2021 1-800-PACK-RAT Review

1-800-PACK-RAT is the only portable storage company with all-steel containers. It has high prices as a result, but 1-800-PACK-RAT nearly always price matches PODS—and it offers more discounts than all other moving container companies. The combination of high quality and low post-discount prices makes 1-800-PACK-RAT worth considering.

1-800-PACK-RAT costs approximately $3,290 for the average move. Costs range from roughly $1,750 for a small local move to nearly $5,200 for a large long-distance shipment. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s initial prices are about 10% above the industry average, but customers can receive lower prices by asking for discounts and price matching.

We asked 1-800-PACK-RAT for quotes we could compare to estimates from other portable moving container companies. The company provided 24 quotes for a variety of home sizes and distances.

1-800-PACK-RAT identifies a few factors that affect the cost of your container move:

• Distance. It generally costs more to travel farther.

• Flexibility. You can often save money if your move date aligns with other customers on the same 1-800-PACK-RAT truck.

• Container availability. If the size you need isn’t available, you’ll need to pay for a larger (and more expensive) one.

1-800-PACK-RAT sells insurance for its moving containers (basic plan) and your belongings (silver plan). Monthly costs for the Contents Protection Plan range from $9.95 to $149.95, depending on the coverage amount. The standard deductible for 1-800-PACK-RAT coverage is $100.

Impressed with 1-800-PACK-RAT’s all-steel containers?

1-800-PACK-RAT can help you move across town—or the country. With locations in 30 states, 1-800-PACK-RAT is available in nearly two-thirds of the US and can serve communities within 50 to 100 miles of its warehouses.

1-800-PACK-RAT provides monthly storage services if you’re doing a remodel or your home isn’t ready by the time your stuff arrives. The first month of storage is part of your initial quote. If you need more time, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers residential storage for a storage fee of $280 per month—or storage at a 1-800-PACK-RAT warehouse for $290 per month.

1-800-PACK-RAT has three container sizes to choose from. Its small 8-foot container typically fits one to two rooms of furniture, while the largest 16-foot container can usually hold three to four rooms of belongings.

Note: 1-800-PACK-RAT always recommended its biggest 16-foot container when we posed as customers—regardless of the size of our home.

No one has higher-quality containers than 1-800-PACK-RAT. The moving company’s all-steel containers look like Superman next to most competitors (some companies even use plywood). The sturdy construction keeps your belongings safe in case of bad weather.

1-800-PACK-RAT also uses barn-style doors that open outward (instead of up and down). Not only does this add a bit of extra storage room, but it makes sure the doors don’t jam if your stuff moves around during transport. We’ve even heard of 1-800-PACK-RAT propping up the containers so the barn-style doors can open without getting stuck on curbs.

1-800-PACK-RAT is ideal for customers moving big homes long distances. If you have three or more rooms and are moving at least 1,000 miles, 1-800-PACK-RAT is about $30 cheaper than the industry average. Your final bill can be a bit confusing (you have to add several fees to get your final cost), but the savings are worth it.

1-800-PACK-RAT costs for 3+ rooms

1-800-PACK-RAT offers more discounts than any other moving container company. The company usually offers a flat 10% discount that can add up to hundreds of dollars for large moves. In addition to price matching with PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT has deals for:

• Local movers
• First responders
• Medical professionals
• Military members
• Senior citizens
• Teachers

1-800-PACK-RAT reviews align with the industry average of 3.3 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews often praise the company’s professional customer service, while negative reviews tend to mention unexpected fees and late delivery.

Yes, there are 1-800-PACK-RAT storage units. Rather than use a traditional storage unit, however, 1-800-PACK-RAT turns your storage container into a portable storage unit you can keep at your home or one of the company’s storage facilities.

1-800-PACK-RAT storage costs about $285 per month (the first month comes with your initial quote).

Yes, 1-800-PACK-RAT is a good alternative to PODS. While 1-800-PACK-RAT has fewer locations and higher initial prices, it almost always price matches with PODS. Additionally, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers have higher-quality construction (all steel vs. steel frames) and better design (barn style doors vs. traditional roll-up doors) than PODS.

Yes, 1-800-PACK-RAT does local moves and long-distance moves. The company’s average cost for local moves is approximately $2,020, while its average cost for long-distance moves of more than 1,000 miles is around $3,730.

Yes, 1-800-PACK-RAT has a weatherproof container. You can store the company’s steel portable containers at your home. 1-800-PACK-RAT also has storage options (including seasonal storage) if you prefer to keep your belongings at a 1-800-PACK-RAT storage facility.

1-800-PACK-RAT has the best combination of high quality and low prices. You can’t beat it. The catch: you get the low prices only after asking for discounts—and 1-800-PACK-RAT is available in only 30 states. If you can’t find a 1-800-PACK-RAT near you, it’s worth checking out one of our best moving container companies.

Is 1-800-PACK-RAT not quite what you’re looking for? Check out our reviews of some other moving and storage container companies:

• U-Pack
• PODS
• SMARTBOX
• Zippy Shell
• U-Haul U-Box

• What to Expect When You Move with 1-800-PACK-RAT—Mike’s Move

1. 1-800-PACK-RAT, “Contents Protection Plans,” April 3, 2017. Accessed December 1, 2020.