned by ArcBest, a freight shipping company that lends its shipping expertise to ensure your belongings arrive at their destination safely. U-Pack is always looking to expand and now offers additional services like ramps and secure divider walls for trailers.

Services offered

ReloCube portable moving containers
Moving trailers
Student moving
Military moving
Senior moving
Small movers
Job relocation
Cross country moving

Locations

Over 100 locations across America

About the ReloCube Moving Container

Made of metal, each ReloCube measures 6’3” x 7’ x 8’4” and can hold up to 2,500 lbs of furniture and boxes – or one room.

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

A+

In Business Since

1997

Area Covered

The United States: all 50 states of the country

Pros

Competitive pricing
Rates include the driver and fuel
Easy to use website
Free and quick online quotes
You only pay for the space you use
Includes carrier negligence liability coverage and catastrophic liability coverage
Exceptional customer service

Cons

No local moving services
Cancellation during the week of your move will cost you a fee

Why choose this moving container company?

U-Pack eases all the stress away from your moving experience. The company offers quality moving services that are comprehensive and flexible. U-Pack’s professional team is always available to answer your questions and concerns.

U-Pack’s policy of only paying for what you use is what sets them apart from their competitors. You won’t have to worry about the trailer or ReloCube being too big for your belongings, as you’ll only be charged for the space you use.

Find your closest U-Pack’s location here.

 4.5/5

5. Zippy Shell

 4/5

4 stars based on 313 reviews from around the web

About

Zippy Shell was initially founded in Australia in 2007 operating as the first mobile storage businesses in the country. The company’s success in Australia enabled Zippy Shell to be launched in the United States 3 years later. In 2018, Zippy Shell merged with 1-800-PACK-RAT.

As their mission, both brands now combine ideas and technology to make moving and storage simpler for their customers. Zippy Shell provides a complete suite of services from local and long-distance moving, mobile and on-site storage, and loading and unloading assistance.

Services offered

Portable storage containers
Local moving
Long-distance moving
Loading & unloading
Packing

Available on demand

For more information on prices, simply fill out a quote on their website. To use their instant shipping quote tool, enter your starting and destination Zip Code as well as your moving date. The company will process your request and send you an email confirmation. Then, you will receive all the information about the price and availability.

Type of moving containers

15-foot moving container (10’x 7’ x 7’ )	10-foot moving container (10’x 7’ x 7’)
Generally holds 2-3 rooms of furniture	Generally holds 1-2 rooms of furniture
650 cu. ft.	420 cu. ft.
Holds up to 4,500 lbs	Holds up to 4,500 lbs

*Construction Type: Steel-cage

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

Founded in Australia in 2007
Launched in the USA in 2010

Area Covered

Services 28 states

Pros

Steel cage containers
Low prices for mid sized homes
Highly attentive to ensure the safety of your belongings
Barn style doors that open outwards

Cons

Rental fees not included in quote
No instant online quotes

Why choose this moving container company?

Zippy Shell is specialized in local and long-distance moving containers for more than a decade now. They are known for the particular attention they pay to protect your belongings. The company uses steel cage containers, keeping your things from shifting during transportation.

Zippy Shell containers are ideal for shipping. Most containers have doors that jam when things move around. Zippy Shell avoids this common problem since their containers have barn style doors that open outwards.

Find your closest Zippy Shell location here.

 4/5

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving Container Companies in America

What size container do I need for moving?

To determine what size container you need for moving, you should consider the dimensions and the material of the moving container. For example, a moving and storage container made of all steel can carry heavier loads than a wood container. Also, keep in mind that a standard container can hold 1 to 2 rooms and is approximately 300 cubic feet.

How much do moving containers cost?

The average cost of moving containers is about $3 000 per move, and about $2.50 per mile. The cost will vary depending on factors like the distance to travel, the company you choose or the size of your home.

(*Move.org)

What should you not pack in a moving container?

Each moving container and storage company has a list of non-allowables or prohibited items. Typically, there are the items you are not allowed to pack in a moving container: any flammable, hazardous, explosive, toxic or illegal materials, live animals or plants and any non-preserved foods.

Can I lock my moving container?

Yes, and we recommend you to do it to keep your stuff secure. Depending on the company you choose, you can either use your own personal lock or you can purchase a key from the company for your moving container to secure the door. You can be sure of its security in either case.

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America's 5 Best Moving Container Companies - Find the perfect moving and storage container near me.

What are the main differences between moving container services and standard moving services?

MovingWaldo’s list of the 5 best portable storage container companies in America

1. PODS

2. 1-800-PACK-RAT

3. SMARTBOX

4. U-Pack ReloCube

5. Zippy Shell

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving Container Companies in America

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