1-800-PACK-RAT Review 2024

We analyzed more than 300 quotes and 16,000 reviews over 3 years to pick 1-800-PACK-RAT as one of the best moving container companies.
Best Value
1800packrat
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
  • pro
    Steel containers
  • pro
    Price matching
  • con
    Limited availability (30 states)
1-800-PACK-RAT
Industry leader average
Learn more
$3,080$3,948
Kurt Manwaring
Jun 05, 2023
bullet8 min read

Bottom line: 1-800-PACK-RAT is one of our favorite moving container companies. It has the industry’s strongest containers and boasts prices lower than the industry average. On the downside, 1-800-PACK-RAT is available in only 30 states.

pro
Pros
pro Steel containers
pro Price matching
pro No-hassle orders
pro 24/7 storage surveillance
con
Cons
con Below-average customer reviews
con Limited availability (30 states)
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Find a 1-800-PACK-RAT near you

Not sure if there’s a 1-800-PACK-RAT storage facility near your home? Check out the company’s location map.


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Move.org Moving Grants: The 411

At Move.org, we offer financial assistance to individuals and families who are moving in exchange for details about their experience. Their candid reviews help us provide unique, real-life perspectives about the moving process.

Visit our Moving Grant hub to find out which companies we’ve worked with and to apply for funding for your next move!


How does 1-800-PACK-RAT compare to other companies?

1-800-PACK-RAT is our pick for the second-best moving container company. It has low rates (after price matching) and features the industry’s only all-steel moving containers. Quotes from 1-800-PACK-RAT are some of the lowest we collected. On the other hand, it falls short in availability (only 30 states) and customer reviews scores (below average).

1-800-PACK-RAT compared to other moving container companies

Company
Least expensive quote
Median quote
Most expensive quote
# of states
Details
$962
$5033$14,712 46
$973
$4349$870837
$1151
$3065$787650
$1170
$2887$657230
$1111
$2743$624328

Data as of 6/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across six distances.

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Always get more than one moving quote

It’s a good idea to get at least three quotes from various moving companies so you can compare prices and find trends between estimates before selecting the best option for you. For their apartment move from Los Angeles, California to a house in Oakton, Virginia, Scott and Jamie got half a dozen quotes from moving container companies as well as full-service moving companies before landing on 1-800-PACK-RAT as the best fit for them.


1-800-PACK-RAT pricing

The average cost to move with 1-800-PACK-RAT is approximately $3,080. The container company provides services for local moves and long-distance moves and can handle all home sizes. Prices range from about $1,500 to move a one-bedroom apartment 100 miles to more than $6,000 to transport your belongings across the country.

1-800-PACK-RAT moving container prices

Distance
100 miles
1,000 miles
2,000 miles
Learn more
1 room
$1560
$3200
$2840
2 rooms
$1690
$4000
$3540
3 rooms
$1690
$4000
$3540
5 rooms
$2830
$6670
$6290

Data as of March 2022. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across six distances.

1-800-PACK-RAT fees

1-800-PACK-RAT makes it easy to understand your final price. While some companies have scores of confusing line items, 1-800-PACK-RAT breaks down your invoice into three easy-to-understand categories:

  1. Monthly rental. 1-800-PACK-RAT charges a monthly rental fee for your container. Our analysis of 24 company quotes found a $300 average container charge. However, the monthly fee varies depending on your location, container size, and time of year.
  2. “Everything else.” We love the way 1-800-PACK-RAT representatives simplify the shopping process. They laid out the monthly rental costs and then gave us a total for “everything else.” It includes things like transportation costs, delivery charges, and discounts.
  3. Total. Your monthly rental plus everything else. It usually takes about 30 seconds to walk through your entire quote. On the other hand, we’ve spoken with a container moving company that sometimes takes 30 minutes to walk through nearly a dozen charges.

1-800-PACK-RAT coverage options

1-800-PACK-RAT sells coverage 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 typical 1-800-PACK-RAT deductible is $100.

1-800-PACK-RAT Contents Protection Plan options

Declared value
Plan type
Coverage
Monthly cost
NA (Container only)BasicDamage waiver
$9.99
$5,000SilverDamage waiver plus $5K Contents Protection
$34.95
$10,000SilverDamage waiver plus $10K Contents Protection
$49.95
$15,000SilverDamage waiver plus $15K Contents Protection
$59.95
$25,000SilverDamage waiver plus $25K Contents Protection
$79.95
$50,000SilverDamage waiver plus $50K Contents Protection
$119.95
$75,000SilverDamage waiver plus $75K Contents Protection
$149.95

Data as of March 2022. Pricing may vary by location and are subject to change. Individuals should review their rental contract—including addendums—for a complete description of the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.


What to know about 1-800-PACK-RAT

High-quality containers

1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers stand out compared to what else is on the market. Most containers keep your belongings safe, no matter the materials. But 1-800-PACK-RAT gives you extra peace of mind. The durable containers provide additional protection against bad weather, mold, and mildew.

Plus, 1-800-PACK-RAT has three sizes. That means you can pick a container that matches the size of your home. The end result is that you don’t pay for unused space or extra containers. It’s a big deal when considering that many companies charge a delivery fee for each container. Having an 8, 12, and 16-foot container to choose from can save you money.

Note: 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 12-foot container is available for local moves only.

Moving container materials by moving company

Moving company
Container construction
No. of container sizes
1800packrat1-800-PACK-RAT
Steel doors, walls, and frames3
podsPODS
Steel frames3
zippyshellZippy Shell
Steel frames1
upackU-Pack
Unspecified metal1
uhaulU-Haul U-Box
Plywood1

Data as of March 2022.

Surprisingly low prices

We say that 1-800-PACK-RAT has “surprisingly” low prices because your initial quote isn’t always what it seems. For example, some of 1-800-PACK-RAT quotes are fairly close to the industry average. There’s nothing super sexy about that. But when you talk to its customer service representatives, they offer to match prices with PODS. And that takes the price from “meh” to “wow!”

Plus, 1-800-PACK-RAT is Zippy Shell’s sister company. That’s important because Zippy Shell is our pick for this year’s cheapest moving container company. You can technically find this information online, but representatives from both companies keep it hush-hush when you call.

Pro tip: There’s a trick you can use to lower your price. Tell either company (1-800-PACK-RAT or Zippy Shell) that you already have a quote from the other. Then, the customer service reps will acknowledge the partnership and provide quotes for both companies. More often than not, it will be the cheapest rate on the market.

Price-matching with 1-800-PACK-RAT can save big bucks

Tons of storage options

1-800-PACK-RAT has some of the industry’s best storage features. That capitalizes on the “portable storage” nature of moving containers. In other words, moving containers aren’t just for moving. You can also use them to store household belongings if your home floods or you rent out your college student’s room for the semester. But not all container companies have the same storage services.

For example, some companies limit your storage time to three days. That’s helpful for moving, but not much else. Other companies allow you to keep the storage containers at a company facility, but not your home. And others provide storage facilities and at-home options but don’t allow you to visit the company warehouses.

1-800-PACK-RAT has all of those storage features:

  • Monthly storage options. Use your moving container as a portable storage unit for a monthly fee.
  • At-home storage. 1-800-PACK-RAT can deliver storage containers to your home. That means you can access your household belongings whenever you want.
  • Storage facility options. You can ask 1-800-PACK-RAT to keep your storage container in one of its company warehouses. That’s especially helpful if you need long-term storage or don’t have room in your driveway to accommodate one of its 8, 12, or 16-foot containers.
  • Storage facility access. 1-800-PACK-RAT will move your container from storage into a staging area so that you can drop off or pick up belongings. Just call the warehouse 24 to 48 hours in advance.
  • Storage perks. There are so many extra bells and whistles that it’s tempting to confuse 1-800-PACK-RAT with one of our best storage unit companies. It has 24/7 surveillance, climate-controlled storage, and easy on-site access. For an extra fee, it will even bring the container to your home so you can get what you need.
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What does climate control mean?

Climate control means that the storage service company regulates the temperature of your storage unit. It’s ideal for sentimental and expensive belongings.


Features and services

1-800-PACK-RAT at a glance

Description1-800-PACK-RAT information
Average price
$3850
At-home storage
bulletYes
Facility storage
bulletYes
Container materialsAll steel
# of containers3
# of states30
Average customer review score (out of 5)
2.4 out of 5 stars
2.4

1-800-PACK-RAT services

  • Archival storage
  • Emergency storage
  • Furniture storage
  • Home renovation storage
  • Home staging storage
  • Local moves
  • Long-distance moves
  • Military moving
  • Packing and loading help
  • Portable moving containers
  • Real estate storage
  • Student storage
  • Transitional storage

1-800-PACK-RAT third-party services

  • Car shipping
  • Moving supplies
  • Professional labor

1-800-PACK-RAT international services

1-800-PACK-RAT offers international moving services through a third party, Forward Relocation. The partner company is a member of the International Association of Movers and can help you move to approximately 170 countries. Forward Relocation has an assortment of moving services, of which international relocation is only one. Virtually every review we found focuses on domestic moves, so there are a lot of unknowns.

We recommend contacting one of our best international moving companies since Forward Relocation doesn’t have an established public history for overseas relocations.


1-800-PACK-RAT long-term review

1-800-PACK-RAT has held steady as our number two moving container company for the last three years. It was twice as good as the competition for price hikes—and twice as bad for customer satisfaction. The two trends essentially cancel each other out:

  1. Low price hikes. The average container service raised its rates by 30% during the global pandemic. 1-800-PACK-RAT went up only half as much, making its prices much more competitive in 2024 than in 2020.
  2. Increased customer dissatisfaction. Every moving container company saw a drop in customer review scores during the last three years. Our analysis of more than 16,000 reviews shows that 1-800-PACK-RAT’s customer service rating fell twice as far as the average container company. That suggests the company struggled to keep up with increased moving demand.
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What will 1-800-PACK-RAT be like in the future?

We expect 1-800-PACK-RAT to challenge PODS as the best moving container company in years to come—especially if it keeps price hikes below the industry average.


Our recommendation

1-800-PACK-RAT is worth considering if you can find a nearby location. Thanks to its all-steel containers and price-matching feature, it's our second-best container company. Our analysis of 300-plus quotes shows that you can save hundreds of dollars on the average move. 1-800-PACK-RAT also has three different container sizes and provides 24/7 surveillance at its company storage facilities. The biggest drawback is availability: 1-800-PACK-RAT is available in only 30 states.

Looking for low prices and high quality?


Moving container FAQ

How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?

The average cost to move with 1-800-PACK-RAT is approximately $3,080. The total amount varies depending on the size of your belongings and the distance to your new home.

How many boxes fit in a 1-800-PACK-RAT container?

Depending on size, you can fit between 76 and 235 boxes in a 1-800-PACK-RAT container. For example, a 16-foot container holds about 235 medium moving boxes.

1-800-PACK-RAT container capacity for moving boxes

1-800-PACK-RAT container size
No. of medium boxes
No. of large boxes
8-foot10876
12-foot172115
16-foot235153

Data as of April 2022 based on 1-800-PACK-RAT estimates.

Is 1-800-PACK-RAT cheaper than PODS?

1-800-PACK-RAT is cheaper than PODS for large home sizes. For example, 1-800-PACK-RAT costs approximately $5,880 to move a five-bedroom home—or around $270 less than PODS.

How big is a 1-800-PACK-RAT container?

1-800-PACK-RAT containers range in size from 8 to 16-feet long. You can fit 108 medium boxes in an 8-foot container, 172 boxes in a 12-foot container, and 235 boxes in a 16-foot container.

How much is 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 16-foot container?

The average cost of 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 16-foot container is around $3,200. Prices vary depending on your trip distance and home size, and you can also get discounts for ordering more than one 16-foot container.

Is 1-800-PACK-RAT waterproof?

1-800-PACK-RAT containers are weatherproof, meaning that they protect against moisture damage like mold and mildew. While no container is fully waterproof, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s steel containers offer more protection than any other company.

How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT charge for long-distance moves?

It depends on how far your long-distance move is. For example, the average cost to move 1,000 miles with 1-800-PACK-RAT is about $4,470, while the price to go 1,850 miles is around $5,510.

Can 1-800-PACK-RAT help with my military move?

1-800-PACK-RAT offers moving discounts for military members. Service personnel can also save extra money on do-it-yourself relocations (DIY moves) thanks to the affordable nature of moving containers.

How many United States locations does 1-800-PACK-RAT have?

1-800-PACK-RAT is available in 30 states and Washington, DC. While it doesn’t have as many locations as some companies, 1-800-PACK-RAT is worth considering if you can find one in your area.

How does 1-800-PACK-RAT work?

1-800-PACK-RAT delivers a moving container for you to load at your convenience. When you finish, it will pick up the container and transport it to your new home.

How much is 1-800-PACK-RAT per month?

1-800-PACK-RAT storage costs an average of $380 per month. Costs vary depending on home size, storage availability, and contract length.

Does Lowe's own 1-800-PACK-RAT?

Lowe's doesn’t own 1-800-PACK-RAT. However, the two companies have a business partnership, so you may receive a referral if one company doesn’t have the moving service you need.


Methodology

Move.org follows a six-step process to identify the nation’s best moving container companies:

  1. Compare quotes. We obtained and analyzed nearly 300 quotes from 7 of the nation’s largest moving container companies over 3 years.
  2. Mystery shopping. We do a top-to-bottom analysis of each company’s website and even call posing as customers. It helps us get a feel for what real-life customers experience.
  3. Analyze reviews. We read dozens of reviews for each company to see what most impresses (and turns off) customers. We also conducted a meta-analysis of more than 16,000 reviews to calculate an industry customer review average.
  4. Pay real-life customers for honest feedback. Move.org routinely gives away $500 moving grants in exchange for candid feedback about using moving container companies.
  5. Site visits. We invite industry experts and company executives to visit our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT. We grill them on everything from pricing and customer reviews to insurance coverage and the latest industry trends.
  6. Annual review. Every year, we repeat the process to ensure that our list of the best moving container companies stays current. That means our top recommendations and industry prices may change each year.

Recommended resources

People also asked

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Our reports on 1-800-PACK-RAT customers’ experiences

Move.org pays customers to provide candid feedback about their moving experiences. You can apply for a grant here and see what some real-life customers said about moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT:

Kurt Manwaring
Written by
Kurt Manwaring
Kurt Manwaring brings nearly a decade’s worth of research experience as a business consultant to the Move.org team. He specializes in taking complicated issues (like moving) and presenting them in a way that everyone can understand. His writing has been featured in hundreds of publications, including USA Today, Martha Stewart Living, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Heavy, Slate, and Yahoo! Lifestyle. He brings a BS in sociology and an MPA (masters of public administration) to the Move team. He would love to hear about your moving experiences and questions at kurt@move.org.