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Updated: Feb 12, 2025, 2:19pm
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| EditorAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 35 million people moved residences in 2023 (the most recent year data is available). Many of these people couldn’t fit all of their belongings in their vehicles. That leaves three options for the extra baggage: hiring a moving company, renting a van or truck or renting a moving container.
The moving container option can be considerably cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company; our analysis of quotes found that it typically costs about $3,000 to rent a container for a long-distance move, as opposed to roughly $5,400 to use full-service movers. You can pack your belongings on your own time, and most providers allow you ample time so you can treat the container like an on-property storage unit. That said, you need a place to put the container, and if you want help packing it, you’ll have to hire someone separately.
“Trained moving crews with the proper equipment move much faster than a DIY group of friends and family,” said moving expert and Forbes Home Advisory Board member Dawn M. Smith, who has 10 local and cross-country moves under her belt. Although professional movers may be the most convenient option, for those looking to save money and have more flexibility with time, moving containers can be a solid choice.
Forbes Home has analyzed more than 20,000 customer reviews and comments using our Consumer Sentiment Index tool and found a diverse range of opinions on the moving container industry. Consumers tend to appreciate the convenience and affordability of these containers, but we also found frequent complaints about hidden fees and delays.
We’ve researched over 50 moving container companies, analyzing dozens of attributes and price quotes. We’ve determined that U-Haul U-Box is the best moving container company overall, but we’ve also found plenty of other attractive options.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
International Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
2
American Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
3
Blvd Moving
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
4
Mayzlin Relocation
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
Key Takeaways
| COMPANY | RATING | BEST FOR | NATIONWIDE AVAILABILITY | ONLINE QUOTE AVAILABLE | SAMPLE PRICING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.8   | Best Overall | Excellent | Instant Quote | $2,462.21 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.2  | Best Availability | Excellent | Instant Quote | $2,580.00 | On U-Pack's Website | |
| 4.1 | Best Cancellation Policy | Good | Quote Request | $4,329.22 | On Pack Rat's Website | |
| 4.1 | Best Customer Rating | Excellent | Quote Request | $3,500.41* | From Participating Partners | |
| 3.2 | Best Insurance Options | Good | Quote Request | $4,591.00 | From Participating Partners |
Best Overall
Best Overall
U-Haul U-Box
With 80 years in the moving game, U-Haul has a legacy reputation and an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) grade. Its U-Box moving container option started in 2011 and offers a single-size container moving experience with various handling options. With ultimate flexibility in how customers move their U-Box, which measures 8’ x 5’ x 7’6” (LWH), customers may find a more customizable experience with U-Haul.
With more than 2,400 locations, our U-Box Program offers the most rental locations and shipping destinations in the industry. U-Box containers are available in all 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces and ship to most international ports.
Learn more: U-Haul U-Box review
We appreciate that U-Haul’s U-Box program allows for flexibility and adaptability within the moving process, which doesn’t always go as planned. U-Haul provides the option of multiple U-Boxes if you need more space for your things—plus, you can opt to move the container yourself if you’d prefer to save money and take a more DIY-friendly approach.
Why We Liked It
With a solid reputation and satisfactory customer reviews, U-Haul U-Box has a focus on customer happiness, which is evident in the sentiment analysis. The DIY and partial DIY approach that customers can take with U-Haul U-Box can be attractive for those who are moving on a budget.
Why We Don’t Like It
Though many customer ratings are positive, there were some that mentioned customer support and communication issues. Also, the company only offers one size of moving container, so if you’re looking for variation in container sizes, U-Haul U-Box may not be the right choice for you.
Who It’s Best For
Customers who don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease in their moving process and want to save money may want to check out U-Haul U-Box’s offerings. Also, since the company has so many positive-leaning reviews, those who put customer satisfaction first on their list of priorities should look at U-Haul U-Box.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5.
Reviews from consumers who have experienced a move with U-Haul U-Box skew fairly positively, particularly when it comes to pricing (64% of respondents had a positive sentiment in that regard) and delivery. Where the company seems to be lacking, according to the sentiment analysis, is customer service (the company only gained 38% positive sentiment) and delays.
U-Haul U-Box offers just one container size, which fits about two rooms’ worth of stuff. We reached out for a quote for a sample one-bedroom trip from San Diego to Austin, TX, scheduled three months out, and the quote we received back was $2,462.21.
Best Availability
Best Availability
U-Pack
With full nationwide coverage and an almost 30-year reputation as a leader in the moving industry, U-Pack has been offering container services since 2010 and allows for the most flexible moving experience of the companies on this list. Customers can choose from moving containers or trailers that they can move themselves, or they can work with a third-party mover through U-Pack for full service.
Learn more: U-Pack review
What caught our eye about U-Pack was its overwhelmingly positive consumer sentiment and customer reviews. The company serves all 50 states, but we are especially impressed with the company’s commitment to its 100% satisfaction guarantee, which holds its movers to the agreed-upon delivery date. If that date is missed, you get all the transportation fees returned to you.
Why We Liked It
Although U-Pack only offers one container size—6’3” x 7′ x 8’4” (DWH)—it’s a great choice that fits on most city streets. Plus, with the trailer option, customers get more flexibility than just a traditional container. If you’re into customizing, you’ll get your fill as U-Pack has a list of extra services, though it’s worth checking what the company does in-house and what goes through a third party.
Why We Don’t Like It
Though we like the flexibility of a container or a trailer, we noticed that U-Pack’s only container size is slightly smaller than the industry average. So if you’d prefer to go the container route, you may be stuck getting multiple smaller-sized containers. Also, local moving is not a common service with U-Pack.
Who It’s Best For
Customers who are speedy with their loading and unloading and who prefer the trailer or smaller container option may enjoy U-Pack’s offerings.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5.
Regarding customer service, U-Pack dominates the consumer sentiment index with a whopping 70% positive response. Pricing was another strong category that customers felt U-Pack excelled in, as well as delivery of the container by or before the agreed-upon delivery date. This may be due to the company’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, which returns transportation fees back to the customer if the company delivers the container past the agreed-upon time.
U-Pack’s container option is really a moving truck. You’re charged only for the space you use specifically. We reached out to get a quote for a one-bedroom move from San Diego to Austin, TX scheduled three months out and received a rate of t $2,580. back.
Best Cancellation Policy
Best Cancellation Policy
1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT has been a major competitor in the moving and container shipping industry since the early 2000s and is especially known now for its monthly container rentals, packing and unpacking services and storage facilities. The company offers three container sizes—8 feet, 12 feet and 16 feet—and can operate as a full-service mover for those who don’t want any part of a DIY move.
If you don’t live in any of the 34 states 1-800-PACK-RAT serves, you’ll find that its parent company, Zippy Shell, can accommodate your move.
Learn more: 1-800-PACK-RAT review
We appreciate 1-800-PACK-RAT’s three easy-to-understand container options, which offer customers ultimate flexibility and customization. We noticed that the 1-800-PACK-RAT website even has a moving calculator that helps customers determine how much space they’ll need for their items.
Why We Liked It
1-800-PACK-RAT has a fairly generous cancellation policy—customers can cancel up to five days before the move without any financial penalty—and you can rent your moving container for 30 days with the flexibility to change the delivery date. Also, the containers are made of steel, which should give customers some peace of mind regarding their items’ safe arrival.
Why We Don’t Like It
The company’s availability is limited to 34 states, making a long-distance move a dicey option with 1-800-PACK-RAT. If you can’t complete your move within the 34 states it covers, you should look at another company.
Who It’s Best For
Customers who like the flexibility of multiple container sizes and not being held to a specific loading and unloading time will find that 1-800-PACK-RAT’s offerings may be the right fit.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
On average, consumer sentiment regarding 1-800-PACK-RAT leans more unsatisfied than satisfied with the service. Where the company shines is in the delivery category, in which nearly two-thirds of consumers had a positive experience. Pricing and delays received the most negative sentiment, revealing possible patterns with late shipping and higher-than-average or not transparent pricing.
With two container sizes, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers two sets of base pricing: One for an 8-foot container and the other for a 16-foot container. Pricing also depends on how much you need to move. After requesting a quote for a one-bedroom move from San Diego to Austin, TX, scheduled three months out, we received a response of $4,329.22.
Best Customer Rating
Best Customer Rating
PODS
PODS, or Portable On Demand Storage, is a well-known and widely available moving container service across the United States. In fact, it was the very first container option available in the moving industry (founded in 1998). With an A+ grade from the BBB as of this writing and relatively neutral customer reviews in our sentiment analysis, PODS has maintained its relevancy in the industry since its inception.
Learn more: PODS review
While PODS customer service is mixed, its positive reviews highlight great customer service and delivery. We also appreciate that PODS offers more than one moving container size. You can choose from three sizes: a small 8-foot container, a medium 12-foot container or a large 16-foot container. PODS offers two insurance options and free cancellation (if canceled three days before your first container’s scheduled delivery date) if anything goes wrong before moving day.
Why We Liked It
With so much variation in container sizes, customers can customize the space they’ll need to fit their items and won’t risk having to get a second container they don’t really need. We like that cancellation is free and that PODS has add-on services, such as storage for those with moves that aren’t totally straightforward.
Why We Don’t Like It
We’d prefer to be able to get an instant quote, which PODS doesn’t seem to allow currently. Also, if you need to move internationally, PODS may not be available in your non-U.S. location.
Who It’s Best For
Customers who like the idea of having multiple size options and need storage may find their match in PODS.
Moving isn’t an exact science, even if we do our best to plan in advance. Many factors, like delayed construction and problems with closing-day paperwork, can disrupt unpacking plans. A storage moving container provides flexibility if you need adjusted delivery dates.
— Dawn M. Smith, moving expert, Advisory Board Member
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Overall, user sentiment for PODS is fairly neutral, with the most positive sentiments regarding container delivery that ensures items are intact and unharmed. Other customers report negative feelings regarding timeline delays during the moving process and transparent pricing. Some consumer reviews mention having to call the company to get cost info, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
With two container sizes—8-foot and 16-foot—PODS can accommodate any level of move. However, getting a quote requires submitting an online request and receiving a response. We requested a quote for a one-bedroom move from San Diego to Austin, TX, scheduled three months out, and we received a quote of $3,500.41.
Best Insurance Options
Best Insurance Options
Zippy Shell
Founded in 2007 in Australia, Zippy Shell moved to the U.S. and became the parent company of 1-800-PACK-RAT. Thanks to its combination of container and trailer options, the company now serves over half the country and offers long-distance DIY or partial DIY choices, as well as a full-service experience.
Learn more: Zippy Shell review
Although container options are the focus here, we liked that Zippy Shell offers two galvanized steel mesh container sizes—a 7-by-7-by-15 feet size and a 7-by-7-by-10 feet size—as well as a trailer option. We also appreciate that the company offers a special Content Protection Plan as moving insurance so you have some sort of protection while your items are being shipped off.
Why We Liked It
We like the fact that Zippy Shell is thinking about city-dwelling customers with its on-street and off-street options to serve a larger demographic. Also, it’s good to know that Zippy Shell offers full-service moving as an additional option for those who would prefer not to do a DIY move.
Why We Don’t Like It
Poor customer service ratings and negative consumer sentiment scores are what we didn’t like about Zippy Shell. Also, the company only offers a three-day window to pack your container before it gets shipped off, so if you need more time to get your items in order, this company may not work for you.
Who It’s Best For
Those who don’t need a lot of time to get their container packed or who could benefit from the company’s included 30 days of storage services (only available for long-distance moves) may find that Zippy Shell is the right container company for their move.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5.
Zippy Shell has, on average, poor consumer sentiment index scores and customer ratings. In particular, there were several complaints about lacking customer service, delayed delivery times past the agreed-upon date and pricing not being transparent or added fees showing up at the end of the move. The company has a lot of work to do in these areas, though there were some positive reviews pointing to professionalism and friendliness from company representatives.
Zippy Shell customers have their pick of a few container sizes, including its smallest container, suitable for a one-bedroom apartment, which measures 8’2” x 6’10” x 7’2”. We reached out for a quote for a sample one-bedroom move from San Diego to Austin, TX, scheduled three months ahead of time and got a response of $4,591.
The first step in your research for a moving container company is to confirm that each company can accommodate a move in your starting location as well as your final location. Without service availability, there’s not much reason to move forward with a company. You’ll be able to knock out a few companies immediately by submitting an online request with your locations clearly stated or by calling to ask before researching container sizes or anything else.
How much space do you need for all your items? You’ll need to get an inventory list together to understand the square footage or size of moving container you’ll need for a successful move. When researching moving container companies, gain an understanding of their container size or type offerings.
For example, someone in a studio apartment may only need a smaller moving container, while another person with four or five bedrooms’ worth of items may need a bigger container or multiple.
Moving Companies By State
When it comes to choosing a moving container company, few aspects are more important than customer ratings. Hearing what neighbors or friends have to say about companies they’ve used or researching online sentiments and overall customer ratings will give you a clear picture of how each company is performing in the eyes of former customers.
Moving costs can add up, so deciding on your budget and choosing a company that can offer detailed (or even locked-in) estimates is crucial. We suggest aggregating various quotes to see the average price for the type of container move you need.
To ensure that your particular container move is doable for your schedule, confirm delivery and pickup times with each company you’re considering and whether these times are flexible. If you live in a city with narrower streets or more difficult pickup locations, it’s also important to check if each moving container company has any restrictions that would impact your move.
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Receive a custom quote from a moving company today that's designed to meet your needs and budget by clicking on your state.
Generally, renting a moving container costs around $3,000, or between $2,000 and $7,000 for a long-distance move. The lower end of the range reflects a one-bedroom apartment move, while the higher end reflects multiple containers carrying four or five bedrooms’ worth of items. Below are some typical costs to expect when moving with a container.
| 1 BEDROOM | 2 - 3 BEDROOMS | 4 - 5 BEDROOMS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $450 - $800 | $750 - $1,900 | $900 - $2,100 |
| Cross country | $2,000 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $4,900 | $5,500 - $7,600 |
Though the costs above are solid averages, several aspects of this process can dictate the final cost. Below are some of the aspects you should consider and prepare for:
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To determine the best moving containers ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed data on 22 moving container companies, with each company’s rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including pricing and insurance, move types, services and options, customer reviews and support, nationwide availability and years in business, as well as our Consumer Sentiment Analysis made up of over 24,000 unique reviews.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates moving companies on our detailed methodology page.
Many moving companies will give you a list of no-go items for containers. Some of these items include:
Most moving containers are typically weather-resistant or have weather-resistant covers. However, for longer periods of storage, some companies may suggest an indoor solution, like an on-site storage facility or climate-controlled warehouse. As far as security, most containers offer the ability to lock them to keep your belongings safe. For example, U-Box containers come with a latch that fits a padlock, but you must provide your own lock. PODS also requires its customers to purchase their own lock.
Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.
Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
