Immediate access is the product. The container comes to you — you load on your schedule, and it goes where you need it.
Containers delivered directly to your home.
Pack at your own pace with no rush.
Container picked up and transported for you.
Delivered directly to your new home or storage location.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Six providers currently operating in this category. Pricing varies by location, container size, and distance. Always get at least two quotes.
| Provider | Local Move From | Long-Distance From | Container Sizes | Best For | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PODS | $299–$499 | $1,000–$3,000+ | 8, 12, 16 ft | All-around flexibility, name recognition | Nationwide |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | $350–$800 | $1,800–$5,500 | 8, 12, 16 ft | Steel construction, price matching | 37 states |
| U-Pack | Long-distance only | $1,150–$7,900 | ReloCube + trailers | Long-distance, pay-per-space | Nationwide |
| U-Haul U-Box | Quote-based | Quote-based | 8 ft only | Budget, widest location network | All 50 states |
| Zippy Shell | $335–$675 | $750–$1,660 | 10, 15 ft | Lowest average prices, urban-friendly | 37 states |
| UNITS | From $973 | Quote-based | Multiple sizes | Local and regional moves | 37 states |
SITUTATION COMPARISON
| PODS | $299–$499 local $1,000–$3,000+ long-distance |
| 1-800 PACK-RAT | $350–$800 local $1,800–$5,500 long-distance |
| U-Pack | Long-distance only $1,150–$7,900 |
| U-Haul U-Box | Quote-based |
| Zippy Shell | $335–$675 local $750–$1,660 long-distance |
| UNITS | From $973 |
Prices vary by location, distance, and storage requirements. Local vs. long-distance pricing differs significantly. Request a quote for your specific move.
DECIDE
Studio apartment
1–2 rooms
1-bedroom apartment
2–3 rooms
2-bedroom home
3–4 rooms
1-bedroom home
Long-distance moves
2–3 bedroom home
Cross-country relocation
How much do moving containers cost?
Moving container costs vary based on container size, distance, storage time, location, and availability. Local moves often cost much less than long-distance moves, while cross-country container moves can become expensive once transportation, storage, delivery, and fees are included. If you only have boxes and no furniture, Micro-Move Storage may be more cost-effective than renting an entire container.
What size moving container do I need?
The right moving container size depends on how much furniture, boxes, and household goods you need to move. An 8-foot container may fit a studio or small apartment, while 12-foot and 16-foot containers are better for one- to two-bedroom moves. If you only have 1–15 boxes and no furniture, a container is usually more space than you need.
When should I choose a moving container instead of Micro-Move Storage?
A moving container usually starts to make sense when you have furniture, bulky items, or roughly 15–20+ boxes. Micro-Move Storage is usually a better fit for 1–10 boxes, especially if you do not need to move furniture. The threshold depends on box size, weight, distance, and whether you need storage before delivery.
How long can I keep a moving container?
Most moving container companies allow you to keep the container for several days during loading and may offer monthly storage if you need more time. Storage terms vary by provider and can affect the total cost. Always confirm how long loading, storage, and delivery are included before booking.
Are moving containers safe and secure?
Moving containers are generally secure when properly locked and stored in a safe location or provider facility. Most containers are weather-resistant and designed for transportation, but you are responsible for packing items securely. A high-quality lock, careful loading, and proper insurance or coverage are important.
Can I load a moving container myself?
Yes. Most moving container services are designed for self-loading, which means the container is dropped off and you pack it at your own pace. You can also hire labor separately if you need help loading furniture, boxes, or heavy items.
Do moving containers work for long-distance moves?
Yes. Moving containers are commonly used for long-distance and cross-country moves. The company delivers the container, you load it, and then the container is transported to your new location or stored until you are ready. For small box-only moves, shipping boxes to storage may be simpler than moving an entire container.
Can I store a moving container in my driveway?
In many cases, yes, but rules depend on your driveway, HOA, apartment complex, city, and local permit requirements. Some areas restrict how long a container can remain on the street or driveway. Always check local rules before scheduling delivery.
What items cannot go in a moving container?
Most moving container companies prohibit hazardous materials, flammable items, perishable food, plants, firearms, illegal items, and certain valuables. Important documents, passports, medications, jewelry, and irreplaceable items should usually stay with you. Always review the provider’s prohibited-items list before packing.
Are moving containers cheaper than full-service movers?
Moving containers are often cheaper than full-service movers because you do the packing and loading yourself. However, costs can increase with long distances, storage, extra delivery attempts, parking issues, and labor help. They are usually best for people who want flexibility and can handle some of the work themselves.
Are moving containers cheaper than self-storage?
Moving containers and self-storage solve different problems. A container can move and store your belongings, while self-storage usually requires you to transport items to and from the unit yourself. If you only need storage and will access items often, self-storage may be better; if you need moving plus temporary storage, a container may be more convenient.
When does a container make sense for a small move?
Moving containers can work for small apartment moves, but they are often too large or too expensive for a few boxes. If you have furniture, a container may make sense; if you only have 1–10 boxes, Micro-Move Storage is usually a better fit. The key question is whether you need space for bulky items.
How many boxes fit in a moving container?
The number of boxes depends on container size, box dimensions, and whether furniture is included. An 8-foot container may hold the contents of a studio apartment, while larger containers can fit one- or two-bedroom homes. If your move is only boxes, compare the cost of shipping and storing them directly before renting a container
Is a container worth it for a small move?
PODS can be worth it for small moves that include furniture, appliances, or bulky household items. For a few boxes, PODS is often more container than you need. A good rule of thumb is that if everything fits into 1–10 boxes, Micro-Move Storage may be the cleaner solution; if you have furniture or 15–20+ boxes, a container becomes more reasonable.
What is the difference between PODS, U-Box, U-Pack, and PACK-RAT?
PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer portable storage containers in multiple sizes, while U-Haul U-Box and U-Pack often serve budget or long-distance container-style moves. Each provider differs in size options, availability, storage rules, pricing, and delivery flexibility. A comparison table is the best way to evaluate which one fits your move.
Do moving containers include storage?
Many moving container services include short-term loading time and offer storage as an add-on or monthly option. Some providers store containers at their facility, while others allow the container to remain at your home if local rules permit. Storage costs and access rules vary by provider.
Can I access my items while they are in container storage?
Access depends on the provider and where the container is stored. Some facilities allow scheduled access, while others require advance notice or may not provide easy access during transit or warehouse storage. If frequent access is important, self-storage may be a better option.
Can moving containers be used for apartment moves?
Yes, but apartment moves can be tricky because containers need legal placement space. Many apartment complexes, city streets, and parking lots require permission, permits, or loading reservations. If you do not have furniture and only need to move boxes, shipping boxes may be simpler than placing a container.
Do moving containers require a permit?
Sometimes. If the container is placed on a public street, parking lane, or sidewalk, a city permit may be required. Driveway placement usually avoids this issue, but HOA and property rules may still apply.
How do I pack a moving container?
Load heavy items first, distribute weight evenly, protect furniture with pads, and secure items with straps or rope. Fill gaps to prevent shifting during transportation. Fragile items should be packed carefully and clearly labeled.
Do moving container companies provide moving labor?
Most container companies provide the container and transportation, but loading labor is usually separate. Some companies partner with third-party labor providers, or you can hire local movers to help load and unload. Always confirm whether labor is included before comparing prices.
What happens if my moving container is delayed?
Delivery windows can change due to weather, driver availability, distance, traffic, and facility scheduling. Ask the provider about delivery guarantees, tracking, and delay policies before booking. If timing is critical, build in extra buffer days.
Are moving containers weatherproof?
Most moving containers are weather-resistant, but not all are fully waterproof in every condition. Proper packing, plastic bins for sensitive items, and furniture covers can help protect belongings. Avoid placing items directly against container walls if moisture is a concern.
Who should use a moving container?
Moving containers are best for people moving furniture, apartments, small homes, or household goods who want flexibility and do not need full-service movers. They are also useful when you need temporary storage between pickup and delivery. They are less ideal for people moving only a few boxes.
Who should not use a moving container?
A moving container may not be the right choice if you have no driveway or legal placement space, need frequent access to items, cannot load heavy furniture, or only have a few boxes. In those cases, self-storage, traditional movers, or Micro-Move Storage may be better options depending on your situation.
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Check out: What Kind of Moving & Storage Do I Need?